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 recap.
For the preview: click here
1. Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State lost a close one against Michigan. For most of the day, the offenses weren’t moving the ball well. Both defenses played well and Brisker did too. He finished the game with five tackles and one tackle for loss.
Brisker adds another solid performance to his tape. He stopped a trick play sweep that Michigan ran, demonstrating good eyes and discipline on the play. It might be hard for him to break into the first round, but Brisker should be a day two pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
2. Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma suffered their first loss of the season to Baylor. Although the offense was the main problem, another thing that led to the loss was the defense, specifically the run defense. Nik Bonitto was one of the Sooners’ defenders who played well in this game. He totaled two tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and one quarterback hurry.
Bonitto has concerns because he is undersized, but he has athleticism as an edge rusher. He’ll need to add weight for the next level, but he has some good tape. While he likely won’t be a first-round pick, Bonitto should be taken by the end of round two with the way things are currently projected.
3. Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Auburn Tigers
Auburn had a huge lead on Mississippi State, but they blew it and ended up losing the game. The defense was tested by the Bulldogs’ passing attack. Pritchett was under attack for a lot of the game specifically. He finished the game with one tackle and one pass defended.
Pritchett had an inconsistent day. He fumbled a kickoff return, had a defensive pass interference and gave up a big catch. On the flip side, the first play of the game on defense, he made a good play on the ball for his pass break up. Even though it wasn’t his best performance, Pritchett still should be a mid-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
4. Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M had trouble getting their offense going and they ended up losing to Ole Miss after only scoring 19 points. The Aggies started targeting Wydermyer in the second half and started moving the ball better. Wydermyer did not receive a first half catch, but he did finish the game with five receptions for 68 yards.
He was able to demonstrate why he is so tough to guard. Wydermyer sat down against zone coverage and made a contested catch. Wydermyer has proven to be a reliable target for the Aggies, even with a backup quarterback in for most of the season. He is currently projected to be a second-day pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
5. Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State Wolfpack
NC State got into a shootout against Wake Forest. They ended up losing 45-42, but the offense played well, including their offensive line. Ikem Ekwonu once again proved his worth, as he played well and helped the Wolfpack move the ball consistently against the Demon Deacons.
Ekwonu has specialized in not giving up much pressure this year. Although he was seen as a solid draft prospect after last season, Ekwonu’s stock has risen. He is now projected to be the second or third tackle off the board in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Make sure to check out our NFL Draft page for more content like NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 11 recap!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!