While the 2025 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 1 recap.
Related:Â NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 1
1. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas Longhorns
Texas notched a big win over Michigan and looked very well doing it. They scored 31 points and killed a lot of the clock in the second half. The Longhorns were able to do that in large part due to the play of quarterback Quinn Ewers. He passed for 246 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions on 24/36 passing.
Ewers really improved his stock in this game. Michigan has some good players on their defense, but he looked poised and collected. He handled pressure well, stepping up in the pocket and finding players downfield. His arm talent is obvious and it looks like he might be more consistent this year. If he keeps playing this way, being selected in the first round is on the table.
2. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan Wolverines
Michigan’s defense was put in a tough position against Texas. They had to try to stop the Longhorns, all while not getting much support from their offense. It wasn’t their best effort from them, but they had some bright spots. Will Johnson finished the game with three tackles.
The boxscore still doesn’t tell the whole sorry. Texas mostly avoided Johnson and attacked other defensive backs. He didn’t get to display his ball skills like he did in week 1, but he played well. Depsite the loss, his good play should help him be a top 10 pick in the NFL Draft.
3. Anthony Belton, OT, NC State Wolfpack
NC State got blown out by Tennessee. Their offensive couldn’t get much going, They totaled less than 150 yards of total offense and couldn’t get much of a push up front. The offensive line didn’t play well as a whole, but Belton palyed well.
Belton was called for a few penalties, but otherwise battled well against Tennessee’s defensive line. He showed his good pass protection and showed off his strength. There will still be questions about his flexibility and ability to get to the second level. He played well enough to still be considered as a day two pick.
4. James Pearce, EDGE, Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee dominated in all facets of the game against NC State to get the win. They allowed just points, which shows a great defensive effort. Their defensive line played well, including Pearce. He had just one tackle and 0.5 tackles for loss, but his impact was greater than the box score.
In the game, Pearce consistently showed his pressure as a pass rusher. He used his athleticism and a nice spin move to make the pocket more uncomfortable. That spin move helps, but he can still add to his pass rush arsenal to help him win. With the good performance, Pearce maintains his status as the possible first edge selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
5. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State Broncos
Boise State went into Eugene, Oregon and put a scare into the Ducks. They were able to move the ball well and put up 34 points in their loss. The offensive line deserves credit, but running back Ashton Jeanty proved how much of a star he was in this game. He finished with 25 carries for 152 yards and three touchdowns. Jeanty also had two catches for eight yards.
With his performance, Jeanty showed the world, or at least those who don’t watch much group of five college football, how much talent he has. He has good vision and is elusive in the openfield. As shown in the opening weeks of the season, he can rip off big runs as a home run threat. Jeanty is running away with the title of RB1 in the 2025 NFL Draft right now.
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