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 9.
Missouri has just one loss so far this season. They haven’t really played up to their potential though despite the good record. Part of that is because of the offense, including Luther Burden. He has played better as of late. So far this season, he has 37 catches for 447 yards and four touchdowns.
The Tigers are playing Alabama. Alabama’s defense hasn’t been as good as in past years, so Burden will need to take advantage. He is an explosive athlete and good route runner. Burden can stretch the field vertically and find the soft spot against zone coverage. He needs to improve his run blocking and he doesn’t have the biggest catch radius. Burden can also show intensity on every route he runs. He has he potential to be selected early in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Alabama has two losses before the end of October. Their defense hasn’t played up to their standards this season. There has been a standout in linebacker Jihaad Campbell. This season, he has 58 total tackles, six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
The defense will have to improve if Missouri plays to their potential this week. Campbell can help with that. He has good athleticism for his size. Campbell is quick and can diagnose running plays quickly. He won’t offer a ton in coverage, but his ability to help against the run is valuable.
LSU has just one loss this season and it seems like they are settling in. Their offense has some firepower, which is a product of a good offensive line. Will Campbell has been one of the best offensive tackles in the country this season, protecting Garrett Nussmeier’s blindside along the way.
Campbell will be going up a talented defensive line at Texas A&M this week. He has shown to be a good pass protector, using his good strength to neutralize pass rushers. Campbell has struggled as a run blocker this season and can help the running game more. He is in contention to be the first offensive tackle taken in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Texas A&M lost in week 1, but are undefeated since. Their defense has played well and they have some really good talent on that side of the ball. Nic Scourton transferred in from Purdue this offseason and has created an instant impact. He has 19 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks this season.
Scourton will have a battle against a good LSU offensive line this week. He is a bigger edge rusher at285 pounds, which gives him good strength and a nice bull rush. Scourton has decent burst as well. He can show better awareness against the run and lacks some flexibility. He is on track to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Colorado has two losses this season and it seems like they are on track for a solid year. They have some great athletes willing the team to victory with the best being Travis Hunter. The two-way player has 604 receiving yards, six touchdowns, two interceptions and three passes defended.
The Buffaloes will likely be in a shootout Saturday against Cincinnati, which will require Hunter’s efforts on both sides of the ball. He is a great athlete with great body control. Hunter runs routes well and is also able to mirror route runner in coverage. He tracks the ball well whether he is on offense or defense. Hunter has been dealing with a shoulder injury, but should be good to go this week.
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