The third week of the college football season is upon us and there are some very intriguing matchups on tap, including two games between Top 25 teams. No. 12 BYU travels to Eugene to take on the 25th ranked Oregon Ducks and 13th ranked Miami heads to College Station to take on 24th ranked Texas A&M.
With the NFL Draft 223 days away, here are six prospects that Green Bay Packers fans should be watching on Saturday.
Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&M
On paper, the Packers have one of the best secondaries in the NFL. The talent on paper didn’t match the on-field production last Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings when it felt like Justin Jefferson was running open all game.
Adrian Amos could be playing in his final year in Green Bay and Darnell Savage has yet to prove that he’s a long-term fixture in Joe Barry’s secondary.
Johnson can line up anywhere in the secondary. Johnson has a long frame and covers a lot of ground in Texas A&M’s secondary. Johnson closes on routes quickly and has the length to disrupt passing lanes. He’s a physical, downhill run defender and finished second on the team in tackles last season (79).
Texas A&M Antonio Johnson is one of the best defensive weapons in college football! pic.twitter.com/Mm4nLD2K6f
— Robert Cardona (@CARDONAFAM29) May 18, 2022
The versatile defensive back started the season as Dane Brugler’s top-ranked safety in the 2023 NFL Draft Class. From Brugler:
With his impressive physical traits and budding instincts, versatility is the calling card for Johnson, who can play cornerback, nickel or safety. He is at his best when he can float underneath and match up against slot targets while also showing the range to be an enforcer versus the run.
Johnson and the Aggies square off against Miami at 8 p.m. (CST) on ESPN.
Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
At 6-8, the BYU offensive tackle has an NFL frame. Freeland is a freak athlete for a man his size. He was an all-state athlete in basketball as well as track and field, where he owns the 6A state (Utah) record in the javelin.
Freeland has quick feet and is able to stay balanced at contact. According to Pro Football Focus, Freeland didn’t allow a multi-pressure game last season.
“His athleticism for a man his size is his greatest asset,” Jay Drew, a BYU reporter for the Deseret News said. “Teammates often say he is one of the best athletes on the team, and easily the best basketball player. He has excellent footwork and really quick feet for a 6-foot-8 guy. Freeland was a quarterback and tight end in high school, another testament to his athleticism. Unlike a lot of big guys, he grew into his frame gradually. He’s got a lot of other intangibles, work ethic, determination, etc., but the thing that stands out to me is his athleticism.”
Freeland and BYU will face Oregon at 2:30 on Fox.
Derick Hall, Edge, Auburn
The name of the game is to get after the quarterback and Hall is consistently putting pressure on the quarterback. Hall’s motor is always running and he’s relentless. He gets upfield quickly with a quick first step. The Auburn edge rusher gives excellent effort in pursuit as a chaser from the backside.
Derick Hall (EDGE 29)
These Auburn guys are fun pic.twitter.com/I5Gvuh69IH
— Draft Guy Jared (@DraftGuyJared) September 12, 2022
In two games Hall has recorded 10 tackles and one sack. On Saturday he’ll face stiffer competition going up against Penn State’s offensive tackle, Olumuyiwa Fashanu.
Penn State and Auburn will kick off at 2:30 p.m. on CBS.
Zacch Pickens, DL, South Carolina
With his power, Pickens can overwhelm offensive linemen. He’s got strong hands and he can manhandle offensive linemen at the point of attack. Even when he’s engaged he’s quick to find the ball carrier. He’s rarely moved out of his gap and with his short-area quickness he can make plays up and down the line of scrimmage.
“Zacch Pickens’ greatest strength is he always wants to play perfectly in an imperfect game,” David Cloninger the South Carolina beat writer for The Post and Courier said. “There are always going to be misses, missteps, but his attitude is that he wants to fix them all on the next play. He never wants to leave a game even when he’s exhausted because he knows the next snap can be perfect.”
The potential matchup between Pickens and Georgia’s center Sedrick Van Pran will be worth the price of admission in what could turn into a Georgia blowout. South Carolina and the top-ranked Bulldogs will kick off at 11 a.m. on ESPN.
Nick Broeker, OL, Ole Miss
Broeker has started 25 games at left tackle over the past two seasons. Over the past two seasons, Broeker has had 929 pass-blocking reps and yielded just four sacks. This season Broeker is lining up at left guard.
Watch the LG Nick Broeker on back-to-back plays vs #49
Must've been a long day for that DT #OleMiss #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/JnwNpAL7Bc
— A🕳ron Bloch (@PFF_Aaron) September 16, 2022
Broeker is strong at the point of attack and has the grip strength to control the man lining up across from him. The versatile offensive lineman has a high football IQ and isn’t fooled by twists, loops, etc.
With his tackle-guard versatility, Broeker could be a player that could be high on Brian Gutekunst’s draft board. The Packers have had a lot of success converting college offensive tackles inside to guard. Broeker is already getting a head start to that transition by lining up at left guard this season.
Broeker and Ole Miss will face Georgia Tech at 2:30 on ABC.
Patrick McMorris, S, San Diego State
McMorris is coming off an All-Mountain West season and the Aztec safety is off to a fast start this season. Through two games, McMorris has recorded 16 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one pass deflection.
McMorris is a versatile playmaker that has an appetite for the physical side of the game. He has a high football IQ and is always in the right spot to make plays.
The @seniorbowl is looking live at @AztecFB vs. @IdahoStateFB. Patrick McMorris was one of our highest graded G5 DB prospects this summer. Former RB plays w/ urgency and likes to hit. @McmorrisPatrick showing CB-like feet & suddenness in this W-drill 😳:#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/wDZTChlCeq
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) September 11, 2022
The San Diego State safety will face a stiff challenge on Saturday when the Aztecs take on Utah and their dynamic duo at tight end. Brant Kuithe and Dalton Kincaid will challenge McMorris and that matchup is a good reason for Packers fans to turn on ESPN2 at 9 p.m.
