All Access: CFB Week 7 NFL Draft Watch
Big time matchups in the SEC, ACC & Pac-12 this week. We examine which prospects NFL evaluators will be keeping tabs on, buckle up!
Welcome to the All Access Football NFL Draft Watch For Week 7 of the college football season. Want to know who’s out in front for the Heisman Trophy race, which quarterbacks are first round bound, or need to know the scoop on top NFL storylines? Join The Sports Rage hosted by Gabriel Morency, featuring special guest Ric Serritella in the video above. You can listen live every Tuesday night at 10pm eastern, channel 204 on SIRIUSXM Radio.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NFL DRAFT WATCH — WEEK 7
There are sure to be plenty of ramifications on the line in a battle of undefeated Pac-12 teams this Saturday when Oregon visits Washington. Two of the premier quarterbacks in the nation will square off in what many consider to be a Heisman showdown when Bo Nix duals against Michael Penix Jr. While opinions may vary, both signal-callers are in the mix to be potential first round picks come April and this contest could go a long way in determining how organizations stack their big board.
Other marquee matchups this week include Texas A&M at Tennessee and Wake Forest at Virginia Tech, with plenty or prospects to scout on both sides of the ball. Here’s a look at five prospects for each school that are sure to catch the attention of NFL decision-makers.
No.8 Oregon (5-0) at No.7 Washington (5-0)
Saturday, October 14, 2023 | 3:30p ET ABC
Five To Watch: Oregon Ducks
#0 Bucky Irving, RB, 5092, 196, 4.45, Jr, Rd4 | One of the most elusive and electrifying playmakers in college football, Irving is a pure speed-burner. A four-star recruit who originally began at Minnesota, he has also been utilized as a receiver out of the backfield and has lined up in the slot on occasion
#5 Khyree Jackson, CB, 6032, 195, 4.54, rSr, Rd6 | The long, instinctual Jackson has quickly established himself as one of the top lockdown corners in the Pac-12, bringing big-play pedigree as a four-star recruit and Alabama transfer. He excels in both man and zone coverage.
#65 Ajani Cornelius, OG, 6041, 308, 5.15, Jr, Rd7 | One of the top offensive linemen in the transfer portal from Rhode Island, Cornelius is a strong, agile people-pusher who moves well down the line on pull blocks and into the second level. An under the radar gem that will outplay his draft slot.
#0 Tysheem Johnson, FS, 5096, 196, 4.50, Jr, PFA | Despite his short stature, Johnson plays much bigger than his frame suggests and can line up on backs or tight ends. He has been utilized at both safety spots, in the box, as an occasional blitzer and as the nickelback. He has vast special teams experience from his Ole Miss stint.
#33 Evan Williams, SS, 6003, 200, 4.55, Sr, PFA | An All-Mountain West selection during his time at Fresno State, Williams has proven to be an enforcer in the secondary during his time with the Ducks. Never shy to lay the lumber, he’s also a certified film-junkie, according to coaches; brother of Bennett Williams.
Five To Watch: Washington Huskies
#9 Michael Penix Jr., QB, 6025, 213, 4.64, rSr, Rd1 | Possibly the most polarizing prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, Penix Jr. offers improv ability, owns a laser arm and makes difficult throws look easy. However, scouts are concerned by his mechanics and medical history, meaning he could go anywhere from Day 1 to Day 3.
#1 Rome Odunze, WR, 6027, 214, 4.47, rJr, Rd2 | A lethal strike weapon, Odunze possesses great size and elite speed, along with dangerous return ability. He added strength and speed headed into ‘23 and has been timed in the mid-to-low 4.3-range. However, scouts would like to see him become a bit more physical
#11 Jalen McMillan, WR, 6006, 192, 4.38, rJr, Rd2 | More of a possession-type receiver, McMillan understands field alignment and positioning. He missed some time earlier this season due to a leg injury but his football IQ and knack for moving the chains would seem to make him a top 100 overall prospect.
#8 Bralen Trice, DE, 6031, 274, 4.76, rJr, Rd2 | A team captain and leader, Trice added an additional five pounds of bulk headed into this season and has taken up an increased role with coach Ben Creamer who specializes in hand combat, with a background in judo, boxing and wing chun kung fu.
#4 Zion Tupuola-Fetui, DE, 6032, 246, 4.78, rSr, Rd3 | An intriguing defensive end prospect, Tupuola-Fetui has a promising athletic profile, which makes him an early-impact power rusher. However, his draft stock could be limited by his ‘tweener’ frame, inconsistent play and previous injury history.
Texas A&M (4-2) at No.19 Tennessee (4-1)
Saturday, October 14, 2023 | 3:30p ET CBS
Five To Watch: Texas A&M Aggies
#60 Trey Zuhn III, OT, 6062, 315, 5.25, rSo, Rd4 | A third generation Aggie, Zuhn has earned a ‘tough guy’ reputation after battling through injuries and illness last season. This is his second season as the starting left tackle, showcasing his quickness, footwork and hand combat but he needs to strengthen up for the NFL level.
#76 Reuben Fatheree II, OT, 6066, 325, 5.19, Jr, Rd5 | The battle-tested Fatheree II has done well in ’23 coming off a knee injury. He possesses phenomenal size and length, along with above average athleticism (high school basketball background). He’s needs to do a better job getting his leverage underneath, as he still develops.
#28 Josh DeBerry, CB, 5110, 177, 4.48, rSr, Rd6 | Few players own such extensive experience such as DeBerry who was a standout three-year starter at Boston College before making his mark in College Station. He has been known to create momentum-changing turnovers and does a nice job tackling in space.
#61 Bryce Foster, C, 6036, 325, 5.04, rSo, Rd7 | A former four-star recruit, Foster earned a starting role as a freshman but endured a season-ending knee injury in year two. He’s a great communicator and savvy in identifying coverages and calling out responsibilities. He also participates on the Aggies track team in shot put.
#7 Tyreek Chappell, CB, 5100, 185, 4.52, Jr, PFA | With natural ball skills and hard-nosed demeanor, Chappell helps set the tone on defense as a three-year starter. The Philly native is fast, physical and demonstrates excellent recovery speed (but there are questions about his timed speed). He missed one game in ’23 due to injury.
Five To Watch: Tennessee Volunteers
#3 Bru McCoy, WR, 6026, 220, 4.53, rSr, Rd4 | While the big-bodied pass-catcher isn’t a refined route runner, McCoy utilizes his physical toughness and burst to create separation. He’s a major YAC threat and one of the best blocking receivers in this year’s draft class.
#7 Joe Milton III, QB, 6045, 245, 4.68, rSr, Rd4 | If you were to mold the prototype NFL quarterback physically, it would look a lot like Milton; pocket-type size, mobility to move the chains, a cannon arm to push the ball deep down field. It just hasn’t all clicked for him yet.
#0 Jaylen Wright, RB, 5096, 212, 4.39, Jr, Rd6 | A stout runner with a low center of gravity and excellent body balance, Wright is a no-nonsense runner who plants and go. His speed, patience, vision and lower leg drive is what makes him such a valuable prospect.
#9 Tyler Baron, DE, 6042, 260, 4.76, Sr, Rd5 | When healthy, Baron oozes potential. He has been utilized on the interior this season, as he brings an outside-inside element to his overall versatility but will likely bump back outside in the pros and needs to work on stopping the run.
#34 McCallan Castles, TE, 6045, 252, 4.72, rSr, Rd7 | The P5 level of strength and conditioning has served Castles well, as he made a seamless transition from the FCS level—he has gained nearly 15 pounds. While his size, hands and balance check out well, there are some athletic limitations.
Wake Forest (3-2) at Virginia Tech (2-4)
Saturday, October 14, 2023 | 3:30p ET ACCN
Five To Watch: Wake Forest Demon Deacons
#1 Caelen Carson, CB, 6002, 195, 4.44, rJr, Rd1 | Hop on the comet ride, as Carson is bound to ascend come draft time. He’s a clean prospect who possesses ideal size, speed, hip fluidity, technique and is a willing tackler in the run game. He’s rarely caught out of position and could be this year’s version of Devon Witherspoon.
#40 Jacob Roberts, ILB, 5117, 233, 4.68, rSr, Rd6 | Don’t sleep on Roberts who is as persistent as they come in getting after the quarterback. An FCS All-American at North Carolina A&T, where he recorded six blocked kicks on special teams and had two interception returns for a touchdown—all he does is make plays!
#55 Michael Jurgens, C, 6042, 312, 5.22, rSr, Rd7 | A multi-year team captain, Jurgens bulked up 15 pounds coming into the season and possesses rare height for a center. However, the center spot suits him well with his alligator arms (32.5-inches) but don’t get it twisted, this is a ‘make-it’ type player.
#30 Jasheen Davis, DE, 6031, 260, 4.69, rJr, Rd7 | It’s hard to ignore the consistent results, experience and high motor that Davis has demonstrated. Getting into the backfield is his forte and he constantly shows up around the ball. He may very well play himself into a draftable grade.
#80 Jahmal Banks, WR, 6036, 205, 4.55, rJr, PFA | A big-bodied playmaker on the boundary, Banks is a touchdown-maker who would do well as a red zone specialist. He self-admittedly put too much pressure on himself in the past and may struggle to create separation consistently at the next level.
Five To Watch: Virginia Tech Hokies
#21 Keli Lawson, OLB, 6036, 225, 4.65, rSo, Rd3 | A physical freak, Lawson brings rare length and inane athleticism. He has made great strides during his first year as a starter and owns immense upside. With an 82-inch wingspan, 40-inch vertical and 11-2 broad jump, he could soar up draft boards.
#83 Jaylin Lane, WR, 5086, 193, 4.40, Sr, Rd7 | An All-CUSA selection at wide receiver, kick returner and punt returner during his time at Middle Tennessee, Lane has played on all special teams units. He has carved out a key role on offense for Virginia Tech as a satellite receiver and could stick as a practice squad type.
#52 Antwaun Powell-Ryland, OLB, 6022, 245, 4.72, rJr, PFA | A four-star prospect who flashed at Florida, Powell-Ryland has leveled up his game at Blacksburg with a developed pass-rush repertoire. He shows great initial burst off the ball snap and has been praised for his vocal leadership presence.
#33 Bhayshul Tuten, RB, 5096, 205, 4.49, Jr, PFA | A jitterbug back with a sturdy frame, Tuten displays elusive agility and is able to make defenders miss. The North Carolina A&T transfer has demonstrated the ability to sniff out the end zone with his breakaway speed and is also a reliable pass-catcher.
#70 Parker Clements, OT, 6064, 300, 5.07, rJr, PFA | A three-year starter at right tackle, Clements owns the size and experience necessary. He understands leverage, proper angles and demonstrates strong leg drive, along with sound footwork. He has excelled in the Hokies increased zone blocking scheme.
*Update: 2024 NFL Draft Top 10 Player Rankings By Position | Read Here.
AAF NFL DRAFT WATCH ARCHIVES
10.05.23 | All Access: CFB Week 6 NFL Draft Watch
09.28.23 | All Access: CFB Week 5 NFL Draft Watch
09.20.23 | All Access: CFB Week 4 NFL Draft Watch
09.14.23 | All Access: CFB Week 3 NFL Draft Watch
09.07.23 | All Access: CFB Week 2 NFL Draft Watch
08.31.23 | All Access: CFB Week 1 NFL Draft Watch
08.23.23 | All Access: CFB Week 0 NFL Draft Watch
* NFL Draft Bible Database Tracker - Coming Soon For Subscribers Only! Unlock access to our professional scouting database used by industry professionals and NFL teams. We will be making our internal scouting database available for public consumption. If you seek real-time draft projections, verified measurements and accurate evaluations all year-round, become an All Access Football member today!