All Access: CFB Week 2 NFL Draft Watch

College Football action is in full throttle for Week 2 and we have you covered with a look at the top prospects in action!

Sep 07, 2023

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL NFL DRAFT WATCH – WEEK 2

The college football season generates pure excitement each week. A look ahead at Week 2 reveals several marquee ‘P5’ matchups that NFL scouts will be paying close attention to. Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian returns to Tuscaloosa after nearly pulling off the upset a year ago in Austin. Best believe Nick Saban will have his Alabama squad ready for this prime time affair! Staying in the southeast, the Miami Hurricanes are another program looking to recapture old magic, as they host Texas A&M in an ACC vs SEC affair. It’s never too early for a rivalry game and there’s a good one in Ames, as Iowa State seeks to re-claim the Cy-Hawk Trophy once again versus Iowa. Let’s dive in.

No.11 Texas Longhorns (1-0) at No.4 Alabama (1-0)

Saturday, September 9th, 7:00p ET | ESPN

Player Spotlight: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Plenty of NFL scouts are sipping the Kool-Aid on the flashy McKinstry who is a lockdown corner but also an electrifying runner with the ball in his hands. He possesses ideal size, blazing speed, along with fluid hips and change of direction. The Birmingham native is adept in man or zone due to his natural ball-skills and instincts. There is some room to improve in his off-ball coverage and tackling ability. Overall, this is a prime time player who has improved every year.

The most dangerous punt returner in college football a year ago, McKinstry had over 300 punt return yards and averaged nearly 16 yards per return. In addition, he had an impressive 15 pass deflections, to go along with 35 tackles and one interception at the cornerback position. McKinstry will be matched up against the opposing number one wide out on a weekly basis in the SEC, which will provide him the opportunity to solidify his first round draft status.

Five To Watch: Texas Longhorns

#3 Quinn Ewers, QB, 6020, 204, 4.76, rSo., Rd1 | A pro-style quarterback who can utilize his athleticism if needed, Ewers has flashed big time potential for the Longhorns. His quick release, ability to make a variety of throws and remain accurate when throwing on the move are all positive attributes but he must stay healthy.

#1 Xavier Worthy, WR, 6010, 164, 4.29, Jr., Rd1 | One of the fastest players in college football, Worthy can take the top off any defense. Despite being known for his speed, he possesses an extended route tree, demonstrates the ability to create separation and is a natural pass-catcher with dynamic return ability.

#0 Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, 6040, 241, 4.76, Jr., Rd2 | Look for Sanders to have a big year due to his athletic mismatch for opposing defenses. His combination of size, speed, route running, along with dependable hands and competent blocking abilities would seem to make him a top 100 candidate.

#70 Christian Jones, OT, 6053, 314, 5.20, rSr., Rd6 | A sixth-year senior and team leader, Jones is an anchor on the offensive line, who makes great use of his hands. He sets the edge well in pass protection and sheds blocks with ease in route to move the second level; agile. Limited ceiling but high floor.

#93 T'Vondre Sweat, DT, 6043, 346, 5.28, rSr, Rd7 | Providing a major presence in the middle of the Longhorns defensive line stands Sweat, who owns impressive mobility for his size. He can stuff the run, get after the quarterback, make stops behind the line of scrimmage and instills confidence in teammates.

Five To Watch: Alabama Crimson Tide

#1 Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, 6010, 195, 4.37, Jr., Rd1 | A press-cover man, McKinstry has earned his oats lining up against the best of the SEC. Blessed with prototype size, top-notch speed, fluid hips and great instincts, McKinstry also duals as a return man.

#15 Dallas Turner, DE, 6040, 242, 4.52, Jr., Rd1 | The high-motor Turner steps out of the shadow from Will Anderson Jr., as he looks to stake his claim as a top draft pick. He is just scratching the surface of his potential; great size, versatility and leadership.

#13 Malachi Moore, FS, 5107, 199, 4.50, Jr., Rd2 | With Moore considered day-to-day after suffering a minor injury in Week 1 on punt coverage, his status remains questionable. When on the field, he moonlights between nickel back and safety.

#3 Jermaine Burton, WR, 6000, 194, 4.49, Sr., Rd5 | After spending two seasons at Georgia, the streaky Burton has flashed signs of greatness with the Crimson Tide. However, head coach Nick Saban has challenged him to dedicate more time to hining his craft and becoming a more consistent performer.

#7 Ja’Corey Brooks, WR, 6022, 195, 4.46, Jr., Rd6 | Coming off a suspension, Brooks sat out the first half of the Tennessee State game in Week 1. A former five-star recruit with size, speed and natural hands, Brooks breaks off big chunks of yardage and owns special teams experience.

No.23 Texas A&M (1-0) at Miami (1-0)

Saturday, September 9th, 3:30p ET | ABC

Player Spotlight: Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M

The do-it-all Aggies standout is a position-less weapon who lines up at wideout, running back and is used in pre-snap motion. Pop in the film on Smith and it is littered with highlight reel type plays. His suddenness and change of direction is what makes him most dangerous—get the ball in his hands and let him work his magic is often a formula for success. The superb route running, combined with his speed and elusiveness might remind some of San Francisco 49ers star Deebo Samuel—he implements similar head fakes, jab steps and body gyrations during his setup.

The hype train came to a brief halt last season, as Smith suffered a fractured leg early in the year. In 37 career games, he has totaled 1,996 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns. Look for him to get back on track with his slice and dice ways in 2023—HC Jimbo Fisher stated that Smith will take on punt return duties in addition to other duties. When healthy, few prospects bring the multi-dimensional skill-set such as Smith.

Five To Watch: Texas A&M Aggies

#3 McKinnley Jackson, DT, 6020, 325, 5.10, Sr., Rd1 | Lookout for Jackson who possesses a lightning quick first step, is explosive off the ball and demonstrates great power at the point of attack. He is too much to handle one-on-one and can generate pressure inside.

#5 Shemar Turner, DT, 6034, 305, 4.82, Jr., Rd2 | There is mass potential in Turner who has played up and down the defensive line. He excels setting the edge and holding containment but has also been kicked inside when needed, showcasing his ability to play nose tackle.

#64 Layden Robinson, OG, 6032, 330, 5.30, rSr., Rd5 | An aggressive, physical mauler, Robinson owns a high motor and displays great strength. He utilizes a strong arm punch, seeks out contact, finishes his blocks and plays through the whistle; gritty.

#26 Demani Richardson, SS, 6010, 215, 4.52, rSr., Rd6 | A team leader who owns vast experience, Richardson shows a strong nose for the football. He possesses excellent closing speed and is a solid open field tackler— high floor prospect.

#7 Moose Muhammad III, WR, 6006, 205, 4.49, rJr., Rd7 | While Muhammad flashes excellent ball skills and will show up on highlights with big splash plays, he needs to become a more refined route runner. His name precedes him, as he tries to live up to his father’s legacy.

Five To Watch: Miami Hurricanes

#56 Leonard Taylor, DT, 6026, 305, 4.83, Rd2 | Not enough folks are talking about Taylor as a potential first round pick come April. His sudden burst, explosiveness, athleticism and versatility are impressive. NFL scouts want to see Taylor step his game up against top-caliber competition

#24 Kamren Kinchens, FS, 5112, 202, 4.50, Jr., Rd2 | An All-American standout who creates turnovers (six interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery in ‘22), Kinchens boasts superb speed, is quick to close and is a willing tackler against the run.

#0 James Williams, SS, 6042, 224, 4.51, Jr, Rd2 | A towering, hard-hitting safety, Williams is an enforcer on the backend of the secondary. The former five-star recruit has yet to hit his full potential but brings unique size and athleticism, along with a nose for the ball.

#70 Javion Cohen, OG, 6036, 305, 4.99, rSr., Rd3 | A high pedigree player who has lived up to his four-star billing, Cohen is a polished product who could contribute immediately at the next level. He had zero sacks allowed in 11 starts at Alabama in ‘22; projects as LG.

#9 Tyler Van Dyke, QB, 6037, 230, 4.80, rJr., Rd4 | Big expectations surround ‘TVD’ in Miami. An injury to his throwing shoulder forced Van Dyke to take pain shots down the stretch of ‘22. He is now healthy and poised to gain back his top 100 draft status.

No.25 Iowa at Iowa State

Saturday, September 9th, 3:30p ET | FOX

Player Spotlight: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

One of the most versatile players in college football DeJean is a well-rounded defensive back with elite instincts, top-notch coverage skills, tenacious physicality and special teams experience. He has lined up on the boundary, in the slot, at safety and could probably play wide receiver if asked to do so. Iowa plays a very heavy zone-based defensive scheme, which allows DeJean to take advantage of his read-and-react skills. His willingness to step up against the run is evident, as he is a sure-fire open field tackler.

A student of the game, DeJean terrorized opposing quarterbacks last season with five interceptions, including a school-record three pick-six returns for a touchdown. In addition, he was one of the top run defenders, making 75 stops and averaged an impressive 16.5 yards per punt return. It only seemed fitting that he capped his year off as Music City Bowl MVP. The South Dakota native has proven to be one of the top cornerbacks in the nation. Some NFL decision-makers believe he could also project as a Harrison Smith-type safety at the next level, making him first round bound come April.

Five To Watch: Iowa Hawkeyes

#3 DeJean Cooper, SS, 6010, 209, 4.43, Jr., Rd1, | One of the most versatile players in college football DeJean is a well-rounded defensive back with elite instincts, top-notch coverage skills, tenacious physicality and special teams experience. He has lined up on the boundary, in the slot and at safety.

#85 Luke Lachey, TE, 6051, 252, 4.70, rJr., Rd2 | A tall, strong pass-catcher who is athletic enough to line up out wide, Lachey is also used at fullback. The basketball background shows up on film and he is a physical runner after the catch; father (Jim) was NFL All Pro.

#77 Connor Colby, OG, 6045, 308, 5.05, Jr., Rd4 | A versatile cog in the trenches, Colby made the first seven starts in ’22 at right tackle, where he struggled at times in pass protection—he would start the final six games at left guard. This year, he begins at right tackle, where he he can utilize his physicality.

#9 Tory Taylor, P, 6036, 232, Sr, Rd4 | The 26-year old from Australia is widely considered to be the top punter prospect in the land. Taylor has been called the MVP of the Hawkeyes and nearly half of his punts (38-of-82) landed inside the 20-yard line in 2022; a difference-maker on special teams.

#83 Erick All, TE, 6041, 255, 4.68, rSr, Rd5 | Known to be a notorious workout warrior, All is coming off back surgery which kept him out for most of ‘22. The former Michigan team captain needs to firm up his blocking skills—he came to the right school to do it.

Five To Watch: Iowa State Cyclones

#2 T.J. Tampa, CB, 6010, 185, 4.45, Sr, Rd6 | Known for coming up big in the clutch, Tampa possesses great size and speed. He is a solid wrap up tackler versus the run and an excellent cover man—leaper who had a basketball scholarship offer from JMU and a football scholarship from Georgia.

#87 Easton Dean, TE, 6055, 249, 4.79, rSr, Rd7 | The son of a coach, Dean blends astute blocking and capable hands, as the next Cyclones tight end with pro potential. He played through a soft tissue injury last season and is poised to make a bigger impact in the passing game this year.

#13 Jaylin Noel, WR, 5090, 190, 4.45, Jr., PFA | An instant impact player who has improved each season, Noel possesses track speed, which makes him a threat as a wideout and return man (KR/PR). A notorious hard worker who works on the fine details, he demonstrates savvy route running ability.

#14 Dimitri Stanley, WR, 5114, 196, 4.55, PFA | A strong-handed receiver who thrives in contested catch situations, Stanley can lineup inside or outside. His father, Walter, was a standout at Colorado (where Dimitri transferred from) and played a decade in the NFL.

#21 Jirehl Brock, RB, 5106, 220, 4.53, rSr, PFA | A former four-star recruit who bided his time for three seasons behind Breece Hall (Jets), Brock combines size and speed. He battled injuries during his first year as a starter and was also charged in a gambling probe prior to the start of the season.

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Podcast Alert: Reese’s Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy joined Ric Serritella upon their release of the 2023 Watch List. Tune-in for an in-depth conversation into the world of scouting, what goes into assembling the Senior Bowl Watch List, the success and hardships of the job, plus a look at the week-long festivities that will be occurring in Mobile, including the Senior Bowl 75th Anniversary Team, presented by the NFLPA. Enjoy!