Some CFB Prospects You Should Watch Today
These prospects could be on the Chiefs radar come NFL Draft time in 2022.
As the Chiefs get back on track in the win column by dispatching the Washington Football Team, it kind of pushes the NFL Draft thought process farther down the list. The Chiefs’ aren’t in “looking ahead” mode like some NFL teams should be, but they are also in uncertain waters so fans can’t be at ease with their 2021 season outlook. Pair their current standing with a lackluster CFB slate this weekend and it may not be the easiest week to pluck out some big named prospects to watch.. well don’t worry, we have you covered!
Week 8 Prospect Watchlist
Day 1 Stud
Drake London | WR
6’5” 210lbs | USC | #15
It’s hard to turn on any kind of College Football Recap show and not see Drake London highlights every single week. He’s 2021’s dominant catch-point WR that is going to “wow” with contest catch after contested catch. He’s already set career highs in receptions (64) and yards (832) this season while tying his career high in TDs (5). He’s been off to a blistering pace and the highlights may be even more impressive.
Coming into 2021, London had played almost exclusively in the slot so it was the move to the outside that really darkened his projection. He’s not the fastest or quickest wide receiver so the unknown ability to play on the line of scrimmage was an issue. Well, he’s answered all of those questions and then some in 2021 as he’s played almost entirely on the outside and been as productive as ever. Winning in the redzone, winning across the middle of the field, and even providing high level yards after the catch, London appears to be everything the highlights show.
How to watch: USC Vs Notre Dame, 6:30 PM CST, NBC
Notre Dame doesn’t have an elite cornerback prospect or one on their way to being so but they do have NFL caliber athletes. London has been running through the Pac-12 like a hot knife through butter but he could be facing a more physically demanding challenge this weekend.
Potential Riser
Bernhard Raimann | OT
6’7” 305lbs | Central Michigan | #76
Bernhard Raimann was a highschool foreign exchange student from Austria that had just started playing football. He went to Central Michigan as a 6’7”, 240lb tight end that played there his first two seasons. In 2020 he added nearly 50lbs and transitioned to LT and started every game that season. He’s continued to start at TE for the Chippewas in 2021 as he’s continuing to add mass to his lower half.
Raimann is a late starter in the sport that has recently switched positions, there is plenty of rawness to his game. Taking a fine tooth comb to his game is going to find a lot of blemishes in footwork and hand technique but will also show a natural feel for the field. His ability to react, mirror, and move defenders around is something that can’t be ignored. Pair that with Raimann’s elite athleticism for the position and he may be the ideal developmental OT prospect in the 2021 Draft process.
How to watch: Northern Illinois vs Central Michigan, 11:00 AM CST, ESPNU
Raimann had already faced his best competition of the year with Missouri and LSU earlier in the season. The rest of the way is going to be “lower level” of competition compared to what he should be expecting to see in the NFL. This week’s CFB slate isn’t as strong as some of the more recent ones making it a good week to dedicate some time to the Central Michigan rising star.
Local Flavor
Isheem Young [and Greg Eisworth] | DB
5’10” 210lbs | Iowa State | #6
I am going off script a little bit on this one because I’m unsure what Isheem Young’s plans for the NFL Draft will be. As a RS Sophomore, he could easily return and there isn’t much draft buzz flowing about him. I like his NFL projection a little more than Greg Eisworth who has been a stellar safety for the Cyclones for the last few seasons. The two have combined for 12 forced turnovers over the last three seasons (only two for Young) at Iowa State.
Young flashes some high end coverage and run defense capability for the next level projection. He plays like his hair is on fire working from deep to shallow in the blink of an eye while still providing a quality deep zone presence for the rest of the defense. Eisworth is a little bit more of a downhill player that likes to live around the line of scrimmage. He will deliver a big hit to a crossing receiver or stick his nose into the alley vs the run while still providing competent coverage in shallow zones.
How to watch: Oklahoma State vs Iowa State, 2:30 PM CST, FOX
Iowa State is coming off a quality win against Kansas State but now face an even bigger test with Oklahoma State coming to town. Oklahoma State’s offense has been clicking for most of the season and should really challenge the pair of Iowa State S duo with the pass game and in their ability to fit the run.
Yesssss!!!! Finally I see someone mention drake London's name. This dude is gonna be a baller at the next level.