While the 2020 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 five NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 12.
1. D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia Bulldogs
Swift is atop a lot of lists for top running backs in the 2020 NFL Draft. He has had to spark the Georgia offense a lot, as quarterback Jake Fromm has been unable to find receivers downfield a lot. On the season, Swift has 921 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. He has added 172 receiving yards and one touchdown.
This week, Swift will be going up against a stout Auburn defense. If Fromm continues to leave the offense sputtering, Swift will have to find some room on the ground. That will be tough, as Auburn has one of the best defensive lines in the country. If he wants to be the first running back selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, a good game in this one could help cement that status.
2. K.J. Britt, LB, Auburn Tigers
Britt isn’t popping up in a lot of draft talk, but probably should be. The junior has 44 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He has good speed and is able to lay some big hits down. Britt sets the tone for Auburn’s defense from his linebacker position.
His main task this week will be stopping Swift in the running game. Luckily, that is what he does well. For him to improve his draft stock, he’ll have to show he is better in coverage. Look for the linebacker to make some plays in this rivalry game, which could turn the tide for the Tigers.
3. Creed Humphrey, OG/C, Oklahoma
Oklahoma has plenty of good prospects. Most of the players at the skill positions get all the love, but their center, Creed Humphrey could be the best pro out of the bunch. He has helped the offense averaged 48.4 points per game up to this point of the season.
This week, the Sooners play an undefeated Baylor team with a lot on the line. They’ll need Humphrey to lead the offensive line and provide good blocking. Doing so will help keep Oklahoma’s CFP chances alive. Humphrey is in contention to be the first interior offensive lineman selected and a good game against Baylor will help him along the way.
4. Carter Coughlin, Edge, Minnesota
Whether people are giving them credit or not, Minnesota has playmakers on both sides of the ball. Carter Coughlin is a good pass rusher, who had 9.5 sacks last year. This season, he has just 4.5 sacks, but he could be an x-factor down the stretch for the Golden Gophers. If he can produce more pressure, Minnesota could continue to win big games.
Coughlin doesn’t have ideal size, at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, but those are solid measurements for a pass rusher. He is likely going to be a mid-round pick at best, but could improve his draft status if he plays better down the stretch. Going up against a talented Iowa offensive line will give him a chance to impress people.
5. Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Clemson hasn’t had too many opportunities to play quality competition. That will change this week when they play Wake Forest. Not all of their good players are draft-eligible, but Tee Higgins is a play-maker who could be one of the first wide receivers selected. He has 36 receptions for 735 yards and five touchdowns on the season.
Higgins has good size at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, which will make him more valuable to teams. He is a big target, but has solid athleticism as well. This will be Clemson’s biggest game for the rest of the season, until the CFP, so watching Higgins now is a good idea.
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