While the 2023 NFL Draft is still far off in the distance, players that will be drafted early are on the field now. Each week presents unique matchups for draft prospects and this week is no different. Here are NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 3.
1. Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois has had a rocky start to the season, as they sit with a 1-1 record. While different parts of their team have had issues this season, one area where they have been strong is on the interior of their defensive line. Newton is the best of several good defensive linemen. He’s been a force in the middle with nine total tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks.
In week 3, Newton will be going up against a very good offensive line that has a few pro prospects on it. The Illini play Penn State and for them to have any chance at winning, they will have to shut down the run and get after quarterback Drew Allar. Newton has shown he can be disruptive early this season, but the job is a lot harder in week 3. A good game could cement him as the top defensive tackle in the draft class.
2. Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota has started off the season at 2-0, even if it has taken some heroics to get the job done. Their defense has been particularly tough this season, as they have allowed just eight points per game. Their best player on defense is an experienced safety in Nubin. He has five total tackles and two interceptions already on the season.
The Golden Gophers will be traveling to Chapel Hill to take on North Carolina. Nubin will be patrolling the backend of the defense against a great quarterback in Drake Maye. If he uses his athleticism and ball skills well, he can force some turnovers and help make it a game for the Golden Gophers. While he is an older player, Nubin’s range is intriguing and could have him selected early in the 2024 NFL Draft.
3. Jason Marshall Jr., CB, Florida Gators
Florida looks like they could be in for a rough season after losing to Utah in week 1. They rebounded in week 2 with a win over McNeese State. Their secondary has a talented player in Jason Marshall, who has been productive since his freshman season. He has two total tackles so far this season.
Marshall will be put to the test in week 3 against the Tennessee Volunteers. While Tennessee has struggled to find their offensive rhythm so far this season, when they get it right, they can put up points. They’ll air it out and Marshall will be expected to hold up in coverage. Making plays on the ball in this game and limiting big plays can help his draft stock, although even if he plays great it might be hard for Florida to pull off the upset.
4. Antwane Wells Jr., WR, South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina hasn’t had the easiest start to the season, but they are 1-1. They lost to North Carolina, but defeated Furman in week 2. Their offense has struggled, which stems a lot from the offensive line, but another reason for that is that star receiver Antwane “Juice” Wells has not been 100 percent with an injury. While Juice had 928 receiving yards last season, he has just one catch for five yards this season.
The Gamecocks have a tough matchup against Georgia in week 3. If they have any shot of pulling off the upset, they’ll need Wells to help them spread the field and open things up. Wells has decent size and can create separation. If he is healthy and has a big day, South Carolina might be able to keep it close. He needs to start playing and producing to help his stock for the 2024 NFL Draft.
5. Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Western Kentucky has started off the season hot with a 2-0 record. They have wins over South Florida and Houston Christian. The reason for their success stems from their high-powered passing attack. One of their best players is Malachi Corley. He has four catches for 55 yards this season, but had to leave their season opener and didn’t play in week 2.
It doesn’t seem like it is a serious injury, so Corley could play in week 3. The Hilltoppers will need him to compete as they are matching up with Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ defense looks improved and Corley could really use this game to boost his draft stock. He has shown to be great at running after the catch in his career and using that talent against a good defense could help show the world what he can do.
Check out our NFL Draft page for more news and updates like NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 3!
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- Source: https://thegamehaus.com/nfl-draft/nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-college-football-week-3-4/2023/09/10/
