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 9 recap.
Related:Â NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 9
1. Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA Bruins
UCLA won a close game in Colorado in week 9 to keep their solid season going. Their defense specifically created problems for the Buffaloes, holding them to just 18 points. Latu was projected to have a big day and he did, finishing with three total tackles and two sacks.
Latu exploited a weakness on Colorado, as their offensive line has struggled. He has moved his way up draft boards and could be the first edge rushers selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Latu has a significant medical history, so teams will have to look into that before drafting him early.
2. Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU Cougars
BYU had a tough matchup against Texas in week 9. The Cougars were unable to keep the game close, losing 35-9. While their offense struggled, there were some bright spots. Suamataia played solidly at left tackle for the Cougars.
In the game, Suamataia was able to show light feet for his size and controlled his matchups. There are plenty of good tackles in the 2024 NFL Draft class, so every game matters. Currently Suamataia is a projected day two pick.
3. Patrick Paul, OT, Houston Cougars
Houston had a rough game against Kansas State where nothing seemed to work. Their offense didn’t score a point. Offensive tackle Patrick Paul has been a bright spot for the Cougars all season long, but it was tough to see many positives from this game.
Over the season, Paul has shown his good length and he also finishes plays well. That good demeanor and mentality could have him moving up draft boards as the draft gets closer. As mentioned, there are a lot of good tackles in the draft class, so Paul will have to continue playing well down the stretch.
4. Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia faced an improving Florida passing attack in week 9 and shut them down. The Bulldogs won 43-20 and their defense played well. Lassiter had another good game, which has been common for him this season. He finished the outing with five total tackles.
Lassiter has made several key plays for Georgia this season. He has been a solid tackling corner and can still show more ball skills. Georgia has plenty of key games down the stretch for Lassiter to continue to improve his stock. He is currently projected to be a day two pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
5. Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina’s rough season continued on Saturday, as they dropped their matchup with Texas A&M. Losing 30-17 makes it hard to find positives, as their offense specifically struggled. Legette also didn’t have his greatest game, as he finished with three catches for 20 yards.
His stock has been constantly improving this season, as it is the first season he has produced in a major way. This game won’t help him and he’ll need to get back on track to battle for positioning in a talented and deep wide receiver class. He currently is projected to be a day-two pick.
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