Here are some key NFL Draft takeaways from Week 10 of college football.
- Abdul Carter is a star. Despite Penn State’s losing effort, Abdul Carter shined once again rushing off the edge for the Nittany Lions. Even though the Buckeyes line is dealing with injuries, the level of efficiency Carter had at winning on pass rushing attempts was miraculous. His athleticism is on another level and he is only getting better.
- The sky is the limit for David Igbinosun. The Penn State/Ohio State showdown was a low scoring contest with both team’s defenses really grinding it out for four quarters. David Igbinosun was one of many Buckeyes who had a great game, and it really seemed like he turned a corner in that secondary. He locked down PSU’s receivers, picking off a crucial pass in the end zone as well. His size and speed make him a prototypical NFL cornerback. Discipline and penalties have plagued the young cornerback this season, but Saturday was a peek into the kind of player he can become.
- Carson Beck is a roller coaster. A year ago, or even a few weeks ago, my optimistic read on Carson Beck was that he was a high level game manager. He has very solid physical tools, good accuracy, and manages a pocket well. However he has sort of devolved, or evolved into a high variance quarterback. He threw three interceptions against Florida, putting him at 11 for the year and eight in the last three weeks. He has been far more aggressive and reckless with the football this season. I don’t think he is a bad quarterback, per se, and there is a lot to work with in terms of NFL potential. But it’s been wild to see the paradigm shift for him this season.
Players of the Week
Jordan Watkins, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss: I mean, who else? The fifth year senior scored five times and went over 250 receiving yards against Arkansas. His speed was just too much for the Razorbacks defense. Watkins has been a solid player his whole career, but Saturday’s performance put a spotlight on how he can take over a whole game. Tre Harris being out left the door open and Jordan Watkins sprinted through. He hasn’t been on NFL draft radars yet, but he will be now.
TJ Sanders, Defensive Tackle, South Carolina: The Gamecocks pulled off a blowout upset of Texas A&M due to dominance on both sides of the ball. TJ Sanders was extremely disruptive in the middle of the South Carolina line, putting a ton of pressure on Marcel Reed while making it very hard for the Aggies to run the ball. Sanders has been a consistent player all year, but this was a coming out party for the junior defender.
