While the 2023 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. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas Longhorns
Texas was able to get a win in the 2023 season opener against Rice. They won 37-10, which wasn’t their best performance, but most importantly they earned a victory. Their offense was likely keeping things close to the vest in week one. Ewers still had a good game, as he finished 19/30 passing for 260 yards and three touchdowns. He also had a rushing touchdown.
The week 1 game is a primer for a bigger week 2 matchup, as the Longhorns take on Alabama. Ewers will go up against a great defense and possibly the best defense he will face all season. He has NFL-level arm talent, but struggles to find consistency with his accuracy. A good game against Alabama could help his stock and help solidify him as a first-round pick.
2. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama is 1-0 on the season after defeating Middle Tennessee. They won 56-7, with their defense having a particularly impressive performance. McKinstry aided the defense with his three total tackles, but he also had good coverage. Middle Tennessee totaled just 133 passing yards on the day.
The Crimson Tide will host Texas this weekend. Texas has a good quarterback in Quinn Ewers, but they also have one of the most talented receiver rooms in college football, which will test McKinstry. He is a good athlete with quickness, but does tend to give up big plays and has questionable longspeed. This game will give him the opportunity to test himself after putting plenty of good tape out there last season.
3. Leonard Taylor, DL, Miami Hurricanes
Miami picked up a week 1 win over Miami Ohio, 38-3. Their defense really stepped up and didn’t let the RedHawks get any momentum. A lot of that stemmed from the play of Leonard Taylor. He didn’t record a stat, but still made an impact.
This week the Hurricanes will have a big test against Texas A&M. The Aggies have solid players on their offensive line. In order for Miami to win, they’ll need Taylor to continue to show good burst at the snap of the ball and solid athleticism. He hasn’t shown great power or length in his career, but can still be effective. A good game from Taylor could lead to a win.
4. McKinley Jackson, DL, Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M looked like they may have a bounce-back year after defeating New Mexico 52-10. Their offense looks like it could take a step forward, but their defense also has a lot of skilled players. Jackson is one of them and had a tackle for the Aggies in the opener.
As mentioned with other interior defensive linemen in these articles, interior defensive linemen’s impact doesn’t always show up in the box score. Jackson can impact the game by taking on multiple blockers or pushing the pocket. A good game not only helps Texas A&M stay on pace for a better season, but could help his draft stock.
5. Sincere Haynesworth, IOL, Tulane Green Wave
After making a New Year’s Six Bowl last season, Tulane opened the season with another win. They defeated South Alabama 37-17 in week one. The offense moved the ball well, which is a credit to their offensive line. Their leader on the offensive line is center Sincere Haynesworth, who helped the Green Wave total 294 passing yards and 142 rushing yards.
In week 2, Tulane plays Ole Miss, who is a ranked team. While the Rebels are known more for their offense than their defense, getting a chance to go up against an SEC defense gives Haynesworth a chance to prove what he can do. He is undersized compared to other draft-eligible centers, but Haynesworth has played well in his career and can have a good game this Saturday.
Check out our NFL Draft page for more news and updates like NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 1!
Follow Joe on Twitter!