While the 2023 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 5.
Duke has started off the year hot with a 4-0 record. One of the biggest reasons that they have found success is that they have a future pro at quarterback in Riley Leonard. So far this season, Leonard has passed for 756 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions on 67.3 percent completion.
In week 5, Leonard will be going up against a good Notre Dame defense. He has a chance to show his athleticism and accuracy against the Fighting Irish. Doing so could lead to an upset win. Right now, it seems people are split on when Leonard could go in the 2024 NFL Draft, but it is safe to assume he has the potential to be picked in the first few rounds.
Notre Dame suffered a tough loss to Ohio State in week 4 to drop to 4-1. They have still had a good season and their offensive line has led the way. Last week, Joe Alt was mentioned as a draft prospect to watch. This week, Notre Dame’s other offensive tackle, Blake Fisher, should be watched.
While the game wasn’t likely circled on the schedule before the season, Notre Dame has a tough road matchup against Duke in week 5. Their offensive line has done well in both pass blocking and run blocking this season. Fisher is currently seen as a mid-round draft pick, but could improve his stock with a good performance against a quality opponent.
LSU lost their first game of the season to Florida State, but have won each game since. The Tigers look like they could win the SEC West again and their offense opening up could be a key factor in that. They have been able to score a lot of points with the help of wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers has 32 catches for 523 yards and five touchdowns on the year.
The Tigers will play Ole Miss in week 5, which presents a tough matchup. They will need Nabers to show off his speed and ability to separate to stretch the field. There seems to be plenty of talented receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft, but Nabers could be a first-round pick if he plays well throughout the rest of the season.
Texas has really impressed early in the season, as they have a win over Alabama and are 4-0. Their offense has plenty of talented players at skill positions and one of the best is Sanders, who is one of the best tight ends in the country. He has helped the Texas offense with 12 catches for 268 yards and one touchdown.
In week 5, Texas will be matched up with an undefeated Kansas team. The game will likely be high-scoring so the Longhorns will need to get output from all of their weapons. Sanders can use his athleticism to separate and give quarterback Quinn Ewers an open target. If he does, Texas could continue their dream start to the season. Sanders is likely going to be the second tight end selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, with Brock Bowers projected to be the first one selected.
Colorado has shown that they are much improved for the 2023 season after starting 3-1. They had a rough game at Oregon though and will want to bounce back. Shedeur Sanders has been a star at quarterback for the Buffaloes, which has helped the team take a step forward. He has 1,410 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and one intercpetion on 76.9 percent completion.
The Buffaloes will find themselves up against another high-powered offense in USC for week 5. They will need to score a lot of points and Sanders has shown the ability to do that. Sanders has good accuracy, pocket presence and football IQ at his disposal, but will likely not have the best protection in front of him. If he plays well, Colorado can pull off a huge upset and his stock will rise. He currently could be drafted within the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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