While the 2022 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 11.
1. Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State has had a solid season so far at 6-3 and a lot of that is thanks to their defense. They have playmakers at every level and that includes safety. Brisker has 43 total tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions and four passes defended this season.
Brisker and the Nittany Lions take on Michigan this weekend. The Wolverines have a solid rushing attack, so Brisker will have to show he can come down and play well against the run and still limit big plays through the air. He has played well this season and could be a day two pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
2. Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma is undefeated, but haven’t had the opportunity to play the best competition yet this season. While the defense has been inconsistent, they do have several talented players. Nik Bonitto has had a nice season with nine tackles for loss and five sacks.
The Sooners are playing Baylor on Saturday. Baylor features a good rushing attack, which means Bonitto will need to play with good gap discipline and will need to shed well. If Oklahoma is leading, he may get a chance to show his pass-rushing ability. He is likely going to be a day two pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
3. Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Auburn Tigers
Auburn has a 6-3 record with an offense that doesn’t always show up. The defense, however, has played well this season. They are strong, especially in the secondary. Roger McCreary has already been highlighted, but their other corner Nehemiah Pritchett has played well too. He has 21 total tackles and two passes defended this season.
The Tigers will have their hands full in the secondary this week, as they play Mississippi State. With Mississippi State’s air raid offense, the Auburn secondary will get a lot of coverage reps. Pritchett could shine across from McCreary. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
4. Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M still only has two losses, which is impressive given that they have had to use a backup quarterback for the majority of the season. That has impacted the production of some of their players including tight end Jalen Wydermyer. He still has 30 receptions for 406 yards and four touchdowns on the year.
The Aggies will play a high-powered offense this weekend at Ole Miss. They’ll need to put up points if they wish to win. Wydermyer can be a matchup problem for the Aggies to utilize in this game. He currently is expected to be a day two pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
5. Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State Wolfpack
NC State has two losses on the season and are still in play for an ACC Championship and possibly a New Year’s Six Bowl Game. They have talented players all over the offense, but their best player is Ikem Ekwonu. He has helped NC State rank in the top 25 in passing yards with his protection and has also shown solid run blocking.
NC State has a big game against Wake Forest this weekend and will need to be able to put up points if they want to win. Ekwonu will be tasked with keeping NC State quarterback Devin Leary clean. If he can, the Wolfpack can win and win the ACC. Ekwonu is currently projected to be a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
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