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2017 NFL Draft: 3 Prospects to Watch in Week 2

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Despite a relatively easy week for most big college football programs, these NFL draft prospects could help their draft stock significantly in Week 2.

Style Point Saturday is upon us. Last week’s college football opening weekend was one to remember, but now the vast majority of top-tier programs are playing in games that they’re heavily favored to win.

On the bright side, Saturday is a great chance to check out some of the most talented players in college football as they try to show why they belong in the NFL. With so many games to choose from, there are a few NFL draft prospects I’m keeping my eye on in Week 2.

Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) runs during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

JuJu Smith-Schuster

WR, USC

USC receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is projected to be a first-round pick after the season is over. Unfortunately, the 19-year-old didn’t look as poised as expected in his first game of the year.

Smith-Schuster was completely shut down by Alabama’s top-tier defense in Week 1, catching just one pass for nine yards. Going against the likes of Marlon Humphrey, JuJu couldn’t find a way to get open.

In order to show everyone that was a fluke, the USC receiver needs a serious bounce-back game against Utah State. He’s an intimidating matchup for even the best defensive backs at 6’2” and 220 pounds. He’ll need to utilize that size to create some separation and make some plays on Saturday.

Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws in the second quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

DeShone Kizer

QB, Notre Dame

Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson came into the season as the Heisman Trophy favorite. In one week of work, that title might have already moved to Notre Dame QB DeShone Kizer.

Kizer came into the season splitting reps with fellow Fighting Irish quarterback Malik Zaire. However, Kizer quickly separated himself in the game, racking up six total touchdowns including a beautiful pass to Josh Adams.

Throws like that on are why Kizer was named the official starter for Saturday’s game against Nevada. NFL scouts will be eyeing Kiser to see if he can continue to make NFL-caliber throws.

Kizer demonstrated that he has all of the tools to be an NFL quarterback in Week 1, but now we’ll have to see if he can demonstrate that level of play on a consistent basis.

Sep 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Myles Garrett

EDGE, Texas A&M

Does your NFL team need an edge-rusher and is also expected to be terrible this season? Then you’re going to want to check out Texas A&M edge defender Myles Garrett.

Draft scouts everywhere are expecting Garrett to be a top-five pick, and for good reason. He looked absolutely dominant last week against UCLA, generating one sack, three QB hits and seven hurries according to PFF.

Garrett’s strength is obvious just from looking at him. He uses with 6’5”, 270-pound frame to his advantage, as made apparent by this sack on Josh Rosen last week.

The Aggies will take on Prairie View Saturday, which could mean an absolutely absurd game from Garrett. We’ll see if he can dominate lesser competition like he’s expected to.

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