2017 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 5

Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

One month into the college football season and a lot has already changed. The polls have been shaken up by upsets and battles between top-10 teams. The Heisman favorite is still an ACC quarterback, but not the one who was favored entering the season. Even the 2017 NFL Draft board has been overhauled by injuries and a few surprising performances.

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Despite his own head coach saying he’s played poorly, Notre Dame QB DeShone Kizer has entered his name into the discussion for the number one overall pick. In this day and age, a QB is likely to be selected first overall and Kizer has outperformed Clemson’s Deshaun Watson thus far.

While Kizer and Watson may be fighting for the top pick, the majority of prospects eligible for the 2017 NFL Draft are just trying to generate enough buzz to earn an invitation to the Scouting Combine or postseason all-star game. So which prospects have a golden opportunity to enhance their draft stock this weekend? Here’s a look at six players to keep an eye on.

Nov 27, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Royce Freeman (RB – Oregon) vs. Washington State

For the Oregon Ducks, a 2-2 record is not the start the team was hoping for. Then again, Royce Freeman getting hurt wasn’t in the team’s plans either. A ton of research doesn’t have to be poured into analyzing the school’s record. Oregon is 2-0 when Freeman makes it through the game and 0-2 when he leaves with an injury or does not play.

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The right leg injury was feared to be more significant at first, however it appears as though Freeman escaped with only a minor injury. He’s expected to return to the lineup against Washington State after missing the majority of the past two games. With the Cougars averaging 42 points and 515 yards per game, the Ducks don’t have the firepower on offense to keep up without Freeman in the lineup.

As the only FBS player to gain at least 100 yards in every game last season, Freeman is critical to Oregon’s success in the Pac-12. Montana State transfer Dakota Prukop has not lived up to the hype this year as he follows in the footsteps of Marcus Mariota and Vernon Adams as the quarterback of the Ducks.

With a healthy Freeman in the lineup, Oregon can compete in the Pac-12 North. If Freeman is unable to stay healthy, the Ducks could struggle just to win enough games for a bowl berth. The 5-foot-11, 230-pound RB is a projected day two pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) scores a on an interception return during the second half of a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Malik McDowell (DL – Michigan State) vs. Indiana

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Junior defensive lineman Malik McDowell has stated he won’t declare for the 2017 NFL Draft unless he’s projected to be a top-three pick. While he’s not there yet, his play this season has him trending in the right direction. He’ll have another opportunity to boost his stock against Indiana’s Dan Feeney, the top offensive guard prospect in college football.

Feeney has blocked for some of the nation’s top running backs such as Tevin Coleman, Jordan Howard and now Devine Redding. Feeney is questionable for this game, so the one-on-one battle may not even occur, but McDowell needs to face the best in order to improve his stock.

McDowell did struggle shedding blocks in Michigan State’s loss to Wisconsin last week, however his performance overall this season has been positive. If there’s any chance for him to be selected within the first three picks of the 2017 NFL Draft he must excel against the nation’s top interior lineman prospect.

Nov 21, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to pass the ball during the third quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Clemson defeated Wake Forest 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Deshaun Watson (QB – Clemson) vs. Louisville

This may not be a long-awaited matchup, but it’s been highly anticipated since Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson accounted for eight touchdowns in the season opener against Charlotte. There’s a lot at stake in this contest, including a potential birth in the ACC title game and momentum for either QB in their quest for the Heisman Trophy.

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Jackson is not eligible for the 2017 NFL Draft, so Watson is the one draft evaluators will be watching closely. The Clemson QB has struggled in the early stages of this season, both through the air and on the ground.

In the passing game, Watson’s completion percentage has dropped from nearly 68 percent last season to 60 percent in 2016. What’s more concerning is his play in critical situations. On third downs and in the red zone, he’s nowhere close to as productive as he was a year ago. He was also known as someone the Tigers could rely on to bounce back from mistakes quickly. Last season he led his team to an average of 3.57 points per drive following an interception or lost fumble by Watson. This year, that’s down to just 1.75 points per drive.

He’s also been less effective on the ground, averaging over 40 yards less per game running the ball compared to last season. In what is expected to be a high-scoring game, Watson will need to be effective as a passer and a rusher to keep the Louisville defense off balance.

When these two teams collide Saturday night in Death Valley, all eyes will be on the quarterbacks. As a potential first-overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, this is the type of game Watson needs to excel in and lead his team to a victory.

Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Anthony Walker (18) celebrates as he made a sack against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half in the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Walker, Jr. (ILB – Northwestern) vs. Iowa

As a redshirt sophomore last season, Anthony Walker, Jr. could have entered the 2016 NFL Draft and been a day two pick. Instead, he’s back for his junior season and working his way towards being the top inside linebacker prospect available for the 2017 NFL Draft.

Last season, Walker led the Big Ten Conference and finished fourth in the FBS with 20.5 tackles for a loss. Opposing offenses have been paying a lot more attention to where he’s lining up this season, therefore his statistics aren’t quite what they were in 2015. He has 2.5 tackles for a loss through four games this season, but has freed up teammates to make plays.

While his numbers may be down, his play in the passing game has greatly improved. He looks much more comfortable in coverage and has shown better awareness once the ball is out of the quarterback’s hand.

Northwestern hasn’t had a prospect drafted in the first three rounds since 2005. Barring injury or a disastrous end to the season, Walker is expected to end that streak. Against Iowa this weekend, he’ll be able to show NFL scouts how he matches up against a pro-style offense like the Hawkeyes.

Sep 4, 2015; Kalamazoo, MI, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) runs though the tackle of Michigan State Spartans linebacker Darien Harris (45) during the 2nd half of a game at Waldo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Corey Davis (WR – Western Michigan) vs. Central Michigan

Even without former teammate WR Daniel Braverman to keep the secondary honest, Corey Davis is having another very good season at Western Michigan. His performance this season, in addition to the struggles of others, has Davis in the running to be the first receiver selected in the 2017 NFL Draft.