While the 2025 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 Recap.
Related: NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 2
Duke had a tough loss this week to Illinois, where things got off the rails in the second half. They lost 45-19 and the defense gave up plenty of passing yards. Rivers didn’t have his best game either, but still played solidly with two total tackles and two passes defended.
Rivers has shown to be good in zone and man coverage over his career. Although his team didn’t win this game, Rivers has shown enough over his career to have good NFL Draft stock. He is currently projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Baylor went down early to SMU, but were able to come back to win in overtime 48-45. Their offense really got going from the second quarter on and a big reason they won was receiver Josh Cameron. Cameron caught nine passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns, but also had a lost fumble as well.
Cameron was able to show his toughness after the catch and his speed in this game. He didn’t make a huge impact on special teams, but still has that in his bag. Cameron’s stock is on the way up. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Iowa lost to their rivals, Iowa State, this week in a low-scoring defensive game. The offensive line still played well in general and Logan Jones was no exception. He did solidly against Domonique Orange, an NFL Draft prospect who lined up across from him.
Jones has good strength and is able to get to the second-level as a run blocker. He doesn’t have the best flexibility, but the former defensive tackle has made huge strides over the last few seasons at center. Jones could be the highest-drafted center in the 2026 NFL Draft and is a projected day two pick.
Iowa State’s defense locked in against Iowa to help them win 16-13. They stopped the run decently, but they were really good against the pass, allowing just 83 passing yards. Williams had a big impact, finishing with two tackles and one tackle for loss.
Williams was able to lock down his matchup in this game. He has shown good man and zone coverage in his career. Williams also has good ball skills. There will be more games down the stretch where he will have to hold up against better passing attacks, but he has a good start to the season. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick.
Oklahoma notched a massive win over Michigan, winning 24-13 in a game where their defense stepped up. R Mason Thomas is a big part of the defense and his full impact extends beyond the box score. He registered just one tackle and one tackle for loss in this game.
Thomas showed he could set the edge better than expected against the run, but his explosiveness as a pass rusher was also on display, even without him registering a sack. He will have a gauntlet of a schedule to go through in the SEC, but he produced well last year. He is currently projected to be a day two pick.
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