NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 1

While the 2023 NFL Draft is still far off in the distance, players that will be drafted early are on the field now. Each week presents unique matchups for draft prospects and this week is no different. Here are NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 1.

1. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State Buckeyes

Johnson was a five-star recruit who was moved to guard in his first few seasons at Ohio State. Now, he is back at his more natural left tackle position heading into the 2022 season. He has had some success at guard, but the move to tackle should increase his draft stock greatly.

In the season opener, Ohio State plays Notre Dame, who has some solid defensive linemen including edge rusher Isaiah Foskey. Johnson will be tested in his first career start at tackle. He does have the necessary athleticism and movement ability to keep quarterback C.J. Stroud clean, but it still will be a tough matchup.

2. Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Foskey burst onto the scene last year with 10 sacks. This was a great improvement over his sophomore season when he registered 4.5 sacks. After a good year of production, Foskey helped the Fighting Irish qualify for a New Year’s Six Bowl. He will be looking to have a similar season to last year with the Irish in 2022.

As mentioned, the Fighting Irish open the season up on the road against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Foskey will be going up against a good offensive line. In the past, Foskey has set the edge against the run and forced fumbles at a good rate. He will need to show added flexibility to be more effective this season.

3. Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon Ducks

Sewell has been one of the best linebackers in college football over the last two seasons. Last season, he registered 114 total tackles 8.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. His play helped Oregon go to the Pac-12 Championship Game, an event the Ducks can qualify for again this season.

In week 1, the Ducks take on Georgia in Atlanta. For the Ducks to win, the defense will have to play a great game. Sewell has shown the ability to stop the run well, which should help the Ducks in this game. He needs to improve in coverage this season and this game would be a great opportunity to showcase that growth.

4. K.J. Jefferson, QB, Arkansas Razorbacks

Arkansas had a 9-3 record last season showing a great rebuilding job that was aided by Jefferson. He showed the ability to throw the ball with 2,676 passing yards and run the ball with 664 rushing yards. The quarterback class has plenty of opportunity behind the top two, so Jefferson could really increase his stock with a good season.

The Razorbacks open the season against the Cincinnati Bearcats. Cincinnati should have a solid defense this year. Jefferson needs to continue protecting the football while making plays like he did last season. His legs help him to put pressure on defenses, as he is a tough runner. It will be a tough week 1 game, but Jefferson is fully capable of playing a great game.

5. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida Gators

Richardson is one of the more polarizing prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft class. He doesn’t have a lot of good tape from last season, but his physical tools are impressive. In 2021, he passed for 529 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions. He really needs to be more effective in 2022.

Now that Emory Jones has transferred, it is Richardson’s time to shine. In week 1, he will be up against Utah, which is a very physical team with some talented defensive backs. He needs to show better accuracy and decision-making in order to improve his stock. Right now, Richardson could improve and go in round one or he could need to return to school for another season.

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