While the 2022 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 recap.
For the preview: click here
1. Grayson McCall, QB, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
Coastal Carolina suffered their first loss of the season in a Wednesday night game against Appalachian State. McCall is having a great season and played solidly, but not up to his standards in this one. He completed 15/23 passes for 291 yards and one touchdown. The Chanticleers’ offense was held to under 30 points for just the second time all season.
Even though it wasn’t his best game, McCall is having the most efficient season for a quarterback ever. His accuracy and his ability to make plays while on the run make him intriguing. In a class where very few quarterbacks want to step up, McCall could move up draft boards and be a mid-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
2. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh Panthers
Pittsburgh was able to put up some points and get a big win against Clemson. Pickett had a big day in helping the Panthers stay undefeated in the ACC this season. He finished 25/39 passing for 302 yards and two touchdowns. Against a stout Clemson defense, this is a more than impressive stat line.
What was impressive about Pickett’s performance was his ability to anticipate throws and to throw receivers open. He is quickly rising up draft boards for his performance this season and the game against Clemson only amplifies that. Pickett could end up finding himself as a first-round prospect if he finishes the season out strong.
3. Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State Bulldogs
Fresno State got a big victory over Nevada, which will help them in their goal of winning the Mountain West. Jake Haener was able to have a solid day, propelling the Bulldogs to victory. He went 26/38 passing for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Haener didn’t throw an interception and his fumble was recovered, so he protected the football well.
He has had a really good season for the Bulldogs. In a quarterback class that is not producing many sure-fire good picks, Haener has taken advantage. He is still likely a mid to late round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but his stock could improve throughout the rest of the season.
4. Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada Wolf Pack
Nevada lost a tough one that came down to the wire against Fresno State. With a 5-2 record, there is still plenty to play for in the season, but a win would’ve helped them in the Mountain West. Romeo Doubs did his part, as he finished with a whopping 19 receptions for 203 yards and one touchdown. He was inches away from tying the game with a two-point reception, but landed out of bounds.
Doubs has improved his stock already this season and a huge game like this only helps. He has shown the ability to be a good deep threat, but is adding to his game, showing the ability to run after the catch on some of the plays against Fresno State. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick in a draft full of talented wide receivers.
5. Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State was able to get the big win against an undefeated Oklahoma State team. The Cyclones did a great job of getting the ball to their star players and that includes Kolar. He totaled six catches for 69 yards and seemed to always be open when the Cyclones needed to move the chains.
Kolar has some athletic limitations, which means he is going to be a mid-round pick. It is still great to see him playing well. He will be able to use his ability to find soft spots against zone coverage to be a security blanket in the NFL.
Make sure to check out our NFL Draft page for more content like NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 8 recap!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
