While the 2021 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 14.
Virginia Tech has had an up and down year, but have a big game against Clemson, which gives them an opportunity to pull off an upset. The Hokies have specifically been good at running the football this season. Their lead back is Khalil Herbert, who is in his final year of eligibility after transferring in from Kansas. Herbert has rushed for 925 yards and six touchdowns to go along with nine receptions for 178 yards and one score.
If the Hokies are to have any chance against the TIgers this weekend, Herbert is going to have to produce big time. Clemson will be focusing on stopping the run and making Virginia Tech beat them through the air, which they will likely not be able to do. With a good game, Herbert can increase his draft stock and could be a late day two pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Auburn is another team with a chance at pulling off an upset this week. They play the Texas A&M Aggies, who have only lost to Alabama this season, but have had some performances that have not been ideal. The Tigers will want to get the ball to their playmakers to give them the best chance to win. One of their best playmakers is Anthony Schwartz, who is known as the fastest man in college football. Schwartz has 46 receptions for 566 yards and three touchdown catches on the year.
There is no doubt that Auburn will have to put up points to keep up with Texas A&M’s offense. If Schwartz can use his blazing speed to be a matchup problem, the Tigers could make this game interesting. He is currently projected to be selected in the middle rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft, but with his speed, his stock could rise at any time.
The Indiana Hoosiers are having their best season in decades. Their offense deserves a lot of the credit, as quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has had a great season. His favorite target this season has been Ty Fryfogle, who will have to make big plays if the Hoosiers are to beat Wisconsin this weekend. Fryfogle has 33 receptions for 652 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
Wisconsin will be without their top corner Rachad Wildgoose, who opted out of the rest of the season. This means that Fryfogle will have a chance to make several impact plays. Fryfogle is currently considered a late-round pick, but his big-play ability could help him when it comes to draft evaluations.
Against Indiana, Wisconsin will need to utilize some of their best players. The Badgers haven’t had a chance to play too much football this season, but one of their better players is junior tight end Jake Ferguson, who has over 400 receiving yards in each of the last two seasons. This year, Ferguson has 18 catches for 181 yards and four touchdowns.
Ferguson isn’t one of the premier tight ends in the 2021 NFL Draft class, but he also hasn’t had as many games as the other top players at his position. If he finishes the season strong his stock will rise. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
USC is one of the few remaining undefeated teams in the Pac-12, but they have only played three games due to COVID. Their game this week against Washington State has been moved to Sunday in an effort to be able to play. This game against the Cougars could be one of the last times Alijah Vera-Tucker suits up.
There will be a lot of passes against Washington State, so NFL scouts will get to see that specifically from Vera-Tucker. He has recently moved up draft boards and has very few opportunities left to show people his talent. The redshirt junior looks like he will be picked within the first few rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Make sure to check out our brand new NFL Draft page for more content!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
