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 6.
1. Jaren Hall, QB, BYU Cougars
BYU has just one loss on the season, which came to Oregon. They have played well and a lot of that credit goes to quarterback Jaren Hall, who has been able to produce without having some of his top receivers. He has 1,438 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and one interception on 70.2 percent completion so far this season. His legs have also helped just a tad, as he has rushed for 64 yards.
In week 6, the Cougars will play Notre Dame in Las Vegas. While Notre Dame lost their first two games, they won two straight to get back on track and had a bye leading into this game. The Fighting Irish have a few future pros on defense, so Hall can show a lot with his performance. His ability to escape the rush and make plays downfield can really help the Cougars in this game. He is a projected day two pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
2. B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU Tigers
LSU lost their first game of the season, but have gone undefeated since to start off Brian Kelly’s first year. They have plenty of talent on the roster to be successful, including Ojulari. This season, Ojulari has 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. If Ojulari’s name sounds familiar, his brother Azeez played at Georgia and is now with the New York Giants.
The last few weeks have given LSU a chance to get some decent wins, but now they take on Tennessee. Tennessee has a high-powered offense that is run by quarterback Hendon Hooker. They’ll need to make Hooker very uncomfortable to win the game and Ojulari’s speed rushing could make that happen. He is a potential first-round pick and will need to play like it to give LSU a shot.
3. Andre Carter, EDGE, Army Black Knights
Army has struggled out of the gates to a 1-3 record. It is very rare that Army has players that are projected to be early NFL Draft picks, but they have that in Carter. He got on the radar after notching 17 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks last season. So far this season, he has two tackles for loss and two sacks.
The week 6 matchup for Army is Wake Forest, who has a good passing offense. Carter has the prototypical size of an NFL pass rusher at 6-foot-7 and 265 pounds. If he can use his strength to win some matchups, he can help his stock and give his team a chance to pull off the upset. He is projected to be a first or second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
4. Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA Bruins
UCLA has started off the season with a 5-0 record. They are coming off a big win over Washington because of their solid offensive play. Running back Zach Charbonnet is a huge part of the offensive attack. He has rushed for 417 yards and five touchdowns this season.
The Bruins will host Utah in week 6. For UCLA to have a shot to win against the reigning Pac-12 champs, they will need to run the ball effectively. Charbonnet is a powerful runner who is capable of keeping the chains moving. A good game from the offensive line and Charbonnet could get UCLA to bowl eligibility after just six games. He is a projected mid-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
5. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama looks like they can win the National Championship after starting with a 5-0 record. Their offense has been electric and with some quarterback injuries, running backs have had to step up. Gibbs has done that with 378 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. He also has 19 catches for 207 yards and three touchdown catches.
After Bryce Young sprained his shoulder in week 5, Gibbs stepped up. If Young misses this week’s game against Texas A&M, the Crimson Tide will need Gibbs again. His big-play speed and ability to catch the football will really help backup quarterback Jalen Milroe if he has to start. Gibbs is a projected first or second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
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