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 12.
1. Carson Beck, QB, Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia has two losses this season, but are in the CFP race still. Their offense hasn’t quite looked like it has the past couple of years. Some of that blame has to go to quarterback Carson Beck, who isn’t having the season he expected. So far this season, Beck has passed for 2,488 yards, 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on 65.4 percent completion.
This week, Georgia plays Tennessee, who has a solid defense. They will need greater offensive output to win the game. Beck has shown good accuracy and inclination to protect the football in the past. That isn’t showing up this season, as he is struggling to see the field clearly. He doesn’t have the best arm talent, so he needs to figure out a way to stop turning the ball over. Beck was a projected first-round pick at the start of the season, but now might be a mid-round pick if he enters the 2025 NFL Draft.
2. Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon Ducks
Oregon has had a great season so far, in which they haven’t taken a loss. They have had good play from their defensive front, including interior defensive lineman Derrick Harmon. This season, Harmon has registered 20 total tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
In week 12, Oregon takes on Wisconsin, who has some talented players in the trenches. Harmon has good size for an interior defensive line at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds. He moves extremely well for his size. His movement helps him evade blocks in the running game and be a better pass rusher, but he can add strength to his frame to help him shed quicker. He has played well enough this season to be considered a possible first-round pick.
3. Dontay Corleone, DL, Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincinnati has played better than expected this season with five wins already. Their defense has been solid this season and have been aided by the play of their defensive line. Dontay Corleone has been a great player for years and this season has 25 total tackles, five tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
This week, Cincinnati plays Iowa State, which will be a tough matchup. Corleone has good strength and has the ability to take on double teams. He is a force as a run defender, but won’t be the best pass rusher for an interior offensive lineman. He could be a day-two pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
4. Marcus Mbow, OT, Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue has had a rough season, but they do have some bright spots. They have a good offensive tackle in Marcus Mbow. He is a former guard who is now playing tackle for Purdue and is playing as one of the better ones in the conference.
This week, Purdue will play a talented Penn State defensive front that includes Abdul Carter. Mbow has proven to be a good athlete who is able to mirror pass rushers and get to the second level as a pass rusher. He may not have the desired frame to play tackle in the NFL, so he may move back to guard. His play has warranted him being talked about as a day-two pick.
5. Jonah Savaiinaea, OT, Arizona Wildcats
Arizona hasn’t had the season they envisioned. They have some good players, but have lost six games already. One of their good players is offensive tackle Jonah Savaiinaea. He has started for them the last three seasons, becoming a solid NFL Draft prospect in the process.
Arizona plays Houston this week in what could be one of their last three games of the season. Savaiinaea has NFL level size at 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds. With that comes good strength, which he uses to anchor and move people in the run game. His length and lateral mobility could make him a good candidate to move inside to guard at the next level.
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