While the 2023 NFL Draft is still far off in the distance, players who 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 9.
UCLA has had a good start to the season, sitting at 5-2. Their offense has struggled, but their defense has been able to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks to make things difficult. The Bruins’ best pass rusher is Laiatu Latu, who has 22 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks on the season.
Latu has really risen up draft boards this year. The Washington transfer has proven he can rush the passer and has been ok against the run too. He will have the chance to have a huge game against Colorado, who has a struggling offensive line. Most of the time key matchups are highlighted because it shows a prospect going up against good competition, but this one is being talked about because Latu could have a monster game. His injury history could hold him back, but if it doesn’t Latu could go very early in the 2024 NFL Draft.
2. Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU Cougars
BYU has been solid this season, which is their first in the Big 12. Their offense isn’t the most high-powered, but they have been able to control the line of scrimmage decently well. A big part of that is the play of Kingsley Suamataia who has had a good season at left tackle.
He will have his work cut out for him in week 9, as the Cougars take on Texas. The Longhorns have several players who make an impact on defense, so Suamatia can use his power to help neutralize them. Texas is favored to win, but Suamataia’s play could help the Cougars keep things close. There are a lot of quality tackles in the draft class so Suamataia must play well against good competition.
3. Patrick Paul, OT, Houston Cougars
Houston hasn’t had the smoothest transition to the Big 12. They are 3-4 and have just one win in conference play. Their offense hasn’t been great, but the Cougars’ best player is on offense. Offensive tackle Patrick Paul has had a great season and the Cougars can count on him week in and week out.
This week, Houston and Paul will take on Kansas State. The Wildcats are a physical team that could give Houston some issues. If Paul can protect the quarterback, it will only help his stock. There aren’t a ton of great games this weekend, so more eyes could be on Paul as he tries to improve his stock in this deep tackle class.
Georgia is undefeated this season. Although they haven’t been quite as dominant as past years and they have yet to be tested, they are still projected to make the College Football Playoff. Their defense is solid and they get good play from their corner Kamari Lassiter. Lassiter has 21 total tackles and four passes defended this season.
In week 9, the Bulldogs will be taking on Florida. The Gators have improved their passing offense recently with quarterback Graham Mertz and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall playing well. Lassiter will have to help slow them down to get the win. If Lassiter can show better ball skills through the rest of the season, his stock will rise.
5. Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina hasn’t had the season they were hoping for and sit at 2-5. Their offense has been inconsistent, but they have found a star on that side of the ball. Xavier Legette has not produced over his career, but has stepped up this season for the Gamecocks. This season, he has registered 38 catches for 736 yards and three touchdowns.
The Gamecocks play Texas A&M in week 9, who can provide a good measuring stick for Legette. He has been able to use his solid size (6-foot-1 and 217 pounds) to his advantage this season. If South Carolina has any chance, they are going to need Legette to create big plays downfield. Although it is a talented receiver class, Legette has really worked his way up draft boards to start the season.
Check out our NFL Draft page for more news and updates like NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 9!
Follow Joe on Twitter!
- SEO Powered Content & PR Distribution. Get Amplified Today.
- PlatoData.Network Vertical Generative Ai. Empower Yourself. Access Here.
- PlatoAiStream. Web3 Intelligence. Knowledge Amplified. Access Here.
- PlatoESG. Carbon, CleanTech, Energy, Environment, Solar, Waste Management. Access Here.
- PlatoHealth. Biotech and Clinical Trials Intelligence. Access Here.
- Source: https://thegamehaus.com/nfl-draft/nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-college-football-week-9-4/2023/10/22/
