Eye on the Draft: Ten Gems on the Field this Saturday at College Football

The NFL season is halfway through, College Football is also heating up and heading towards the final phase, and the names that will be selected at the top of the Draft are already starting to pop up. In the list below are ten prospects that will be on display on ESPN channels so you can stay tuned, grab your pen and paper and do your own analysis in preparation for the 2021 Draft, which takes place in April of next year.

Wake Forest x North Carolina – 14h – ESPN Play
Chazz Surratt is a linebacker who has come in with a lot of hype for the 2020 season and could be a high pick in the 2021 Draft. But his performances have been below expectations. Surratt still has the time and talent to change that perception. His athleticism immediately catches the eye when he watches him carefully, what he needs is to match his physical qualities with what is happening on the field. A faster reaction time, trusting your instincts and anticipating the opponent’s move are essential for the North Carolina linebacker to have his name talked about with excitement.

Miami x Virginia Tech – 14h – ESPN Play
Jaelan Phillips e Quincy Roche they play at the far end of the Miami defensive line, but they are two very different players. Roche is a guy who uses his speed and agility to step outside the scrimmage line to attack opposing quarterbacks and win his battles in the trenches. Jaelan Phillips, meanwhile, trusts more in the power he has in his hands, attacking rival tackles with more aggression and power, despite also showing good agility for someone his size. In terms of production, both have 2.5 sacks in 2020, with Roche having 10 tackles for lost yards; and Phillips adding 6 in the same item. Need to improve these numbers, especially the sacks, to dream of a choice in the higher rounds of the Draft.

Against Virginia Tech they will have a golden opportunity to value their pass. The rival’s offensive line is captained by the left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who has been climbing the drafts faster than a lap of Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1. Darrisaw is likely to have a primary confrontation with Roche, who tends to line up on the right side of the defensive line. VaTech’s tackle is a player who makes his strength felt by the opponent, especially in running play. Against the pass, he has shown good mobility, closing the door for the rival defender to reach the quarterback. Whoever wins this Saturday’s duel will greatly value their pass in the next Draft.

Also on the Hookies side, be aware also on the tight end James Mitchell. The player was singled out by Mel Kiper as one of those who have attracted the attention of NFL scouts, and may be the first tight end selected after Kyle Pitts and Pat Freiermuth, the two most coveted in the league; Mitchell stands out for his ability as a blocker, mainly. Being extremely aggressive in the scrimmage line. In the pass, it can refine the way it runs routes, as well as its release, but it stands out for having safe hands.

Florida x Arkansas – 21h – ESPN Play
Kyle Pitts it has taken College Football by storm and haunted rival defenses. At this point, the tight end is impossible, as it can receive reception even when it has a defender (or more) glued to its mark. After five games, Pitts has 23 catches, 414 yards and 8 touchdowns. His speed, fluidity of cuts and safe hands make him practically a wide receiver, but with the weight, height and strength of a tight end. Its main point of development is how to deal with blocks. Despite being willing to perform this task, he lacks a little more technique, to better position his hands, mirror the opponent and win the individual duel.

Kadarius Toney it is the legitimate offensive weapon. The wide receiver can do it all when it comes to the NFL. It can be a weapon coming out of the slot and working in a short space, it can lengthen the field and vertically stress the defenses, it has the ability to help the running game by attacking the edge when it comes in motion, besides being an excellent returner. Although speed clearly stands out when you watch it in the field, its main quality is balance. Toney is not easily knocked down, it is common to see him maintain his balance after being tackled by rivals. In a class with excellent receivers, you can imagine him leaving at the end of the second day of the Draft, in the third round.

SMU x Tulsa – 21h – ESPN Play
Zaven Collins, Tulsa linebacker, is a name that has been gaining attention recently on College Football. The player is the ideal size for the position (1.93m, 117kg), good speed and performs well against passing and running play, fitting into what current American football has required of a linebacker. Against the good offense of SMU, Zaven Collins will be able to demonstrate his mettle and ensure that his name is called among the top 50 picks in the 2021 Draft.

South Carolina x Ole Miss – 21h30 – ESPN Play
Even if you hadn’t read this text, it would be enough just three moves of Ole Miss’s attack for you to be impressed with Elijah Moore. The wide receiver is explosive, fast and fluid in the hips, changing direction with extreme ease. Moore is the all-rounder for the Rebels offense, getting long passes to the back of defence, shorts to break tackles and gain yards after the catch, handoffs behind the scrimmage line to go through the middle or side of the scrimmage line… The creativity Lane Kiffin has no limits when it comes to getting Moore involved. It has talent and is producing to be a second day pick in the 2021 Draft.

In the South Carolina attack, the same can be said of Shi Smith, the team’s main wide receiver and Collin Hill’s favorite target. Smith feels more comfortable stepping out of the slot, with a release without cornerback pressure and with more room to develop his route. His ability to make contested receptions is impressive, with defenders on his back or taking a hard hit, a characteristic always valued in the NFL. Smith runs good routes, has good speed and is lethal when he fakes head and foot and suddenly changes direction, especially when he has the ball in his hands.