NCAA Football Prospects to Watch: Week 5

After three weeks of the NFL season, there are already some fanbases that are looking ahead to next year’s draft.

Don’t worry though, I’ve got you covered. There are a few interesting games on Saturday that both fantasy football fans and fans of dismal NFL franchises will want to tune into.

Each week, this series will cover players featured in nationally televised games who could likely emerge as fantasy assets after next year’s draft.

Week 4's Featured Players

Let’s look at how last weeks featured players performed:

Shea Patterson, Michigan – That was not the message Patterson wanted to send. When the game was in question, he was inaccurate and unable to move the offense. He’s likely a Day Three pick now simply based on athletic upside.

Nico Collins, Michigan –Three catches for 66 yards in a blowout isn’t going to help Collins. He’s a large and athletically-skilled receiver, but if Michigan’s offense can’t find a rhythm, he won’t be able to rise up draft boards into the middle rounds, should he even decide to declare after this season.

Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin – Taylor thoroughly dominated the Wolverines with 203 yards and two TDs on 23 carries, despite missing close to two quarters with an injury. He’s firmly in the round one conversation and battling to be the top running back taken.

Jacob Eason, Washington – Throwing for 290 yards and three TDs while only throwing four incompletions puts Eason back on the radar as a potential NFL starter. He’s always had tools, but now we’re seeing consistency. He’s a likely Day Two selection now.

Aaron Fuller, Washington – Fuller finished with eight catches for 91 yards and a TD. It really wouldn’t surprise me if he becomes a Day Two selection on the back of his solid route running and soft hands.

Ty’Son Williams, BYU – He averaged almost five yards a carry against a good defense, but he isn’t getting enough work to show off his athleticism. He’s probably an UDFA right now, but one who may be able to stick on a roster.

Chase Claypool, Notre Dame – Six catches for 66 yards and a TD against an elite defense will certainly move the needle for Claypool. When paired with his impressive size, it’s easy to see him emerge as a second-round option.

Ian Book, Notre Dame – Ian Book was solid against the Bulldogs, with 275 yards for two TDs and two INTs, but he just wasn’t able to hit the big play and push the ball down the field. Still a Day Three guy for me. 

Jake Fromm, Georgia – Fromm wasn’t asked to do much against Notre Dame, completing 20 of 26 passes for 187 yards and one TD. He’s still likely a Day Two player, but I’d like to see a game script that calls for him to open it up.

D’Andre Swift, Georgia – 98 yards rushing and a TD against Notre Dame’s defense is impressive, and Swift looked good doing it. He’s likely a late first or early second-round pick right now.

Week 5 Matchup to Watch - Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma

Saturday 12 PM ET

T.J. Vasher, WR Texas Tech – At 6’6” Vasher has an enormous catch radius and strong hands to reel in passes anywhere near him. He might not be the fastest receiver in the draft, but he has tremendous leaping ability and is a massive red zone threat. His route running could use some work, which is why he’s currently a Day Three player, but you can’t teach size, so continued strong performances could push him into the late Day Two conversation.

CeeDee Lamb, WR Oklahoma – In a loaded wide receiver class, Lamb’s name is currently listed among the best. He’s an intelligent route runner who possesses soft hands to make catches in traffic. He’s not going to take the top off a defense with elite speed or push corners out of the way with great size, but he is a smart and technically gifted receiver who has a chance to go in the first round.

Jalen Hurts, QB Oklahoma – If you’re looking for the next Lamar Jackson, Hurts might be the guy. Much like Jackson early in his career, Hurts currently looks to run too often and doesn’t handle pressure or go through all his reads as well as he could. However, he’s an elite athlete with a strong arm, so if he can show progression as a passer, like Jackson did, he could be another fantasy star.

Week 5 Matchup to Watch: Clemson @ UNC

3:30 PM ET

Travis Etienne, RB Clemson – Etienne is a bit of a forgotten man with everybody in love with Trevor Lawrence, but the running back is a game-breaker in his own right. He’s a downhill runner with an aggressive style who can leave defenders behind him when he gets in the open field. He doesn’t have the wiggle to make defenders miss enough to be in the first-round conversation, but he will eat up yards in chunks and make for a solid rotation back as a Day Two pick.

Tee Higgins, WR Clemson – Higgins is another big-bodied receiver who will never be confused for a burner. However, he has reliable hands and a strong catch radius, which makes him an alluring red-zone weapon and chain-mover at the next level. He’s likely only a Day Three target, however, because he lacks elite athletic upside.

Dazz Newsome, WR UNC – Newsome has emerged as the Tar Heels’ number one wide receiver, and he’s shown true big-play ability, as evidenced by his current 14.2 yards per reception. What adds to Newsome’s value is his ability as a return man. He averaged 15.1 yards per punt return last year, which makes him an intriguing Day Three option for a team as a versatile wide receiver who can be a special teams asset.

Week 5 Matchup to Watch: Auburn vs. Mississippi State

7:00 PM ET

JarTavious “BooBee” Whitlow, RB Auburn – Auburn’s NFL draft talent is mostly not in fantasy-relevant positions, but Whitlow is a red-shirt sophomore, so he’s technically eligible; although, he’s unlikely to enter the 2020 Draft. However, he has been dynamic this year with 408 yards and four TDs through four games. I’m excited to see him this weekend and think he could emerge as a sneaky name if he continues this kind of success.

Kylin Hill, RB Mississippi St – At 5’11” 215, Hill has a low center of gravity, which gives him great balance and the ability to run through arm tackles. However, he is more of a power back who searches for contact and doesn’t quite have the wiggle to make defenders miss consistently. This will be a good test for him, but he currently profiles as more of a late Day Two power and red zone back in a committee at the next level.

Osirus Mitchell, WR Mississippi St – Mitchell lacked fanfare as a recruit and only put up 427 yards last season. However, his 6’5” 210-pound frame makes him a tough cover, and he seems to be expanding his route tree a bit this season. This has led to 244 yards and three touchdowns through the Bulldogs’ first three games, which is even more impressive when you consider that this is a team that runs the ball about 30 times a game. This will be a good game for Mitchell to show that he is becoming a more well-rounded receiver and a day three option as a big-bodied threat

More NCAA Football Analysis