While the 2025 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. Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson Tigers
Clemson’s defense has carried them the last few seasons, with future pros continuing to enter and leave the program for the next level. Carter could’ve gone pro after last season, but instead decided to return to school. He is one of the best linebackers in the country. In 2023, he had 62 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and five passes defended.
In week1, Clemson matches up with Georgia. The Tigers will likely have trouble scoring, so they need their defense at their best. Carter is a tad undersized, but has good speed and shows nice pursuit of the ball. He has the versatility to blitz and cover, which NFL teams will like. Carter will want to improve his shedding and his play diagnosis this season, but he has all the tools to be a good linebacker.
2. Tate Ratledge, IOL, Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia has only lost two games over the last few seasons and a lot of that is because of how well they play in the trenches. Ratledge has been a big part of that over his career. He entered college in 2020, started the season in 2021 before getting hurt early in the season. In 2022 and 2023, Ratledge started for the Bulldogs at right guard, earning Second Team All-America in 2023.
It will be interesting to see how Ratledge does against a tough and big defensive front against Clemson. He lacks flexibility and his pad level gets too high, making him lose his leverage. Ratledge has solid size and is great in a phone booth. He has good strength to move people in the run game and he also anchors well.
3. Conner Weigman, QB, Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M has a new regime that will need to get the offense rolling. The one thing they have going for them is a starting quarterback with some potential and a little starting experience. Weigman has started nine games in his two seasons at College Station. He has passed for 1,875 yards, 16 touchdowns and two interceptions.
Weigman and the Aggies will be going up against a good Notre Dame defense in week 1. He’ll have to play well for the Aggies to win. Weigman has shown good accuracy to the middle and deep parts of the field. He also has mostly protected the football, but is still relatively inexperienced. His arm strength is decent enough for the NFL, but won’t blow anyone away. How he plays in week 1 and beyond could do a lot for his stock given his lack of games played so far in his career.
4. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame has had a solid defense over the last few seasons. The best player on these defenses has been at corner in Benjamin Morrison. He has faced some pretty good receivers in his career and helped shut them down. In 2023, he tallied 31 total tackles, three interceptions and 10 passes defended.
The Fighting Irish don’t have the toughest schedule, so playing well in this game is imperative and could be good for Morrison’s draft stock. He is a good athlete with solid speed. Morrison has been good in man coverage and can mirror wide receivers well. He also has good ball skills, but needs to work on his run support and tackling. A good season could see him be selected early in the 2024 NFL Draft.
5. Bear Alexander, DL, USC Trojans
USC had a terrible defense last season and is looking to improve in 2024. It was important to bring back defensive lineman Bear Alexander to help their defensive front. In 2023, Alexander had 48 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
Alexander is extremely talented, having gone to Georgia before transferring to USC. The Trojans will be facing LSU who had a good offensive season last year, but has a lot of new faces. Either way, Alexander’s talent will be needed. He can be quick at the snap and really shoot gaps to get into the backfield. Alexander does struggle to show consistency. He disappears from games and has too much talent to continue to let that happen.
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