While the 2023 NFL Draft is still far off in the distance, players who 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 12.
1. Rome Odunze, WR, Washington Huskies
Washington has an undefeated season going and has their sights set on the College Football Playoff. Their high-powered offense has been a catalyst to getting them to this point. Rome Odunze has been one of the best wide receivers in the country this season. He has tallied 59 catches for 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns.
This week Odunze and the Huskies will be going up against the Oregon State Beavers. They have had some close calls recently, so Washington will need Odunze to step up. He has good size and can create big plays downfield. Currently, he is a projected first-round pick, but he has to continue playing well because it is a loaded wide receiver class.
2. Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State Beavers
Oregon State only has two losses this season. Their offense has improved and a lot of that is thanks to a good offensive line. Fuaga has been one of the biggest risers in the draft process this season. He has played well all season long for the Beavers.
This week, he will be tasked with blocking some talented edge rushers on Washington’s defense. If he can do well, Washington should be able to win and his stock could continue to improve. He is physical and has good strength. The right tackle could be the first one selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
3. Carson Beck, QB, Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia is undefeated and is another team that looks like they could win the National Championship. Their offense has taken a step forward this season and so too has quarterback Carson Beck. Beck started off the year shaky, but has steadily improved. He has passed for 3,022 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions on 72.2 percent completion.
In week 12, Georgia will be taking on Tennessee. The Volunteers have an improved defense over last season. Beck has made some nice throws and will need to in this game. After starting off the season as an unknown, Beck could be one of the first quarterbacks selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. He currently is projected to be a first-round pick.
4. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina Tar Heels
North Carolina has had an up-and-down season. Their offense has won a lot of games for them. Specifically, Drake Maye has been a star that has put the team on his back countless times. He has passed for 3,145 yards, 21 touchdowns and six interceptions on 65.8 percent completion.
This week, he’ll have to be at his best again as the Tar Heels play Clemson. While Clemson hasn’t had a great season, their defense still has plenty of talent. Maye has good accuracy and solid athletic ability to make plays happen. He likely is still going to be the second quarterback selected, but he should be taken early in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
5. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State is undefeated and have been fueled by their defense. They have started to get the offense going with some of it coming from development and also players getting healthy. When running back TreVeyon Henderson is healthy, he has proven to be a game-changing player. He has rushed for 648 yards and eight touchdowns. Henderson also has 14 catches for 184 yards.
The Buckeyes should win their game against Minnesota in week 12. Henderson can show what he can do though, as Minnesota allows just 137.4 rushing yards per game. If they focus on stopping Marvin Harrison Jr., Henderson can make them pay. He has good quickness and can create big plays. Henderson could be the first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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