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 2.
1. Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon Ducks
Oregon fans had to hold their breath and hope for the best after Kayvon Thibodeaux left the Ducks’ opener against Fresno State with an injury. He was in a walking boot but has been listed as the starting defensive end against Ohio State. In part of one game, Thibodeaux has tallied two total tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack.
Thibodeaux will be helping the Ducks go up against Ohio State in week 2. The Buckeyes have an experienced offensive line who will make it hard for Thibodeaux to produce. While Thibodeaux is almost assuredly going to be the top edge rusher to be selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, but this will still be a fun matchup to watch.
2. Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State’s offensive line helped the Buckeyes get a week 1 victory over Minnesota. The line helped pave the way for victory, as the Buckeyes passed for 294 yards and rushed for 201. There are plenty of future pros on the line and that includes left tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere.
At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Petit-Frere has solid size for an NFL tackle. The reason he is a prospect to watch is because of the matchup. Petit-Frere will be matched up with Thibodeaux. For how many snaps they will line up against each other is unclear, but the snaps that they do line up against one another will be an absolute battle.
3. Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State Cyclones
This weekend features a big game in Iowa, as the Hawkeyes take on the Cyclones in the Battle of the Cy-Hawk Trophy. This will be a game to watch some of the top running back prospects. For Iowa State, Breece Hall comes into this game after rushing for just 69 yards on 23 carries and one score against Northern Iowa.
Hall is 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, which gives him a good build for a running back. He has demonstrated in the past that he can produce, even if week 1 wasn’t the greatest. With a good game this week, and a good rest of the season, Hall can prove to be the top running back selected.
4. Tyler Goodson, RB, Iowa Hawkeyes
On the other side of the field, Iowa will want to run the ball as well. Tyler Goodson has been a good runner for them in the past, as he has rushed for 1,499 yards and 13 touchdowns in his career. Last week against Indiana, he rushed for 99 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries.
While he isn’t the biggest running back at 5-foot-10 and 199 pounds, Goodson plays in a pro-style offense that requires him to run inside. He has been successful, as he has solid vision and has tremendous moves with quickness to go with them that make defenders miss. While Goodson isn’t likely in play to be the top running back taken, he can improve his stock and make himself a top three or four round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
5. Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
Coastal Carolina had a phenomenal year in 2020 and were able to show off some of their top draft prospects in the process. One of those prospects is tight end Isaiah Likely. He will get a chance to showcase his skills to a national audience, as the Chanticleers take on Kansas on Friday night on ESPN.
While Kansas isn’t the greatest test for Likely to go up against, fans can watch that game easily on Friday night and the Chanticleers don’t play too many big games on their schedule. Likely could be a matchup problem for Kansas, as he is 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds. He had 64 receiving yards on five receptions in the opener and could have a big game against the Jayhawks.
Make sure to check out our college football page for more content like NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 2!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!