2022 NFL draft: Which prospects impressed in Week 1 of college football?
The first full weekend of the 2021 college football season delivered plenty of entertaining matchups, dramatic finishes and impressive performances from some of the top prospects in the 2022 NFL draft class.
Which prospects did the most to elevate their draft stock in Week 1?
Here are our picks:
Penn State S Jaquan Brisker
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
When the Nittany Lions needed a big play to stop a potential game-tying drive in the final minutes Saturday on the road against Wisconsin, Brisker was the man for the job. He capped off an strong overall outing with a leaping interception on fourth down, snatching a would-be touchdown pass out of the air and all but ending the Badgers' chances of a comeback. That ball-hawking ability, both in terms of athleticism and the mental prowess to sniff out the route he knew was coming, will have NFL scouts flocking to Brisker next offseason.
UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
After a huge debut in a blowout win over Hawai'i, many wondered if Charbonnet could repeat that same success against SEC competition. The Michigan transfer proved himself with another big day against LSU, as the Bruins upset the No. 16 Bayou Bengals in the Rose Bowl. Charbonnet needed just 11 carries to rack up 117 yards and a touchdown on the ground, adding a 35-yard reception, as well. He's showing NFL teams he can be a three-down back with speed, power and a solid combination of vision and patience, no matter who the opponent may be.
Utah LB Devin Lloyd
(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Sure, it was against Weber State, but Lloyd was absolutely everywhere in Utah's 40-17 victory. He racked up 12 tackles, and showed his versatility and play-making ability with a sack and an interception. Lloyd is a complete prospect who should fit any scheme at the next level, and if he keeps playing at the same level we saw in Week 1, he could enter the first-round conversation.
Georgia Defense
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
The marquee matchup of the weekend turned into a defensive struggle, with the only touchdown coming in pick-six format, courtesy of the Bulldogs. Led by a dominant performance by their defensive front, Georgia held Clemson's talented, explosive offense to just three points. Top prospects Adam Anderson, Nolan Smith and Jordan Davis each had a sack, while linebacker Nakobe Dean grabbed a pair of them. This entire unit has the arrow pointing up, and every draft-eligible prospect should see a boost moving forward.
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