Wild Card Preview…Another Common Cowboys L? – DraftID Podcast
5. Jacob Cowing | Arizona, WR
#12 Oregon @ Arizona | PAC12 Network 9:00pm EST
Big Board: 42
The PAC12 Network is notoriously the hardest of all channels to access, but if you can watch this game, then you absolutely should for the sole purpose of seeing Jacob Cowing. The slot receiver is off to a blazing start with 40 receptions for 566 yards and 7 TDs through just 5 games. This week, he will get a chance to face a very solid Ducks D. Cowing is another one of these smaller receivers, but has been a silky route runner and big time playmaking that looks like a guy that can make an impact at the next level.
4. Devon Achane | Texas A&M, RB
Texas A&M @ #1 Alabama | CBS 8:00pm EST
Big Board: 55
It’s not often that I have a day 2 grade on a 185 pound RB, but Achane is so much more than that. Sure, he has taken a bulk of the Aggies carries (81) this year through 5 games, but he has also been a pesky receiver and special teams ace. He surely is not a 3 down back at the next level unless he seriously bulks up to 200+, but his speed and athleticism will allow for the team that selects him to get creative in the many ways they can utilize the versatile playmaker. The top rated Crimson Tide has allowed just 87 yards per game on the ground, which currently leads the SEC. This matchup will be Achane’s biggest “prove it” game of the year, as he plays against a defense that is once again full of NFL talent.
3. Paris Johnson Jr. | Ohio State, OT
#3 Ohio State @ Michigan State | ABC 4:00pm EST
Big Board: 4
This game may not be the prettiest, but this will be one of Paris Johnson Jr.’s biggest matchups this season. The top rated tackle has allowed just 1 sack in his career, which was over 2 seasons ago when he was a true freshman. This year, Johnson has moved to Left Tackle from Right Guard and has been one of the best blindside protectors in the country, allowing just 3 total pressures. In his first game at tackle, he held 1st round prospect from Notre Dame, Isaiah Foskey, to just one total pressure. Now he faces Jacoby Windmon, who has been a steady draft riser due to his hot 6 sack start to the season. We’ve seen times where Windmon has taken over games, but he has also disappeared at times as well. This will be a huge game circled for both prospects and you better believe every scout will be watching this tape.
2. Zay Flowers | Boston College, WR
#5 Clemson @ Boston College | ABC 7:30pm EST
Big Board: 32
Zay Flowers lacks the ideal size to be an outside receiver in the NFL, but that is about it. However, in recent years teams have trended to care less and less about size, while focusing more on route running, play IQ and speed. Successful prospects like Chris Olave and Devonta Smith were questioned about their frames, but have had no issues at the next level, even when playing on the outside against some of the top press corners. Zay Flowers fits that mold. He is listed at just 5’10” and 172 lbs but has been one of the most electric receivers in college football. He is a crispy route runner with blazing speed and some of the most underrated ball skills in the NCAA. He compares very closely to the style we saw last year with another smaller 1st round receiver, Jahan Dotson. So far this season, Flowers has had just one game where he was limited to less than 5 catches and has averaged 7.5 catches per games in the other 4. This will be a huge game for Flowers to expose a struggling secondary while gaining the attention of playing a top 5 team. So far this year, Clemson has given up 262 yards per game in the air, which ranks dead last in the ACC
1. Hendon Hooker | Tennessee, QB
#8 Tennessee @ #25 LSU | ESPN 12:00pm EST
Big Board: 56
The Tennessee QB has had a very strong season and has led the Vols to having the top ranked offense in the SEC through 5 weeks. Naturally, Hooker has gained well deserved draft buzz following 5 solid games with great tape. After a week off, Hooker and the Vols will travel south to Death Valley to take on the surging LSU Tigers who are hot off a comeback win over Auburn. With Hooker’s top target, Cedric Tillman, likely out again with a high ankle sprain, the Vols have a serious test this weekend.
Game of the Week
#8 Tennessee @ #25 LSU | ESPN 12:00pm EST
As mentioned above, Tennessee likely is without their top target Cedric Tillman, but there is plenty of NFL talent on both teams. LSUs defensive line is full of NFL talent, headlined by top edge rushers BJ Ojulari and Ali Gaye. Also LSU CB Mekhi Garner has graded out as one of the top defensive backs in the conference and has seen his name ride up draft boards. I am notably not a fan of WR Kayshon Boutte and I think the media hype will continue to simmer, but I have to at least acknowledge his upside as Day 2 talent. Outside of Hendon Hooker, Tennessee has had several playmakers that have likely caught the eyes of NFL scouts. RB Jabari Smalls had a great performance against Florida and will look to follow that up with another big game. OT Darnell Wright has been one of the better pass blocking lineman in the SEC and is also on my radar.
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