It has seemed for quite a few years now that the RB drafts are kind of carried by how good the top prospect(s) are. In 2018 it was Saquon who was a top tier prospect, the best in show with a wide gap, same with Josh Jacobs and David Montgomery the next year. Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker were two prospects who probably deserved to be 1st rounders but both went in the 2nd, 2023 had Bijan and Gibbs who are arguably the two best RBs in the NFL right now but that Devon Achane guy Miami took in the 3rd wasnt half bad either. 2025 was a bit more of a 2018 type of year with Ashton Jeanty being so much better than the rest, however I do think Hampton, Judkins, Henderson, Sampson, Harvey, Johnson, etc were/are very good too. 2026 was, honestly, maybe the worst RB group in memory with the exception of Jeremiyah Love who went top 3 and deserved it, however the RB who went after him, taken at the end of the 1st round, was his own backup Jadarian Price. Not that great of an RB, who I'd have given a 3rd round grade in any other year, but was taken with a 1st round pick. This was because the rest of the group was quite subpar. My 2nd favorite RB was actually Nebraska's Emmett Johnson who was fantastic in a phone booth but a tad undersized and not quite as fast as you'd want, however the entire group after Love was pretty much a crapshoot as to who was even worth picking.

I'm wondering how you guys feel about the projected 2027 group. This year, there is no Jeanty/Saquon/Bijan/etc, and the guys sort of cluster together. I am a fan of Ole Miss' Kewan Lacy but he's been hurt this year which has made it hard to gauge him. Mizzou's Jamal Roberts has been fantastic in the wake of Ahmad Hardy's offseason tragic incident which he continues to recover from, but then you watch Mizzou's other RBs too and just think maybe Mizzou has some sort of magic wizardry they can cast to make any RB seem beastly. In my opinion, the projected class is being shaken up weirder than at just about any other position, considering how it looked coming into the season. Jadan Baugh was someone I knew of through having the sheer misfortune to have watched 2025 Florida. What an utterly putrid watch. Wanted a look at Devin Moore, Caleb Banks, and Tyreak Sapp, and in the process was forced to have a gander at that awful offense with one of my new most hated QBs in CFB. Baugh would occasionally make something out of nothing that year when given touches but I wasn't surprised he didn't make too much noise, nor was I surprised when he did start to break out this year. To me, he's comfortably RB1 in the next draft, but he's definitely a tier or two beneath the top prospects of the past 5 years or so - I wouldn't say he is as good as Breece Hall or Kenneth Walker were either for the record.

Trying to judge this group has been weird. In 2026 if you had asked me who I expected to be the best, it was going to be Mizzou's Ahmad Hardy for certain, but with what happened to him in the offseason I doubt he's going to declare this year and we don't know how good he's going to be going forward. Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown both went over to Texas and both have underperformed in their confusing offense, I think they're both draft worthy but I doubt either of them are going to get the chance to show it this season and so we won't have another Jeremiyah Love/Jadarian Price situation even though I don't think either of them are necessarily worse than Price. Mark Fletcher seemed pretty good too but there's something about Miami's skill position guys where they produce great and are amazing on paper but when I watch them they don't wow me quite as much as I expect them to. Have not watched much of Georgia's Nate Frazier or Louisville's Isaac Brown and Keyjuan Brown this year but I know Isaac Brown was really good the past year or two. Cam Cook I don't know what I think about. I honestly don't know that I buy into the current consenses.

To me, some backs that have jumped out to my eyes recently: Wayshawn Parker from Utah, J'Koby Williams from Texas Tech, Joe Jackson from Kansas State, Desean Bishop from Tennessee

I don't know how scout/analyst types view these guys, they may not have quite the traits you want or something may be missing but I enjoyed watching them and found they had good vision and lateral quickness, thought they were worth a pick if they declared.

To me, this RB class is nowhere near as good at the top as the past few but has some great depth

I think with the EDGE position, you really have to take traits over production. Sacks are not created equal and sack numbers can easily lie more than any other stat. I think the best "production" you can go off of is pressures and pass rush win rate. I remember Will Anderson the year before he was eligible, was regarded as the best defender in CFB and then his next year his production dipped by a huge amount. But look at how he turned out... I think if Dylan Stewart wasn't a head case, he'd be consensus EDGE #1.

As for Colin Simmons, if you watch his tape he's hyper athletic but so much of his production does not come from him winning handily. If you watch his 5 sack game, I think there was only one of them were he actually beat his man. The rest he was either spying and tackling the Qb when he leaves the pocket, unblocked on a stunt, or the Qb was forced into him from somebody else's pressure. I think he has the ability to be a solid EDGE 2 on an NFL defense as like a solid 7-8 sack guy who you can get creative with because of how athletic he is. But I don't see him being that #1 guy the defense relies on to get consistent pressure or sacks on pure drop backs.

It's a loaded slate of games this weekend! I listed out some of the prospect matchups that stood out to me. Let me know any other key matchups that I didn't include. Some additional notes on the matchups:

• RB Turbo Richard is averaging 8.3 yards per carry this season vs 3.2 YPC allowed for Bama's run defense. Richard is coming off a major dud of a week where he only produced 10 yards on 8 carries. He is at 597 yards and 5 TDs through 6 games, hes been on a tear this season.

• RB Jadan Baugh started the season blazing hot, but is coming off of two straight dud weeks, where he had a combined 2 total missed tackles over that stretch. That's really concerning for a RB who was mocked as high as top 10. He will be looking for a get-right game vs a very tough Texas run defense that has allowed under 3 YPC.

• RB Jamal Roberts is currently #2 in rushing in the P4, #1 in the SEC. Not Kewan Lacy, not Jadan Baugh, and not Ahmad Hardy (who is being projected like he's played snaps this season). If any of those RBs I mentioned were having the season Roberts was, we would hear all about it. He has over 400 yards and 5 TDs in the last 2 weeks. Roberts has a golden opportunity vs a weak Ole Miss run defense and I think he will become the leading rusher in college football this week.

• RB Kewan Lacy has scored a TD every game hes played this season, but he hasn't surpassed 100 yards rushing in any game this year. Hes been battling injuries, sort of a concern for me because hes also built like a receiver, but we've seen guys his size become great NFL RBs. It feels like Lacy is ripe for a breakout game that gets his season back on track after 29 and 39 yards the last 2 weeks.

• WR Deuce Alexander is potentially the most explosive player in college football, not named Jeremiah Smith. Deuce has 500 yards and 5 TDs through 5 weeks. So far this season, Deuce is catching 82% of his targets, he has zero drops, 3.2 YPRR in total and 4.9 from the slot (versatility), and a super low 5% contested target rate. Hes been explosive, reliable, and able to be a high volume target because his route running is good. I think people assume hes a sacrificial field stretcher, but hes a versatile player. This week vs a tough Missouri defense will be a challenge.

• Tennessee DT has been the most disruptive pass rusher in college football. He has incredible production, with 6 sacks through 6 games as an interior defensive lineman. He has a sky high potential, and hes not even an undersized DT. Hes listed at 6'2" 305 lbs, reminds me of Jalen Carter!

• The Indiana WRs have been electric this season. I'm significantly higher on Becker than Marsh, but I know many others have that flipped. Both are having great seasons. Becker has no drops in college so far.... Hes 6'4" with tracker speed, catches everything, has a massive catch radius, leaping ability, and wins every vertical route. I think theres some questions about his fluidity in and out of his breaks. Marsh is seen as more versatile, but he lacks the high end traits you look for in a round 1 WR, in my opinion. Jaylen McClain is competing for safety 1 in this class, hes been elite so far. His draft range is huge, I could see him going 15-45.

• Every Jeremiah Smith game is must watch, but vs a scrappy defense like Indiana, its a very interesting matchup. Jamari Sharpe is quietly having a very strong season, and I think Amare Ferrell is an undervalued prospect. Ferrell hasn't allowed a touchdown in 3 seasons. I hope Sayin targets Jeremiah deep. Devin McCuin is another prospect with a massive draft range: round 2 to round 4.

• Will Whitson is one of the best hidden gems in the 2027 draft. He has elite size at 6'5" 295 listed and with that length and mass, it allows him to be moved all over the line. He produced 5 pressures and a sack vs South Carolina and 3 pressures and a sack vs Alabama. Now hes about to face the OT1 in the 2027 class. Seaton at times has struggled with his anchor and a matchup vs a power edge like Whitson could be very interesting.

• LSU CB DJ Pickett is projected round 1 in 2028 and Ty Benefield is considered a top 5 safety by many this year. Miss St WR Anthony Evans has nearly 600 yards and 5 TDs through 5 weeks in the SEC and there's been no drop off vs top SEC teams like Alabama and Missouri. I've been incredibly impressed. I talked about Deuce Alexander being a top 3 explosive player in the country; Evans is also in that top 5 and is blazing fast. Kamario Taylor gets all the attention, but I think Evans is a big reason for his success as an elite target.

• ASU has a duo of premier receivers in Reed Harris and Omarion Miller. Reed Harris is a prototypical X WR with 6'5" size and 4.4 speed. Hes been elite this year, catching 600 yards and 7 TDs in just 5 games. He's a no brainer round 1 talent. This years receiver class is elite, imagine a super bowl team being able to draft this guy, crazy but some mocks have that right now. Omarion Miller has been far more inconsistent, and his usage has been weird at ASU, almost entirely from the slot. However, he also has weeks of 102, 85, and 78 yards, so hes a weapon himself (especially YAC). CB Brice Pollock has been a bit disappointing with allowing big plays this year, but hes still a ball hawk with 7 INTs the last 2 seasons.

• QB CJ Carr finally has to face a quality opponent. BYU is allowed under 200 pass yards per game and just 5.8 yards per attempt. I hope BYU is able to get some scoring production and put Carr in tough situations because its hard to judge QBs who aren't put in challenging spots.

• Oklahoma DT David Stone has high upside but his consistency and motor have been terrible this season. His technique doesn't look any better so far this season and hes facing a tough center in Coleton Price. We know Stone has game wrecking ability, so the pressure is on him to perform, or he likely returns to school

• Wyatt Young transferred with Mestemaker from North Texas to Oklahoma State and hasn't missed a beat. He was dominant against Oregon. Hes a slot receiver with good size at 6'0" 200 lbs. I love Wyatt Young as a prospect. 158 passer rating when targeted, 4.3 yards per route run. Young reminds me of Cooper Kupp. If Mestemaker returns to school, I think Young returns as well, but I expect both to declare and at this point, Young is the best slot receiver in the class.

I won't pretend to do any analysis. I'm just a fan of the Chargers and looking forward to a top 5 pick. Judging from draft twitter and mock drafts, I'd say there are only 3 defined blue chippers to this point: Jeremiah Smith, Colin Simmons, and Leonard Moore. Anyone else you think deserves to be in this group, or you think can get there by the end of the year?

I've been hearing hype about this draft for years so I would have expected there to me more. Or was the value of this draft seen in its depth?

Sam Leavitt, Nico Iamaleava, LaNorris Sellers, Arch Manning, Drake Lindsey, Drew Mestemaker, Julian Sayin.

Also mentions Demond Williams and Austin Simmons

I’m wondering about safety concerns and weighing the options regarding bringing a 9 year old girl to the NFL Draft hosted on the Washington DC National Mall in April.

What to be aware of?

What to avoid?

I’m thinking this area/event could be a targeted space for issues. Am I overthinking it?

Talk about anything you please; draft-related or otherwise!

At this point it appears the only part of cam wards game we fixed is he's no longer a gunslinger...........

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/cam-ward/32005741-5206-5305-364b-76c1f988f45e

Analysis

By Lance Zierlein

NFL Analyst

Draft Projection

Round 1

Overview

Gunslinger with good size, a big arm and the mobility to help out his offensive line. Ward can read the full field and operates with average decision-making and processing quickness. Like a shortstop, he rips sidearm rockets that fit into tight windows on all three levels, but his delivery and mechanics cause inconsistencies with placement and accuracy. He is fairly consistent regardless of the coverage scheme he sees, but figuring out disguised coverage on the pro level will take time, and it is not a given he will develop that skill. He looks to strike it rich with aggressive, vertical throws; for better efficiency, he needs to learn to mine for gold with combo reads and rhythm throws. While he has the ability to move the sticks with his legs, he’s more of a pocket passer than a dual-threat quarterback. Pocket mobility helps him extend and make plays out of structure, but the longer he’s off-schedule, the spottier his decision-making can get. With a patient plan and a nurturing offensive coordinator who can accentuate his physical tools while regulating the feast-or-famine elements of his play, Ward could become a good NFL starter inside of his first contract.

Strengths

Recognizes pre-snap pressure and can protect himself.

Displays recognition for attacking holes in the coverage.

Sudden release helps him thrive with quick game and seam throws.

Can whip throws into tight windows from 25 yards away.

Release quickness and velocity limit defender’s reaction time to the throw.

Arm talent to make throws that others in this draft class cannot.

Alters trajectory and touch for bucket throws.

Mobility creates longer cover times and second-action opportunities.

Able to read the front side and get to the back side with his progression.

Bobs and weaves around the pocket and away from pressure points.

Capable runner when the pocket breaks down but doesn’t bolt unnecessarily.

Weaknesses

Too willing to work out of structure and play hero ball.

Struggled with Georgia Tech’s disguised coverages.

Needs eye discipline to prevent coverage overlaps against zone.

Inconsistent tying his feet with his eyes when scanning.

Gets excited and cuts it loose before the route develops.

Drop-down, sidearm release creates erratic placement.

Seam throws become a security blanket when he’s uncomfortable.

Unjustifiable interceptions from reckless cross-field throws.

NFL QB-hunters will make him pay for reckless backward scrambles.

Rears back and rips throws when touch and finesse is needed.

Completed just 39% of his passes inside the red zone in 2024, per Pro Football Focus.

A prospect who has caught my attention lately is Tennessee DT Xavier Gilliam. This is his first season as a full-time starter, and he's arguably been the best defensive tackle in the country. Gilliam has five sacks in six games and is an excellent pass rusher. He is good against the run and can play pretty much anywhere along the defensive line. I wanted to ask what y'all's thoughts are on Gilliam as a prospect and how early he can be selected in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Started really watching his film recently and it’s awesome. Super toolsy, has amazing traits in pocket presence, arm strength and mobility. He throws with good anticipation and is super fearless in throwing the ball wherever he wants. Easily in my opinion “so far” QB1 so where would he rank in draft prospects of the last 5 years?

I wasn’t following the draft that closely when he was drafted but the dude was an absolute animal in high school and college. How did no one take a shot on him earlier? Seems like with guys like Jeremiah love and Hadrian price going in the first round, Henry should’ve been up there further.

Have a bold prediction that you want to state proudly but will most likely look very stupid in short time? Have at it! Maybe you’ll nail it and look like a genius in the future

Please don’t downvote a user for a stupid bold prediction; it’s all just for fun!

So this upcoming draft Jeremiah smith is the consensus number one player with comparisons to Julio jones and Calvin Johnson.
What’s the consensus on the defensive ends or defensive tackles? Is there’s a can’t miss prospect that’s a Myles Garrett type or similar?

As we reach mid-October, we are finally ready to part with a lot of preconceived observations about a player we made over summer. It’s the time of year that we start to see big boards substantially change as risers and fallers take full effect.
With that in mind, there are four players that I feel like are about to explode in terms of their draft ranking in the coming weeks. These are players that either weren’t on the radar or have not fully broken through into the national draft conversation at this stage. Let’s take a look at who will likely be considered first-round prospects in the near future.

As Reddit still does not play nice with Twitter embeds, if you want to check out the original story, here is the link: https://draftseasonneverends.substack.com/p/four-players-who-will-be-rising-up

Xavier Gilliam, DL, Tennessee
The hype train has already begun for Gilliam. The Penn State transfer has absolutely dominated since landing with Tennessee. Already this season, he has 5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and a pair of forced fumbles. He is just a redshirt sophomore who did not play much for the Nittany Lions, so he was not on a ton of draft boards before the season, and I haven’t seen too many people move him up just yet. I have a feeling that the next round of big boards released have him as a top-25 player. I know that is certainly where I am headed with him.
 
Niki Prongos, OT, Stanford
Prongos picked up some steam late in the season last year before ultimately returning to school. Injuries kept him out of Stanford’s first three games, but he has looked sharp since returning to the field. The fifth-year senior is a late bloomer, having not played football until his senior year of high school. There has not been a ton of buzz about him as I think a lot of folks simply haven’t circled back to his tape yet. It doesn’t help that Stanford has looked like one of the worst teams in the FBS for much of this season as well. He had a decent showing against Notre Dame this past week and I expect you will start to hear his name in top-50 conversations again soon.

Boubacar Traore, EDGE, Notre Dame
While certainly not flying under the radar, Traore has not received the love I feel he deserves in draft circles yet this year. Much of that has to do with Notre Dame’s relatively soft schedule to this point. However, the Irish face BYU, Miami and SMU in three of their next five games. All three are in prime time on ABC and NBC respectively. Traore has the first step quickness, all-around athleticism and instincts to be an excellent edge rusher in the NFL. His production has been solid as well, with 3.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss and 2 forced fumbles. I think he will wind up being a top-25 player in this class when the dust settles.

Zereoue Williams, OT, Utah
Has there been a quieter 5-0 team this season than Utah? Admittedly, the Utes have not faced a super daunting schedule. Their best win is maybe over a 3-3 Iowa State team. Otherwise, they have beaten Idaho, Arkansas, Utah State and Kansas. Not exactly a murder’s row. Despite the weak schedule, word is already starting to get out about Williams. He is already in the top 35 for Stick to the Model, James Foster and NFLSE, but I feel like we are going to see him explode on a national level very soon. He has a 6’8” frame and still seems to be filling it out. He has also barely played despite being in his sixth season at Utah. In a class that seems to lack a consensus OT3, don’t be surprised if you start to see Williams occupy that spot on just about every big board by the time November rolls around.

I’ve heard a lot about how good the 2027 NFL Draft class will be, including statements that a second-round pick next year could be worth a first-rounder this year. What actually makes it so good? Aren’t most of the top QB prospects struggling right now?

There seems to be a divide between those that want to take Smith at #1 and those that want to trade the #1 pick. That fine but for those that want to trade it what trade package are you expecting to get back? Examples of #1 pick being traded 2016 Rams and Titans and 2023 Panthers and Bears. Rams got in '16 Draft #1, 4th and 6th and had to send '16 1st, 2 2nds, 3rd, '17 1st and 3rd. Panthers sent DJ Moore, '23 1st and 2nd, '24 1st and '25 2nd and they only got the #1 pick, they did not get any extra picks from the Bears. I'll even throw in the trade the Redskins made with the Rams so they could draft RG3. The Redskins sent the Rams '12 1st (6th) and 2nd (39), '13 1st (22nd), '14 1st (2nd).

Jeremiah Smith seems to be head and shoulders better than any prospect coming out this season at all positions. There has been comps to Megatron as to what he will do in the NFL. Lions took Calvin Johnson #2 behind JaMarcus Russell. The Lions '06 starting QB was Jon Kitna and he would start the '07 season also. The Lions went on to have the 15th pick in 2008 traded to the Chiefs for the 17th pick. Oh and the 18th pick in the 2008 draft was Joe Flacco. The 2007 was a very weak QB class.

But lets look at another HoF WR in Larry Fitzgerald. The Cards took him 3rd in the 2004 draft. The Cards had Jeff Blake as their starter for 2003 and could have draft Phillip Rivers who the Giants took 4th before trading him to the Chargers for then #1 Eli. 2004 The Cards started Josh McCown at QB and drafted 8th the following year. 2005 draft Alex Smith went #1 and Aaron Rodgers sat in the greenroom. Image if the Cards had taken Rodgers.....

Lets stay in the division 2003 the Texans take Andre Johnson 3rd. They were an expansion team but they still went 4-12. So they go and get a WR for their young QB David Carr who then held the record for most times sacked in the season. Looking at the 2003 draft it wasn't great and Johnson wasn't the first WR off the board that goes to Charles Rodgers. But in 2004 they picked 10th and they could have given up on their QB after two season and took Big Ben who went 11th.

The Bengals in 2011 took AJ Green with the 4th pick. They had Carson Palmer at QB and the only reason he wasn't the QB for the team in 2012 was because they drafted Andy Dalton in the 2nd round after AJ Green. If they didn't have Dalton its unknown how they would have done with Palmer. They did draft 17th the following season which was the Andrew Luck draft class. If they didn't have Dalton they might have taken a swing on Russel Wilson who went in the 3rd that year.

Taking it way back to '96 when the Jets took Keyshawn Johnson #1. The 1996 draft was wild in that the 1st QB to come off the board was in the 4th round. The Jets had Boomer Esiason as their QB in '95 then signed Neil O'Donnell to be the QB for '96 but got hurt when they were 0-6. They then traded the '97 #1 pick the Rams for '97 1st (6th), 3rd (67th), 4th (102nd), and 7th (207th). So there were no future picks given up. BTW the Rams took Olandro Pace with the #1 pick that year. Oh and that 6th the Jet they traded that to the Bucs for the 8th and 104th (4th). The Bucs then traded the pick to Seahawks for the 12th and 63rd (3rd). Seahawks took Walter Jones with that pick. So the Jets passed up two HoF LT because they had spent money on John Jumbo Elliot in the '96 off-season.

The point is the '27 QB class is going to be weak and there is no point in wasting it on a QB. So you choices are trade the pick and if you do then you better be getting massive returns. I've seen people ask about the Jets three 1st they have currently. If they gave up all three 1st for 2027 that would be a great start. But they only willing to given up 2 of them going to take more. Jets have the Colts who get to face us twice so another 2 wins for that pick. Cowboys face us thats another win for that pick. Jets themselves still have the Dolphins twice and the Cardinals. It is more likely than not that all of the Jets 1st rd pick will be outside the top 10. And that is a lot of possible blue chip prospects that would be gone before the Titans pick. We are also assuming that certain QB suddenly look great and shoot up the board to push talent further down for us.

Nope you take Jeremiah Smith. We have exactly 7 picks in each of the next two drafts. This is only year 2 of a 3 to 4 year rebuild. We did not start rebuilding until last year. Ran came in and tried to do a reload and rebuild and it failed because of the coaching.

But if you feel trading in the move then come up with some realistic trades and what is going to be done at QB. Because like it or not Titans are not drafting a QB in '27. They might in '28 when all these young WR are considered Vets and can be that safety blanket for a rookie QB.

Edit: for those that didnt know SoS is the tie breaker for teams with the same record. Titans do not play the Chargers or Dolphins. Dolphins do play the Chargers. Titans only have the Browns and Raiders left as what could be considered winnable games for them.

Titans current SoS is .518, Chargers .556 and Dolphins .610

Remaining SoS rankings Chargers hardest at #2, Titans #8 and Dolphins #10

So we all know the hype. We hear it many times a day, as an OSU fan its deafening. I always worry when it gets that way just cause I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. I don't typically study tape and project what things will look like at the next level. So I am asking this community, taking a step back from the absurd hype, are there any red flags or not so obvious holes in Smith's game that could show itself at the next level? Not necessarily completely bust but not live up to the hype he is getting.

In his first game back from his suspension, Stewart put up a 95.8 PFF grade against Florida, the highest of any defender against an FBS team last weekend.

The boards still mostly have Simmons ahead. Of the 7 public 2027 big boards I follow, 5 have Simmons higher and 2 have Stewart higher. Tankathon moved Stewart back up from 14th to 11th after his return; DraftTek still has him 21st.

True or false? And if true, does the off-field stuff matter enough to keep Simmons ahead anyway?

u/Mbrr1214 will be hosting a community mock draft over on our Discord server! Saturday 10/17 at 2:00 EST

• 2 Rounds (No Trades)
• Draft Order is based off current tankathon order but may be subject to change ahead of draft day
• DISCORD LINK

LINK TO SPREADSHEET

Sign up for GM spots below! Happy Drafting!

Updated Tuesday thread focused notes and opinions about individual prospects. Scout someone new and want to get opinions from others? Ask about it here!

Hi everyone! I'm back with some running backs you might already know, plus a sleeper TE. The whole article is below, but if you want to click the link and subscribe, it is free! Please let me know your thoughts and if there are any players you want to shout out!

https://theday2guys.substack.com/p/the-day-2-guys-week-6-stock-up-college?r=2mc4kp&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Aiden Flora, RB, Iowa State Univ. - RS Sophomore - Flora is exactly the type of player that is impossible to root against unless you are playing against Iowa State. He was a preferred walk-on who got offers to Ivy League and Military schools. He decided to spurn those offers and walk-on to the home state Cyclones program. He worked his you-know-what off on special teams his first couple years and was put on scholarship just before this season. What Flora has done as the starting running back has been honestly shocking. He is sixth in the country in rushing yards (680) and has scored 9 touchdowns including 2 passing touchdowns and 1 punt return touchdown.

You may ask why Flora was under-recruited and the simple answer was just that he was a quarterback in high school and was sort of position-less and only 170 pounds. He is now 6’ 0” / 195 pounds and is one of the most explosive players in the country (7.6 yards per carry). Flora had his best week two weeks ago against a putrid West Virginia defense where he had 212 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns to go along with 2 passing touchdowns for an additional 48 yards. This week was more impressive to me because of the opponent. Flora had 86 yards rushing against a very stout Brigham Young team that is 9th nationally in scoring defense (13.4 PPG). He also averaged 5.1 yards a carry, so it wasn’t because of volume. There was a play late in the game when the Cyclones were down 11 points and they had to go for it on 4th and 2 from their own 32 yard-line, and they tried a trick play where Flora was supposed to pass, and he was completely bottled up for a loss and he somehow got around the player to the other side of the field and got 20+ yards to keep their hopes alive.

Flora possesses a skill-set that NFL coaches can dream on: burst, long-speed, the ability to cut. The fact that he played quarterback doesn’t hurt either because he has the added ability to do trick plays and should be able to diagnose defenses better than the average running back. He will have to work on blocking and catching the ball, but these things will get better as he gets more and more reps. I imagine he will play another year of college and then become a high draft pick in 2028.

King Miller, RB, Univ. of Southern Cal - RS Sophomore - We might have to call this article the preferred walk-on special. Miller is another player who was not given much of a chance out of high school. He had 3 division-1 offers to Portland State, Nevada, and San Jose State. When USC offered he and his twin brother Kaylon preferred walk-on spots, they took them. What Miller has done since might not top what Flora has done, but it is highly respectable in its own right. Miller has 595 rushing yards while averaging 5.2 yards per carry. USC has faced pretty stiff competition and Miller has played his best against those teams. Miller has averaged 5.7 ypc against Oregon and he just averaged 5.4 against Penn State this past weekend. Miller did fumble twice this weekend, but he hasn’t put the ball on the ground any other time this year.

Miller is well-sized at 6’ 0” / 225 pounds. He’s quick for his size, and has some nifty jukes and spin moves in his bag that he uses frequently. The next step for King will be to work on his third-down role as a receiver and blocker (just like Flora). Miller only has 4 catches this season while splitting time with fellow running back, Waymond Jordan in the USC backfield. Miller has already taken much of Jordan’s workload and right now looks like the better running back of the two. Miller will be exciting to watch develop under Garrett Riley and his offensive system.

Wayshawn Parker, RB, Univ. of Utah - Junior - Another under-recruited player out of high school with 5 offers, Wayshawn Parker is making defenses look silly in 2026. Kansas had a first-hand view of it this weekend when Wayshawn Parker had a 90-yard touchdown run against them. Parker dominated the game from start to finish and has really cemented himself as a top-75 pick in the upcoming draft if he chooses to come out. Parker is well-rounded and is ready for the next step of his career.

Parker originally committed to Washington State Univ. out of high school. His true freshman season, Parker accumulated 843 yards and had 5 touchdowns. Parker then transferred to Utah where he has been nothing short of magnificent in Salt Lake City. Parker had 1,166 yards in 2025 - his first year as a Ute. This year has started even better - albeit against some very poor defenses. Parker has 689 total yards in only 5 games. Parker is averaging an absurd 7.6 yards per carry, and has already more receptions and receiving yards than he had all of last year (17 receptions / 190 yards / 4 touchdowns). Parker and the Utes won’t be truly tested until they play BYU in 4 weeks. The game is at home and will be a must-watch game with two heavyweights going toe-to-toe. Get ready to hear Parker’s name early this draft season.

Parker possesses NFL size at 5’ 11” / 205 pounds. He isn’t quite the lateral player that Flora and King Miller are, but his burst and one-cut ability are both excellent. He also has extremely soft hands and can play all three downs in the NFL. He still needs to work on pass protection (what running back doesn’t?), but if Utah continues the way they are playing, there’s an outside chance we could see Parker at the Heisman ceremony at the end of the season.

Eli Finley, TE, Louisiana Tech University - Senior - When going through some numbers for the week, I was going to talk about Joshua Long (the TE from Eastern Michigan), but Eli Finley had an even better week, and when comparing their tape, Finley looks like a much better prospect. Finley, who was an All-CUSA preseason pick, has lived up to the season his coaches and league mates thought he would have. Finley, who was a 3-star recruit coming out of Heath, Texas had a very confusing offer list. Only 6 offers - only 1 from the in-state Texas schools (Univ. of North Texas), but incredibly, had an offer to attend the Univ. of Oregon. Finley, however, chose to stay in the region and has played all four years at Louisiana Tech.

Finley, who stands at 6’ 6” and 246 pounds had an exceptional week against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns putting up 9 receptions / 114 yards / 2 touchdowns including the game winner with under a minute left in the fourth quarter to win 32-31. Finley is an interesting tight end prospect, not only because he has the frame to play, but he has a really nice feel for intermediate zone play. He finds soft spots in zones and has enough burst off the line to create separation. Finley dropped his weight down a bit to help with his long speed, which left a lot to be desired in 2025, but it comes at the expense of his blocking. While he can and should block some in-line at the next level, he struggles a bit with heavier DEs.

Finley has now put together three seasons of very good football, but this season may be his finest. In 2026, Finley has already accumulated 27 receptions / 325 yards / 4 touchdowns in just 5 games. Finley and the Louisiana Tech team have played LSU and Baylor this year already. Finley didn’t do much against the LSU Tigers, but he did have 8 receptions / 65 yards / 1 touchdown against Baylor. Finley will most likely be a Day 3 pick in the draft, but he’s an interesting player who deserves the shout-out for his fantastic season.

Looking back at Week 5 players that were highlighted:

Braden Atkinson (Oregon St. QB) - 29/38 passing (76.3 Comp. %) for 409 yards and 5 touchdowns - Hoo boy. Atkinson has the goods. San Diego State has been dealing with some issues including a mumps outbreak, but Atkinson delivered in an important win over the Aztecs. Atkinson has been the best player in college football this season not named Jeremiah Smith in my opinion. His leading receiver Jesse Legree is right there with him. Keep your eye on Atkinson in 2026 and beyond.

Kelby Valsin (Florida Atlantic WR) - Bye Week

Caden Veltkamp (Florida Atlantic QB) - Bye Week - Massive game at Army this week for Valsin, Veltkamp, and the Owls.

Elijah Melendez (Auburn LB) - Bye Week - There were many bye weeks in college football in week 6, but Auburn has a big test this week at the undefeated Georgia Bulldogs. Melendez will have to show his mettle to keep up with a highly-talented Bulldog team.

College football's regular season is right around the halfway point (season has flown by). There are plenty of prospects who have elevated their stock through the first six weeks, and there will be more who will as the season goes on. I wanted to share some of the prospects I feel have improved their stock the most, and ask y'all which prospects you believe have moved up the most on draft boards.

Austin Simmons

Deuce Alexander

Reed Harris

Chris Cole (he was thought of pretty highly before the season but has moved into LB1 in many of the boards I have seen)

Kingston Lopa