All Access: CFB Week 1 NFL Draft Watch

It's a full docket of college football action for Week 1 and we've got you covered with the names you need to know in all the marquee matchups!

Aug 31, 2023

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL NFL DRAFT WATCH – WEEK 1

The Week 1 college football slate is loaded with five consecutive days of game action! It all kicks off on Thursday with the Florida Gators, as they make the trek to Provo for a prime time matchup against the mighty Utah Utes. Unfortunately, news late in the week has indicated that Utah star signal-caller Cam Rising will sit out due to injury. Instead, the Utes will turn to former walk-on Bryson Barnes! On Saturday, we’ll crown the top quarterback of Carolina, as Drake Maye of the North Carolina Tar Heels squares off against Spencer Rattler of South Carolina Gamecocks. Those in need of a Sunday football fix will be treated to an opening week re-match, featuring the LSU Tigers and Florida State Seminoles, two teams expected to compete for a College Football Playoffs spot. Buckle up and enjoy!

No.5 LSU vs No. Florida State

Monday, September 3, 2023

Player Spotlight: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

The dual-threat talents and pedigree of Daniels is top shelf. He owns a quick, compact release and can throw on the move, or step into pressure in order to make the completion. As a runner, he is fearless in the open field, utilizing his instincts and quicks. While his mechanics continue to develop, Daniels has shown constant improvement and owns all the intangibles that NFL decision-makers seek. A true leader, the California product has been a starter since his freshman year of high school, all through Arizona State, plus last year in Baton Rouge, his finest season to date. Stay tuned, the best is yet to come. Summary:

Daniels provided glimpses of his potential a year ago, completing 68.6% of his passes for 2,913 passing yards, another 885 rushing yards, 29 total touchdowns and just three interceptions. His performance this year will be under the microscope, as the Tigers will only go as far as Daniels can carry them. LSU is bracing for a deep run and Daniels owns the potential to surpass every quarterback in college football on draft boards, if everything clicks.

Five To Watch: LSU Tigers

#0 Maason Smith, DT, 6036, 300, 4.85, rSo., Rd1 | An impact freshman who missed all of last season due to injury, Smith will sit this game out due to a one game suspension. Keep an eye on the potential top ten pick moving forward.

#8 Malik Nabers, WR, 6002, 195, 4.48, Jr., Rd1 | An impressive combination of size, speed, athleticism and route running, Nabers possesses all the traits that could make him the top wideout off the board come April.

#5 Jayden Daniels, QB, 6025, 200, 4.52, rSr., Rd2 | With 43 starts under his belt, Daniels possesses the experience, arm strength and dual-threat capability that could catapult into the first round conversation by season’s end.

#18 Mekhi Wingo, DT, 6002, 295, 4.96, Jr., Rd2 | Earned a starting role with Tigers in ‘22 after making an immediate impact as a freshman at Missouri. A great athlete with quick get-off, Wingo is a team leader known for prestige character.

#2 Ovie Oghoufo, LB, 6030, 239, 4.70, rSr, Rd3 | Spent first three seasons at Notre Dame with Brian Kelly, transferred to Texas for two years and will now start for the Tigers. Owns ability to get after the quarterback (13.5 career sacks).

Five To Watch: Florida State Seminoles

#5 Jared Verse, DE, 6032, 253, 4.72, rJr., Rd1 | A high-motor pass-rusher, many draft pundits were surprised when Verse decided to return back to Tallahassee. He appears destined to be a top 10 pick due to his size, strength, technique and tenacity.

#14 Johnny Wilson, WR, 6061, 240, 4.54, rJr, Rd2 | The cross country transfer from Arizona State to Florida State payed huge dividends for Wilson who busted out in a big way last year. The humungous target could be viewed as a tight end in the NFL.

#13 Jordan Travis, QB, 6005, 212, 4.55, rSr., Rd4 | An efficient signal-caller, Travis busted out in ‘22 and carries momentum. He thrives in the short-to-intermediate game as a quick, decisive decision-maker who needs to reel in his accuracy.

#1 Akeem Dent, SS, 6010, 195, 4.50, rSr., Rd4 | An experienced leader with real size, speed and instincts, Dent will need to prove durable to scouts. He missed much of this offseason after an injury suffered late last year.

#0 Jaheim Bell, TE, 6016, 233, 4.61, rJr., Rd5 | The do-it-all transfer from South Carolina is a jackknife; in ‘22 he lined up 45 times at tight end, had 140 snaps at running back, 90 reps in the slot and 30 snaps as a boundary wideout.

No.21 North Carolina vs South Carolina

Saturday, September 2, 2023

Player Spotlight: Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina

The Spencer Rattler story has been well-chronicled. Former five-star recruit flames out, transfers … we have seen these trials and tribulations before. Many times, the script does not come with a Hollywood ending. However, the final chapter on Rattler has yet to be written. The Phoenix native possesses the arm talent to make all the throws, can bide time in the pocket and extend plays, plus owns a short memory—for better or worse. What makes Rattler so great is also what makes him a liability at times. While he is very astute making reads, his maturity and decision-making have constantly been called into question. South Carolina HC Shane Beamer praised him for his leadership and poise during the spring.

Few quarterback possess as much experience as Rattler, who has thrown for 7,621 passing yards and totaled 70 touchdowns, to 24 interceptions, while completing 68.4% of his passes during his collegiate career across Oklahoma and South Carolina. He saved the best for last, passing for 798 yards and eight touchdowns in the regular season finales against Tennessee and Clemson. This season will determine whether or not Rattler can recapture his first round draft stock.

Five To Watch: North Carolina Tar Heels

#10 Drake Maye, QB, 6043, 225, 4.58, rSo., Rd1 | Blessed with great size, pocket poise, arm strength and processing, Maye was a revelation in his first year as a starter for the Tar Heels. A Heisman contender and possible top five overall selection.

#33 Cedric Gray, LB, 6021, 235, 4.52, Jr., Rd2 | A defensive playmaker who carries on the tradition of athletic linebackers out of UNC, Gray is a tackle machine and gets his mittens on a lot of balls. Expect him to ascend up draft boards.

#8 Myles Murphy, DT, 6045, 305, 5.03, Jr., Rd4 | Yes, there is another Myles Murphy on the NFL Draft radar. The one-time four-star recruit grew up fast down the stretch of last season and is expected to take another big step forward in ‘23.

#18 Bryson Nesbit, TE, 6051, 235, 4.64, Jr., Rd6 | The chemistry between Maye and Nesbit continues to mesh well. A large, athletic target, Nesbit is elusive after the catch and able to break tackles for additional yards after contact.

#9 Devontez Walker, WR, 6016, 195, 4.46, Jr., Rd7 | Another option whom Maye will look for frequently, Walker is a lengthy, quick playmaker who knows how to sniff out the Red Zone.

Five To Watch: South Carolina Gamecocks

#3 Antwane Wells Jr., WR, 6006, 210, 4.54, rSr., Rd2 | A strong, physical receiver, Wells Jr. is a clean route runner, able to gain separation and track the ball. In addition, ‘Juice’ demonstrates excellent in-game speed after the catch; a transfer from JMU.

#7 Spencer Rattler, QB, 6005, 218, 4.63, rSr., Rd3 | While his career fizzled at Oklahoma, Rattler has since sizzled for the Gamecocks. His athletic ability to extend plays, arm talent and veteran experience make for an intriguing NFL evaluation.

#1 Trey Knox, TE, 6035, 250, 4.54, rSr., Rd5 | The speedy grad transfer from Arkansas has been nursing an injury for much of the fall but is expected to get the start for opening week, based on latest reports. His work in traffic makes him an ideal Red Zone threat.

#91 Tonka Hemingway, DT, 6022, 290, 4.98, rSr., Rd6 | One prospect heavily on the Senior Bowl radar is Hemingway, notably for his athletic prowess and ability to create pressure from the interior of the defensive line, a huge asset at the next level.

#7 Jordan Strachan, DE, 6042, 245, 4.64, rSr., Rd7 | A seventh-year senior, Strachan has endured his share of turbulence since arriving from Georgia State. However, his size/speed ratio and ability to get after the quarterback makes him a valuable commodity.

Florida at No.14 Utah

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Player Spotlight: Princely Umanmielen, DE, Florida

The maturation of Umanmielen is unfolding before our very eyes. He came on like a gangbuster towards the end of last season, capturing the attention of pro scouts due to his tremendous bend and balance on the edge, in addition to his incredible lower body strength. New DC Austin Armstrong spent the spring installing a 3-4 base defense, which means Umanmielen will now be asked to stand up and even drop back into coverage at times. This will help develop him into a complete player, as he already takes great pride in stopping the run. However, what will allure NFL teams the most is his ability to wreak havoc on the quarterback.

Expectations have been elevated coming off a season where he set career-highs across the board with 39 tackles, nine and a half tackles for loss, along with four and a half sacks. Much of that production came after Brenton Cox was dismissed from the Gators. With an entire training camp to prepare as a full-time starter and a new defensive scheme that should cater to his skill-set, Umanmielen could become one of the fast draft risers over the course of this season.

Five To Watch: Florida Gators

#33 Princely Umanmielen, DE, 6035, 245, 4.68, Sr., Rd2 | A raw specimen whose upside is based more on his potential at the moment, Umanmielen is projected to be one of the biggest risers of the 2023 NFL Draft season!

#3 Jason Marshall Jr., CB, 6002, 198, 4.37, Jr., Rd2 | The Miami native possesses blazing speed, along with top-notch size and tremendous man coverage abilities. Another strong campaign could place Marshall into the first round mix.

#58 Austin Barber, OT, 6054, 300, 5.05, rSo., Rd2 | A versatile lineman, Barber assumes the starting left tackle role this season and owns impressive athleticism. He understands how to operate in space and moves well on pull/second level blocks.

#2 Montrell Johnson Jr., RB, 5096, 218, 4.58, Rd6 | An angry runner with a compact frame, Johnson Jr. is the lead engine in the Gators backfield by committee. He made a conscious effort to improve upon his pass protection and catching during the offseason.

#1 Ricky Pearsall, WR, 6005, 200, 4.45, rSr., Rd7 | The sure-handed Pearsall is big, fast and explosive. He’s expected to be implemented in an array of ways including out wide, in the slot, in the backfield and as a punt returner; owns sturdy size and superb speed.

Five To Watch: Utah Utes

#8 Cole Bishop, FS, Utah, 6020, 206, 4.52, Jr, Rd5 | A tenacious run-stuffer capable of plugging the hole and blowing up the backfield, Bishop enters his third season as a starter. He should test very well and boasts great size.

#80 Brant Kuithe, TE, 6020, 220, 4.62, rSr., Rd6 | Coming off a torn ACL, the staff has been slow to ramp up Kuithe. He brings vast experience but NFL scouts will want to see if he has bounced back and able to capture his previous track speed.

#33 Jonah Elliss, DE, Utah, 6020, 246, 4.68, Jr, Rd7 | A rising rusher who needs to finish and take the next step in his development, Elliss is a Utes legacy player. His father Luther, is a Utah legend and current DL coach who spent a decade in the NFL.

#21 Karene Reid, LB, 5116, 227, 4.65, Jr, PFA | Named a team captain this summer, Reid makes plays against the run, is utilized as a blitzer and is savvy in baiting the quarterback into throwing interceptions; coming off a breakout ‘22 campaign.

#2 Micah Bernard, RB, 6000, 195, 4.40, rJr, PFA | After dipping his toes in the transfer portal, Bernard opted to return. The all-purpose back is used as a runner, receiver, returner and has also played corner but has had an injury-laden career.

For year-round coverage of the NFL Draft and everything football, be sure to subscribe to our All Access Football Newsletter and follow us @NFLDraftBible.

COMING SOON: GRID CAMP HOT LIST & PODCAST

The first-ever GRID Camps free agent showcase was held on August 13th in Philadelphia. All Access Football was on location and will be bringing you the GRID Camps Hot List, highlighting top standouts from the event. Plus, the first edition of the All Access Football Podcast, featuring GRID Camps CEO Tom Goodhines, USFL head coach John DeFilippo and special guests. Hosted by Hype and Ric. Due to popular demand GRID Camps, the premier free agent destination, will be returning to West Chester University for the second camp on Sunday, October 15th. For more information be sure to visit: www.GRIDCamps.com