While the 2023 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 5.
1. Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama is undefeated so far this season and it looks like it will be another good season in Tuscaloosa. Their defense has been great, as they allow just 7.3 points per game. They are led by star pass rusher Will Anderson who has 20 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks through four games this season.
In week 5, Alabama plays Arkansas, who has a solid offensive line. It will be interesting to watch Anderson shed blocks and see how much of an impact he can make. He is already the projected best player in the 2023 NFL Draft class, but a big game from him against a good offensive line will still be fun to watch. One thing he needs to do is play more disciplined, as he has picked up a lot of penalties early in the season.
2. Ricky Stromberg, OG/C, Arkansas Razorbacks
While the Razorbacks lost a heartbreaker in week 3, they have been good overall and sit with a 3-1 record. Head coach Sam Pittman helps makes the identity of this team being strong up front and Arkansas has a solid offensive line led by center Ricky Stromberg. If they can be the more physical team up front, they usually win.
Winning the battle in the trenches will be extremely hard against Alabama in week 5. Stromberg is a very experienced center and is specifically talented at creating holes in the run game. Arkansas will need that against Alabama. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick, but can help his stock with a good performance in this game.
3. Nick Broeker, OT, Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss has started off the season at 4-0 and the Rebels have overcome some small obstacles. Jaxson Dart hasn’t overly impressed at quarterback after winning the job and will need to play well. So too will the offensive line protecting him to give him the best opportunity to succeed. The best player on the Ole Miss offensive line is Nick Broeker.
Broeker is an experienced lineman, but also has shown to be a good run blocker. He won SEC lineman of the week in week 3 and has shown some versatility throughout the years. Against a solid Kentucky defense, Broeker will need to help Ole Miss move the chains and control the clock. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick.
4. Chris Rodriguez, RB, Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky is 4-0 this season and they have done so without their star running back Chris Rodriguez. Rodriguez was suspended for the first four games of the year for a DUI and faulty paperwork at a job. He rejoins the team after rushing for 1,378 yards in 2021.
Lane Kiffin is known for having an offense that can score points, so Rodriguez will need to help the offense keep up. He is a power running back who won’t offer much in the passing game, but can really wear defenses down by the end of the game. As a running back who doesn’t offer much third-down value, he is currently projected to be a mid-round pick.
5. Devin Leary, QB, NC State Wolfpack
NC State is undefeated this season and a lot of that is thanks to their defense. If they want to stay undefeated they’ll need their offense to step it up, which includes the play of quarterback Devin Leary. He has passed for 890 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions on 64 percent completion.
The matchup for NC State in week 5 is the Clemson Tigers. Clemson has a good defense with plenty of future pros. Leary will need to take advantage of the secondary, which was exploited by Sam Hartman and Wake Forest in week 4. If he can complete throws downfield like he did last year against Clemson, the Wolfpack can win for this game for the second straight season. Leary is currently projected to be a first or second-round pick, but could really help his stock with a good performance in this game.
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