All Access: CFB Week 3 NFL Draft Watch + The Twin City Tower of Power

The 'Backyard Brawl', the 'Battle of Oklahoma' and a 'P5 Border Clash' take front stage for our college football Week 3 NFL Draft Watch!

Sep 14, 2023

Welcome to the All Access Football Report for Thursday, September 14, 2023, Presented By GRID Camps. The premier pro football free agent destination, the next GRID Camp will be held October 15th in Philadelphia. This is an invite-only, OTA style workout event with combine testing. All Access Football will be in attendance. For players/agents interested for consideration, please visit: www.GRIDCamps.com.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL NFL DRAFT WATCH – WEEK 3

There are numerous great rivalries in college football this week. We examine the top prospects for some of the key contests in Week 3, with an eye on the big uglies. Consider this the All Access Football, ‘Trench Warfare Edition,’ as every team we highlight features one or more prominent NFL offensive line prospect.

In a rivalry that dates back to 1895, the Pitt Panthers will travel to West Virginia for the 106th meeting of the ‘Backyard Brawl.’ While Pittsburgh leads the all-time series 62-40-3, the Mountaineers have won the past six meetings. This game is sure to be a physical matchup! Meanwhile, only 125 miles separates Oklahoma and Tulsa, in what is expected to be a high scoring affair. This game will be won up front, as we have highlighted six hogs in this matchup sure to be on the NFL radar.

The atmosphere is sure to be hostile when former conference rivals Kansas State and Missouri reunite in Columbia, for a Pac-12 vs SEC battle as both teams remain undefeated. Lastly, we travel to Princeton, New Jersey to bring you an under the radar left tackle prospect from the Ivy League. Scroll down and learn more about the ‘Twin City Tower of Power!’

Pittsburgh (1-1) at West Virginia (1-1)

Five To Watch: Pittsburgh Panthers

#76 Matt Goncalves, OT, 6056, 325, 5.22, rSr, Rd4 | The gargantuan Goncalves possesses immense size, adequate bend, tremendous strength and a solid overall base of fundamentals. He has started parts of the past four seasons at both left and right tackle.

#12 MJ Devonshire, CB, 5111, 190, 4.50, rSr, Rd6 | An All-ACC cornerback, Devonshire is willing to stick his nose in the dirt against the run and is also one of the top punt returners in the nation. He began his career at Kentucky and was a two-time high school state champion track performer.

#86 Gavin Bartholomew, TE, 6045, 255, 4.80, Jr, Rd7 | An under the radar prospect, Bartholomew has had a limited role in the Panthers offense but makes the most of his pass-catching opportunities, demonstrating above average athleticism, while being an astute blocker.

#5 Phil Jurkovec, QB, 6052, 235, 4.74, rSr, PFA | A career riddled with injuries and streaky play, Jurkovec is back at it again in 2023 with his up and down roller-coaster ride. Blessed with great size and arm talent, his career never came to fruition at Boston College; he previously played at Notre Dame.

#50 Dayon Hayes, DE, 6031, 270, 4.79, Sr, PFA | Known as the team prankster, Hayes has stepped up his pass-rush ability but could be viewed as a five-technique in the pros due to his frame and questionable speed. There are also some off-field concerns that NFL teams will be sure to investigate.

Five To Watch: West Virginia Mountaineers

#54 Zach Frazier, C, 6025, 310, 5.15, rJr, Rd2 | There is some buzz within the scouting community surrounding Frazier, who’s a grappler in the trenches. A four-year starter for the Mountaineers, he was also a four-time high school wrestling state champion.

#91 Sean Martin, DT, 6052, 293, 4.70, rJr, Rd4 | A major presence along the interior of the defensive line, Martin has showcased the ability to get after the quarterback and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. A notorious weight room warrior, he will test extremely well!

#72 Doug Nester, OT, 6061, 318, 5.22, rSr, PFA | Back to right tackle, the position where he began his collegiate career. Nester spent the past several years at right guard for WVU and previously at Virginia Tech, demonstrating his flexibility to play inside or outside.

#2 Aubrey Burks, FS, 5112, 202, 4.49, Jr, PFA | A physical, fast player who enjoys laying the lumber, Burks bounced back in a big way in ‘22 after suffering a season-ending injury in ‘21. He also runs on special teams units and serves as a gunner on kickoffs.

#5 Devin Carter, WR, 6026, 215, 4.55, rSr, PFA | A playmaker at North Carolina State, Carter was held out of the first game against Duquesne as a precautionary measure due to physical ailments. He’s expected back and possesses an outstanding frame, along with speed and experience on the boundary.

No.19 Oklahoma (2-0) at Tulsa (1-1)

Five To Watch: Oklahoma Sooners

#60 Tyler Guyton, OT, 6065, 316, 5.08, rJr, Rd4 | A high school basketball standout who transferred from TCU, Guyton has made tremendous strides over the past two seasons. His mammoth size, bend, athleticism and upside offer mass appeal to NFL teams.

#28 Danny Stutsman, ILB, 6035, 235, 4.71, Jr, Rd6 | Manning the middle for the Sooners defense is Stutsman, who brings vast size, sharp instincts, the ability to cover immense ground sideline-to-sideline and has been a pure tackle machine. His draft stock arrow is pointing up!

#75 Walter Rouse, OT, 6056, 318, 5.15, rSr, Rd6 | Once considered a top prospect, it has been a road well-traveled for Rouse who owns immense size, a strong base, sound fundamentals and over 2,500 snaps on his resume. He played his final year at Stanford with a torn labrum, which required surgery in December of ’22.

#73 Andrew Raym, C, 6036, 313, 5.18, Sr, Rd7 | A versatile cog, Raym was originally recruited as a tackle before switching to guard and eventually finding a home at center as a sophomore. He’s fully healthy in 2023 after playing through a shoulder injury, which caused him to miss the final three games last year.

#8 Dillon Gabriel, QB, 5112, 207, 4.70, rSr, PFA | While he may look like a micro-fridge, Gabriel has a rocket arm and can throw the deep ball with the best of them. He has a quick, compact throwing motion and can extend plays or pick up the first down with his feet if needed; playing well in ’23.

Five To Watch: Tulsa Golden Hurricane

#1 Kendarian Ray, FS, 6027 215, 4.60, rSr, PFA | With a East-West Shrine Bowl invitation on the table, Ray elected to return back to Tulsa under new head coach Kevin Wilson. His size, experience and production are all attributes that bode well for the former high school quarterback.

#24 Julien Simon, ILB, 6010, 225, 4.65, rSo, PFA | While his presence has yet to be felt, Simon is one worth monitoring. He arrived as a late spring transfer from USC and has assumed the quarterback role of the defense, a transition he is still becoming accustomed to.

#57 Kai-Leon Herbert, OT, 6046, 304, rSr, PFA | A former four-star recruit, Herbert transferred from Miami and suffered a season-ending injury in his first game at Tulsa a season ago. He returns this year as the starting left tackle. If he reaches his full potential, Herbert has next level traits to stick.

#77 Bryce Bray, OT, 6040, 308, rSr, PFA | After missing all of 2022 due to academics, Bray is back starting at Tulsa; he also spent one year as a starter at Oklahoma State. He has since transformed his body, while demonstrating excellent footwork and has the versatility to play tackle or guard.

#56 Will Farniok, C, 6030, 305, 5.25, rSr, PFA | Coming over from Nebraska a year ago, Farniok provided stability at the center position. However, he needs to show more quickness. While not rated as high as his brother Matt (Chicago Bears), look for Will to latch on as an UDFA.

No.15 Kansas State (2-0) at Missouri (2-0)

Five To Watch: Kansas State Wildcats

#50 Cooper Beebe, OG, 6026, 322, 5.13, rSr, Rd2 | A true natural left guard, Beebe has stepped in at left tackle and right tackle in 2023 due to injuries. He had 36 career starts headed into the year and had not allowed a sack since the 2020 season. A candidate to be OG1 in the 2024 NFL Draft.

#29 Khalid Duke, DE, 6032, 247, 4.71, rSr, Rd6 | A hybrid pass-rusher who has lined up at both defensive end spots, Duke is explosive, smart and has displayed a variety of pass-rush moves. Where he fits at the next level will likely be predicated around the scheme he is drafted into.

#34 Ben Sinnott, TE, 6040, 245, 4.65, Jr, Rd7 | An All-World athlete who arrived to Manhattan as a scrawny walk-on, Sinnott has since bulked up 40 pounds, while maintaining his speed. He has morphed into one of the best dual-tight end prospects in the nation due to his ability to block and catch.

#22 Daniel Green, ILB, 6016, 242, 4.79, rSr, PFA | A team captain and enforcer, Green is a tackle machine. He played through a foot injury in ’22, which motivated him to return with the intent to improve his draft stock. However, bulky, downhill thumper linebackers are nearly extinct in the NFL.

#18 Will Howard, QB, 6042, 240, 4.72, Sr, PFA | A smart, decisive signal-caller with prototype size, Howard is a traditional pocket-passer who makes smart, quick decisions and decisive throws. He possesses all the traits that NFL teams crave, so don’t be surprised to see him rise between now and April.

Five To Watch: Missouri Tigers

#3 Javon Foster, OT, 6052, 319, 5.05, rSr, Rd2 | The case study of Foster during the draft process will be interesting. While he doesn’t check off all the boxes in terms of measurables, the three-year starter wins with outstanding technique and brings that Motor City toughness on each play.

#8 Ty'Ron Hopper, OLB, 6021, 221, 4.56, rSr, Rd6 | It’s all about the upside with Hopper, who arrived from Florida a year ago and instantly made an impact, leading the team with 13.5 tackles for loss. A former high school safety, he is also capable defending the pass.

#6 Darius Robinson, DT, 6051, 296, 4.83, rSr, Rd7 | A prospect with tools to build on, Robinson needs a more consistent showing to impact his draft status, as his effort tends to waver. A vocal leader with a positive, upbeat personality, according to coaches

#7 Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, 5112, 178, 4.39, Sr, Rd7 | After a breakout year, K.A.D. had offers from other SEC schools, in addition to agents urging him to turn pro. Mature beyond his years, he wisely returned for another year. The Mobile native owns top-notch speed and also returns kicks.

#2 Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, 6000, 198, 4.50, rJr, PFA | Mizzou has a dynamic CB duo in K.A.D and E.R.J. With a strong build, Rakestraw Jr. shows a nose for the football as a willing tackler, in addition to being a savvy cover-man. He gets his hands on a high amount of pass deflections.

ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL NETWORK

On Location: 1-on-1 With The Twin City Tower of Power

PRINCETON — This week marks the official start of the 2023 Ivy League football season. One player that NFL scouts will be paying close attention to is Princeton Tigers left tackle Jalen Travis.

A native of Minneapolis, Travis who was an All-Ivy League performer in 2022, continued to rack up accolades during the offseason, earning the Truman Scholarship for public service (Ivy League players do not receive athletic scholarships), while being named to the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List and the East-West Shrine Bowl Top 1000. In addition, Travis was also voted a team captain for the leadership role he plays.

Upon stepping onto the Finney and Campbell Fields, the first noticeable trait that stands out about Travis is his mammoth posture. Standing in at 6-foot-7 and 318 pounds, he moves extremely well for a man of his size. It has been a regular occurrence to see NFL scouts in attendance at Princeton practices. On any given day, they’ll be quick to observe how Travis toys with the medicine ball effortlessly like a basketball in warmups, as his fellow lineman require a bit more labor.

During the scrimmage portion of practice, you could see the impressive athleticism of Travis, who is a fluid mover down the line on pull blocks. He is also a main reason why Princeton had the number one offense in the Ivy League last season. Despite all the success, Travis understands the mission ahead of him before he gets the opportunity to play Sunday football.

“Part of the reason which convinced my family and me to come here was the coaching staff and the belief in coach [Bob] Surace that if I come here and play football, I can achieve all of my dreams on the field that I would at a different school. The NFL is always a dream of a competitor, especially when you start playing this game. You want to play at the highest level but you also know that coming here, I would be able to get a world-class education and have the world’s best insurance policy per se.” — Princeton LT Jalen Travis

There have already been representatives from 18 NFL teams who have made the on campus visit to get an up close look at the ‘Twin City Tower of Power’ and for good reason. Travis possesses all the attributes that NFL evaluators seek in a left tackle prospect. The Princeton pipeline to pros currently includes 2023 sixth round pick WR Andrei Iosivas of the Cincinnati Bengals, TE Jesper Horstead of the Oakland Raiders, TE Steve Carlson of the Chicago Bears and OG Henry Byrd of the Minnesota Vikings. You can be sure to add OT Jalen Travis to that list come this time next year.

EDITOR’S NOTE: For the pro football decision makers who read this column, we would like to make you aware that during our visit to Princeton, former Cleveland Browns fourth round pick Seth DeValve was at practice. Fully healthy, in game shape and back with an enhanced long snapper skill-set, NFL teams may want to give him a call.

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