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 8 recap.
1. Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse Orange
Syracuse was leading over Clemson, but gave up the game in the second half. Their best player, Sean Tucker, played well, even though he wasn’t given the ball a ton. He finished the game with five carries for 54 yards. Tucker added five catches for 18 yards and a touchdown as well.
It is curious that Tucker didn’t get more work in the game, especially given his success and the fact that Syracuse was leading early. Tucker did nothing, but help his stock in this game though. He had some big plays with his speed and also showed how much he has improved as a receiver with his touchdown catch. He is still projected to be a day two pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
2. Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson Tigers
As mentioned, Clemson was able to come back to get the win over Syracuse. The defense stepped up and didn’t allow Syracuse to score in the second half. Simpson was a big reason why, as he is the leader of the defense at the linebacker position. It didn’t show up in the stat sheet a ton, as he had two total tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks.
Simpson has incredible traits for a linebacker, but still needs to show more production on a consistent basis to be the first linebacker taken in the 2023 NFL Draft. Currently, he is projected to be a first-round pick, even with the relative lack of production.
3. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon Ducks
Oregon was able to get a big win over the UCLA Bruins to take the driver’s seat in the Pac-12. The defense didn’t play their best game, but they did enough to get the win. Christian Gonzalez had a great day at corner for the Ducks. He had five total tackles, one tackle for loss and two passes defended.
Gonzalez has risen up draft boards early this year for how well he has played. He nearly had an interception in this game, but he dropped it. Gonzalez did have good positioning on the play and battled tough. He is currently projected to be a first or second round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
4. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State had the lead on TCU, but ended up falling in the end. The defense was good early in the game, but faded down the stretch. Edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah had a solid day, finishing with five total tackles.
The Wildcats really needed to get more pressure on TCU quarterback Max Duggan, but were unable to do so. As mentioned in the preview of the week, Anudike-Uzomah is a very streaky pass rusher and this was a game where he didn’t have it. He is still a good prospect, as he is projected to be selected in round one or two of the 2023 NFL Draft.
5. Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU Horned Frogs
TCU needed some offensive output in the second half to beat Kansas State and they got it. They were able to gain yards through the air and on the ground. When they passed, Johnston was their best player. He didn’t have a ton of catches, but he made the most of them. Johnson had four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown.
Johnston has been on fire the last few weeks and his stock is soaring. He is a big-bodied receiver, but can also run after the catch a little bit too. It looks like he will be selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft and can be a matchup problem.
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