While the 2021 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 3.
1. Zion Johnson, OG/C, Boston College Eagles
With not many games on the schedule, players that normally wouldn’t get looked at will get some attention. Zion Johnson will be drawing some eyes this weekend when Boston College takes on Duke. He was second-team All-ACC last season and has shown potential over his career.
Johnson is 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, so he may need to add some weight before playing in the pros. He has played a variety of positions on the offensive line, but looks like a candidate to move inside due to his lack of size and length. His play could help give Boston College a shot against Duke.
2. Patrick Jones II, Edge, Pittsburgh Panthers
The race to be the second-best edge prospect in the class is going to be a fun one to watch. Patrick Jones could end up winning that title when it is all said and done. This week Jones will have to get pressure on Syracuse’s quarterback Tommy DeVito. Doing so could get Pitt an important conference win.
Jones had a solid 2019 season, which saw him really break out. He finished the season with 8.5 sacks and will be looking to improve on that, even though he didn’t register a sack in Pitt’s first game. At 6-foot-5 and 260, Jones looks the part of an NFL edge rusher, so now he needs to go get after the quarterback starting this weekend.
3. Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State Cowboys
Last season, Tylan Wallace tore his ACL and was expected to declare for the 2020 NFL Draft, but he instead decided to return to school. Now, he is probable to play in Oklahoma State’s first game of the season against Tulsa. He needs to prove he is healthy and if he is, he needs to start putting up some numbers.
Wallace is 6-foot and 190 pounds, so he’ll need to add some strength for the NFL. He has solid production over his career with 146 catches for 2,512 yards and 20 touchdowns, but he needs to re-establish himself after his ACL injury. He will have a chance to have a big game against Tulsa, which will be a good thing for him, as the 2021 wide receiver class is deep.
4. TuTu Atwell, WR, Louisville Cardinals
Chatarius Atwell, also known as TuTu, has been a major playmaker for Louisville over the last two seasons. He is going to need to have a big game against Miami for Louisville to win. After a solid season last year, the Cardinals are in position to compete in the ACC. Atwell’s ability to bust games wide open is a major factor in that.
Atwell got involved in the offense in Louisville’s game against Western Kentucky with seven receptions for 78 yards. He may need a bigger game against Miami. At 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, Atwell is small for a receiver and will likely be used in the slot most of the time. His quickness is among the best in the class go, which makes him worth watching.
5. Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami Hurricanes
One of, if not the best players on Miami is tight end Brevin Jordan. He is a matchup nightmare and has been productive over the last two seasons. D’Eriq King will need to look for Jordan in key situations for Miami to move the chains and put up points against Louisville.
At 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, Jordan isn’t the biggest tight end, but he is athletic. He has also put up 70 catches for 833 yards and seven touchdowns in his career. Jordan could be one of the first tight ends selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, but he still has work to do.
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