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 recap.
1. Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama Crimson Tide
While Alabama had some injuries that slowed their momentum, they were able to win comfortably at Arkansas. Their defense played solidly, as they limited Arkansas. Will Anderson is always a factor, as he is disruptive.
Anderson didn’t have his greatest game, but he did have some good plays that showed why he is the best player in the 2023 NFL Draft class. Against a key read option in the red zone, he made a play on both the quarterback and running back because he attacked the mesh point. Anderson is in contention to be the first non-quarterback selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.
2. Ricky Stromberg, OG/C, Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas came close at one point in the second half, but Alabama then literally ran away with the game. Their offense was streaky, but in the second half, they were able to move the ball better. Stromberg had a solid game of clearing holes and protecting quarterback K.J. Jefferson with his only blemish being an illegal man downfield during an RPO.
Stromberg’s experience and talent both showed in this game. He is a smart center who understands leverage, but won’t be among the elite athletes at his position. This showing won’t hurt Stromberg a bunch and he is expected to be a mid-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
3. Nick Broeker, OT, Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss got a close win over Kentucky, 22-19. While the offense wasn’t totally functional, they did enough to get the win. Broeker had a solid game blocking at guard, where he has moved this season, especially considering Kentucky has some solid interior defensive linemen. He did have one holding call that was declined, but it could’ve taken Ole Miss out of field goal range.
In all, Broeker showed he was a solid offensive lineman and that he has adjusted well to the interior after playing most of his career at tackle. He will likely have to play on the interior in the NFL, so he needs to continue to put good tape out this season. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
4. Chris Rodriguez, RB, Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky had too many mistakes to defeat Ole Miss on the road. Their running game was vastly improved and a lot of that credit goes to the return of Rodriguez from suspension. He rushed the ball 19 times for 72 yards and a touchdown for 3.8 yards per carry, which just goes to show how much the Kentucky run game was struggling. Rodriguez added three catches for 40 yards, which is not his usual forte.
In this game, Rodriguez showed some fresh legs. His power was on display as he routinely picked up yards after contact. Rodriguez being on the field opened up the passing game some as well. He still has some weaknesses, as he doesn’t add much in the passing game himself, but a team wanting a throwback running back may draft him. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
5. Devin Leary, QB, NC State Wolfpack
NC State lost a tough game to Clemson and their offense didn’t really get going. There was definitely questionable playcalling and gameplanning. Devin Leary played solidly at times, but he was not overly consistent. He passed for 245 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 28/47 passing.
It would have been better to see Leary attack Clemson downfield, as they struggled against Wake Forest last week in that regard. Instead, they ran a lot of screens that Clemson sniffed out. Leary did not have his best game, but showed flashes why he is being considered as a day two pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Make sure to check out our NFL Draft page for more news and updates like NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 5 Recap.
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