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 7 recap.
Related: NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 7
1. Caleb Williams, QB, USC Trojans
USC did not play well and dropped their first game of the season to Notre Dame on the road. While the defense has received a lot of criticism this season, the offense played poorly in this game too. Caleb Williams had the worst game of his career. He was 23/37 passing for 199 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
The game was his worst, but Williams still has plenty of good tape. He will have to start working on taking what the defense gives him, as he left too many passes up for grabs. Williams also didn’t handle the pressure well. He is still projected to be the number one overall pick despite the bad outing.
2. Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame’s defense had an amazing performance to hold USC to just 10 points. Their defense fueled their win. Cam Hart played well, although he did give up a few catches and drew a pass interference call. Still, he was able to help the defense give up just 199 passing yards and even showed some good tackling skills. He finished the game with two total tackles.
Hart has played well this season overall and has a few more games against quality competition to continue proving himself. His tackling has really helped the defense out, as he is more than just a cover corner. Hart is projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
3. Michael Penix, QB, Washington Huskies
Washington was able to notch their best win over the last few seasons by defeating Oregon 36-33. The offense played well and helped outscore the Ducks. Michael Penix had a great game with some clutch moments that now has him as even more of a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. He finished the game at 22/37 passing for 302 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.
Penix was able to help get the Huskies a touchdown in the final minutes to win the game, showing he doesn’t let the pressure get to him. He was able to show off a great deep ball, which he consistently placed well. His stock is up after this game and he has now solidified his case to be a first-round pick.
4. Bo Nix, QB, Oregon Ducks
Oregon lost a close one on the road to Washington, but played well. Their offense looked like they did enough to win the game, although it didn’t work out that way. Bo Nix had a solid day, going 33/44 for 337 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Nix was able to help his stock by completing passes downfield. He was efficient, but took chances when he needed to. Nix also protected the football, which was something that plagued him early in his career. Although he played well, Nix likely will still be a second or third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
5. Kam Kinchens, S, Miami Hurricanes
Miami dropped another tough game, this time against North Carolina. The defense did not play well, as they allowed UNC to score 41 points. Kam Kinchens was a bright spot for the defense. He was making plays all over the field for the Hurricanes. Kinchens had a nice sack on a blitz where he closed fast and had a nice pass break up as well.
There did seem to be some miscommunication in the secondary and some blown coverages. Overall though, Kinchens is showing he is recovering from his injury well. It may be hard for him to keep his stock as a first-round pick, but the safety is a solid player.
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