2022 NFL Draft: 12 College Players to Watch In Week 6

In this week of college football, we have some incredible games with major consequences in conferences, bowl games, and even College Football Playoffs. We’ve been keeping track of players all season in prep for the 2022 NFL Draft. Here’s who you need to watch in Week 6.

Quarterback 

Bo Nix, Auburn

One thing that always jumps off the page for Nix is his athletic abilities. He has everything you could ever want when it comes to arm strength and athleticism. The questions are simply, everywhere else. He’s highly inconsistent in accuracy, and doesn’t have the mechanics down. But due to his natural ability to throw the football, he’s still an intriguing prospect for the 2022 NFL Draft. This week, he’ll have an enormous test against an incredibly stout Georgia defense. If he can perform well, it will be a statement game for those who doubted him. 

Running Back

Tyler Goodson, Iowa 

A Week 6 game with major playoff implications? We’re all for it. As the Hawkeyes take on No. 4 Penn State, Goodson will at the center of this matchup, carrying an enormous offensive role for Iowa. he has 99 rushes for 430 yards and 5 touchdowns, and 12 catches for 146 yards and a score. This is an incredibly tough running back class to crack into, but Goodson has consistently shown he’s able to to produce when needed. A big game here would have some big 2022 NFL Draft implications.

Wide Receiver

Jahan Dotson, Penn State

We talked about Iowa’s running threat, now on to Penn State’s receiving threat. And with that, threat could be an understatement. In 2020, Dotson had 52 receptions for 884 yards. He average 17 yards per reception (a drop from the previous year), and had 8 touchdowns. While he is averaging just 12.7 yards per catch this year, he’s already caught 6 of the Lions 11 touchdowns. If Sean Clifford and Jahan Dotson find their connection, Iowa will be fighting to catch up with them.

Offensive Line

Darian Kinnard (OT), Kentucky

Kinnard is one of the top tackles heading towards the 2022 NFL Draft. He’s absolutely massive, and bullies even sizable defenders at the line. He comes up with a powerful punch and fantastic finishing strength. Kentucky, now ranked 16th, faces off against LSU this week, who kept things competitive with Auburn last week. The Tigers will look to get to Will Levis, and Kinnard will be tasked with keeping him clean in what’s bound to be a tight game. 

Lecitus Smith (IOL), Virginia Tech

Smith, this week, will be at the core of one of the top matchups. The Hokies are hosting No. 14 Notre Dame in what will be a battle. Smith, like Kinnard, is a physical lineman. He may be a centerpiece on the line of what may be the best game of the week. Virginia Tech will try to prove they command respect, while Notre Dame will try to remain top 15. Smith will play a keep part in protecting quarterback Braxton Burmeister. 

Defensive Line

Jordan Davis, Georgia

A large defensive tackle, Davis is able to fill gaps well, and also has strength to push back lineman into the backfield. He has 69 career tackles, 10 of which went for a loss. Georgia proved their absolute dominance on defense last week against Arkansas, and set themselves apart from the pack. It’s unlikely that Auburn puts up a big fight, but if they do, look to Davis to be one of the Bulldogs to respond.

Edge

Drake Jackson, USC

There’s a lot of talented defensive prospects to watch, and Jackson consistently shows he’s one of the best. He uses length and quickness to both set the edge and rush the passer. He can play standing up or with a hand down. Facing Utah, Jackson will look to make a splash, and help interim head coach Donte Williams his third win. A good game this week will add to his already impressive resume in the 2022 NFL Draft, where he could be a high first round pick.

Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma

In yet another great matchup, Bonitto and the Sooners head to Texas to face the Longhorns. A second-team All-American (AP), in 2020, Bonitto is very productive. He has 14.5 career sacks on 89 tackles. He’s quick off the edge, and uses that to his advantage. He can find his way into the backfield fast. He’s got some improvements to make, but if he does make them, he’ll be a high 2022 NFL Draft selection. 

Linebacker

DeMarvion Overshown, Texas

In the aforementioned Texas and Oklahoma matchup, Bonitto isn’t the only defensive talent. DeMarvion Overshown is a force to be reckoned with at linebacker for Texas. He leads the team with an impressive 44 tackles through 5 games. His hot start to the season has seen him start to climb up 2022 NFL Draft boards. For the Longhorns to pull off the upset, they’ll need Overshown’s consistent and versatile high level of play. 

Cornerbacks

Garrett Williams, Syracuse

Williams has been part of the Syracuse secondary that saw Ifeatu Melifonwu and Andre Cisco get drafted in the third round last year. It was the program’s first time since 2014 seeing players drafted on day two. Williams hopes to join them in their success. He’s a versatile cornerback who, along with the rest of the Orange, will be taking on No. 19 Wake Forest. Not often ranked, Wake Forest will look to hold onto their ranking, but if things go right for Syracuse, they could pull off the upset. Look for Williams to be a key part of their defensive game. 

Derion Kendrick, Georgia

As mentioned before, this Bulldog’s defense is not one that many teams look forward to meeting. Derion Kendrick is one of the many reasons why. The former Clemson Tiger was named first-team All-ACC before being dismissed from the team. He transferred to Georgia and took his impressive skills with him. A former quarterback and wide receiver, he’s always dangerous to throw to. He and the Bulldogs look to keep up their dominance against Auburn this week.

Safety

Jaquan Brisker, Penn State

While some other games may be more exciting when it comes to points, none mean more than Iowa versus Penn State. The aforementioned Tyler Goodson and the Hawkeyes are facing Brisker and the Nittany Lions. He combines athleticism with talent, and has racked up 104 career tackles. In this superpowered matchup, he’ll have to be at the top of his game, and scouts may take notice for the 2022 NFL Draft.

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Pat Pryor

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