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 2 recap.
Related: NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 2
1. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas Longhorns
Texas was able to achieve a great road win, beating Alabama in Tuscaloosa 34-24. Their offense played great to help them secure the victory and quarterback Quinn Ewers had one of the best performances of his career. He was 24/38 passing with 349 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions to help the Longhorns win the game.
A big concern for Ewers coming into this game was his consistency. He can make all the throws, but didn’t show that all the time. Against Alabama, he made some big-time throws and also looked poised in the pocket. After getting the win and playing well, Ewers will see his stock rise.
2. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama suffered a loss that will sting for a while against Texas. Their defense didn’t play disciplined or great. They specifically had issues in the secondary. McKinstry didn’t have his best performance, but he did help out the cause with five tackles.
Texas mostly targeted the other side of the field, but McKinstry did get beat deep. That was a concern of his coming into the game, as his long speed has come into question. He is still a solid prospect and has plenty of time to build up his stock.
3. Leonard Taylor, DL, Miami Hurricanes
Miami had a good performance against Texas A&M and won the game 48-33. While there was a lot of points scored, their defense was able to show up in key moments. Leonard Taylor helped the defense, although it didn’t show up fully in the state sheet. He finished the game with one total tackle.
Taylor was able to show off his athleticism in this game, as he had good burst at attacked gaps well. He did well against a solid offensive line, which will help his stock. It will be encouraging for fans and scouts to see more production in the next several weeks, even if that doesn’t tell the full story.
4. McKinley Jackson, DL, Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M’s defense struggled, which ended up costing them the game. Although the defense played poorly, Jackson played well. Like mentioned with Taylor before, the production doesn’t always tell the full story. He had one total tackle, but played well.
McKinley is a nose tackle that has a lot of power. He was able to take on a lot of blocks and help the run defense. Miami only had 77 rushing yards and a lot of credit can go to Jackson. He won’t offer much help rushing the passer, but Jackson did his job well on Saturday. Getting more games under his belt this season could help make him a sure-fire pick for the first few rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
5. Sincere Haynesworth, IOL, Tulane Green Wave
Tulane lost a tough game to Ole Miss, but they were in it until the very end. They were able to play well in the trenches on both sides of the ball, which is what gave them a chance to win the game. Haynesworth played well and helped Tulane move the ball, especially in the first half.
While the offensive line gave up four sacks, they did help the Green Wave have 342 yards of total offense. Haynesworth impressed with his run blocking and leverage in this game. His size will still worry NFL evaluators, but good tape against an SEC team will help his stock.
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