While the 2022 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 4.
The Aggies are 3-0 to start this season. They have been bolstered by their defense because their offense has been inconsistent. One of their best defensive players is Demarvin Leal, who has 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks on the season. His versatility along the defensive line has made him a tough matchup throughout his college career.
Texas A&M is undefeated through three weeks of the college football season, but they will be put to the test against Arkansas this week. They will need their defense to step up, as backup quarterback Zach Calzada will be in for the injured Haynes King. Leal, one of the best defensive linemen in college football and will have a tough matchup against a team that preaches about offensive line play under Sam Pittman. Playing well will help his stock, even if he is already a projected first-round pick.
Arkansas has surprised some by going 3-0 to start the year. It has taken some time, but they have a lot of talent on the roster. That includes one of the best wide receivers in college football, Treylon Burks. So far this season, he has 13 receptions for 206 yards and one touchdown. He is a matchup nightmare for defensive backs with his size and speed combination.
His talent will be put to the test against Texas A&M. They have allowed just 5.7 points per game, so Arkansas will have to be at their best this week. Burks can be a game-changer once the ball is in his hands and the big plays he produces could be too much for the Aggies to keep up with given that they have a backup quarterback under center. A big game for Burks would be important given that the 2022 wide receiver class is talented.
Notre Dame has been unimpressive in their three wins to start the season. Their offense has struggled to consistently move the football. Star running back Kyren Williams has had 211 rushing yards, 155 receiving yards and four total touchdowns on the season. The ability to get Williams the ball on the ground and through the air has been one of the best aspects of the Notre Dame offense.
It will be tough for Notre Dame to move the ball against a strong Wisconsin defense. They allow just 11.5 points per game, which means any big plays that Williams can produce will be crucial. Williams has shown he can run between the tackles, run outside and catch passes. It will still be a tough game for him, but if he can play well, his stock could go up from a mid-round pick to a little higher.
South Carolina is 2-1 on the season, but they aren’t projected to fare well in the SEC. One of the bright spots of the team so far is edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare. The senior has registered 2.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks on the season and has been a standout for the Gamecocks.
This week, South Carolina is going up against Kentucky, who is 3-0 on the season and has a good offensive line. Kentucky has a much more balanced attack than in past years, so Enagbare will have a chance to show off his pass-rushing skills and his run defending talent as well. He’s already rising up draft boards, but a good game against a good offensive line could help him even more.
Kentucky is undefeated so far this season, with their best win coming over Missouri. Their offense has completely changed to include more passing. That has given offensive tackle Darian Kinnard a chance to show off his ability at right tackle, as he has not yet allowed a quarterback pressure. He is one of the best tackles in college football who has plenty of experience.
Going up against a line that features Enagbare won’t be easy. The reps that he gets against Enagbare will be important for his draft stock. If he can keep the quarterback clean and help running back Chris Rodriguez get some rushing yards, Kinnard can feel good about his performance. There is a lot of football left, but Kinnard has already impressed.
Make sure to check out our college football page for more content like NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 4!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
