NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 8

While the 2025 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 8.

1. Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas Longhorns

Texas has started off the season hot, as they are undefeated so far. Their offense has been playing well and a lot of credit for that should go to the offensive line. Offensive tackle Kelvin Banks has had a great season so far for the Longhorns.

Banks will have a tough matchup this week against a talented defensive front from Georgia. At 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, Banks moves well for his size. He has solid length and can move well in a straight line. He can improve his hand usage and his body control for the next level. Currently, he is a projected top-five pick.

2. Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia has one loss on the season and their defense has given up more points than most years in recent memory. They haven’t had Mykel Williams healthy for the full season, which could be limiting them. So far this season, Williams has played in four games three tackles and three tackles for loss.

To defeat Texas on the road, Georgia’s defense and Williams will have to play well. Williams has good size at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds. He has good strength and uses that to create a good bull rush. His speed is solid, but he could be more flexible and keep his leverage more. He was a projected early pick before the season and can still fulfill that if he plays well down the stretch.

3. Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama’s offense has played well for the most part this season. They have to score a lot of points because their defense hasn’t held up. Luckily for the Crimson Tide, they have one of the best offensive linemen in the country. Tyler Booker is experienced and has played well this season.

Booker will be going up against a Tennessee defensive line that has some talent. He is a huge guard at 6-foot-5 and 352 pounds, which gives him good strength. Booker anchors well as a pass blocker and clears big holes in the running game. His athleticism can limit him, but he is great in short areas. He is currently projected to be the top interior offensive lineman selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.

4. Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan Wolverines

Michigan hasn’t had the greatest season so far. Most of their struggles are on the offensive side of the ball, but the defense has had some issues too. Kenneth Grant has played well for the Wolverines so far this season. He has 12 tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks on the year.

This week, Michigan will play a ranked Illinois team. They’ll need Grant to be disruptive against the pass and the run. Grant is massive at 6-foot-3 and 339 pounds, but he moves well for his size. He can push the pocket as a pass rusher and can defeat single blocks in run defense. Grant can struggle to maintain leverage and also doesn’t take on double teams as well as expected. A good finish to the season could result in him being a top 10 pick.

5. Cam Ward, QB, Miami Hurricanes

Miami is undefeated this season with their offense doing some heavy-lifting early. Their offense has been led by Incarnate Word and Washington State transfer Cam Ward. This season, Ward has passed for 2,219 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions on 69.2 percent completion.

This week the Hurricanes will be playing one of their toughest games of the season against Louisville. Ward has good arm strength and can extend plays with his legs. His decision-making can be bad at times and he needs to learn when to take a sack and when to try and make a play. He has helped his draft stock a lot this season and another good game could help his case to be a first-round pick.

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