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2017 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 6

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:36 p.m. ET

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Nov 14, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. (48) celebrates after defeating the LSU Tigers 31-14 at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

As the calendar turns to October, the 2017 NFL Draft is now less than seven months away. There’s still a lot to be determined in terms of who’s declaring early and who will stay in school, with the final two months of the season having a big effect on that.

Until decisions are made, sit back and pay close attention to anyone who is eligible for the 2017 NFL Draft. Every week there are certain matchups scouts will be paying close attention to. Whether that’s a game between two of the top teams, or a one-on-one matchup between top prospects, all 32 NFL teams should be watching closely. Week six of the college football season is no exception.

The following players fall into one of those categories and will be expected to step up in order to help their school win. In doing so, their 2017 NFL Draft stock will receive a boost. If they struggle, their stock will take a hit.

Sep 17, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9) carries the ball for a touchdown during the first quarter against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Wayne Gallman (RB – Clemson) vs. Boston College

When discussing Clemson football, Deshaun Watson is the first name that is mentioned.

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Sure he’s the quarterback and potential Heisman winner and first overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, but it won’t be up to him to lead the Tigers to a victory Friday night against Boston College. That responsibility belongs to running back Wayne Gallman.

Despite already having two losses, Boston College has the best pass defense in the FBS. The Eagles have allowed just 124 yards per game through the air and will focus on shutting down the Clemson receivers.

In order for Clemson to avoid the upset, they must establish the ground game with Gallman.

Gallman’s production is down this season, but it has a lot more to do with him not getting the football than his actual performance.

After being handed the ball 30 times in the season opener, Gallman has just 49 carries in the last four games combined.

After getting Gallman involved against Louisville, and watching him gain 6.9 yards per carry, there’s no reason for the coaching staff to hold him back against Boston College.

Sep 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) rushes on Michigan Wolverines quarterback Wilton Speight (3) at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Chidobe Awuzie (CB – Colorado) vs. USC

Adoree’ Jackson of USC and Sidney Jones of Washington are often regarded as the top two Pac-12 cornerback prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft, but Colorado’s Chidobe Awuzie isn’t that far behind. He’ll have a chance to close the gap even more when he takes on JuJu Smith-Schuster and the USC Trojans this weekend.

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A four-year starter for the Buffaloes, Awuzie has been under-the-radar for quite some time. A lacerated kidney during his sophomore campaign is somewhat to blame as it sidelined him midway through a very good season. Another number that has affected his lack of publicity is three; as in the total number of interceptions Awuzie has recorded in his career.

Interceptions are weighed too heavily when scouting a defensive back. This was a big topic of discussion last year when Mackensie Alexander of Clemson entered the draft despite not having a single interception in his college career. The fact is, Alexander (and Awuzie) are often avoided by opposing quarterbacks.

Don’t expect USC to avoid Awuzie when he’s matched up against JuJu Smith-Schuster, a potential first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. This matchup will be critical to both players when they line up across from each other, but especially for the Colorado CB. There’s a chance he could elevate his stock into the second day of the 2017 NFL Draft with a solid outing against Smith-Schuster and the Trojans.

Sep 24, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Mitch Trubisky (QB – North Carolina) vs. Virginia Tech

After leading come-from-behind victories against Pittsburgh and Florida State over the past two weeks, Mitch Trubisky’s 2017 NFL Draft stock is on the rise.

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He’ll have the opportunity to climb further up the draft board this weekend as he faces his toughest test yet.

The Virginia Tech defense is number two in the FBS in opponent’s completion percentage at just 41.3 percent.

Trubisky on the other hand, leads the nation with a 76 percent completion rate. Something has to give when these two teams meet this Saturday.

Trubisky still has another year of eligibility left, but the opportunity to be an early-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft may be too good to pass up.

Another matchup in this game to watch will be the one between Virginia Tech cornerback Brandon Facyson and whichever North Carolina receiver he’s up against.

Seniors Ryan Switzer, Mack Hollins and Bug Howard are all potential draft picks.

Sep 3, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs quarterback J

Deatrich Wise, Jr. (DE – Arkansas) vs. Alabama

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At 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, Deatrich Wise, Jr. is not a defensive end who is going to drop into coverage, but he does have the skillset to attack the opposing QB. In his first season as a starter, Wise is slowly moving up draft boards.

As a junior in 2015, Wise burst onto the scene by recording eight sacks. One of those sacks came against Alabama, the same team he’ll be taking on in week six. The matchup that will be the most intriguing will take place between Wise and Alabama left tackle Cam Robinson.

Wise already has three sacks on the season, but adding to that total against Robinson will significantly help his 2017 NFL Draft stock. He’s currently projected to be a mid-round selection who will remain at defensive end at the next level.

Sep 29, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars linebacker Steven Taylor (41) smiles after a defensive play during the first quarter against the Connecticut Huskies at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Steven Taylor (OLB – Houston) vs. Navy

No one on the Houston roster has more tackles, tackles for a loss or sacks than linebacker Steven Taylor. With former teammates William Jackson III and Elandon Roberts now in the NFL, the Houston defense doesn’t have the star power from a year ago.

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Taylor, however, has been able to keep the unit among the best in the nation.

Houston is currently third in the nation, allowing just 11.2 points per game. The Cougars have faced multiple offensive schemes this season, however this week brings a new challenge; stopping the Naval Academy’s option attack.

Keenan Reynolds may not be under center for the Midshipmen any more, but the Navy run game is still averaging over 250 yards per game. Taylor will have an opportunity to show off his versatility in this game, as he’ll be tasked with forcing the play inside from his outside linebacker position. His awareness and decision-making will be put to the test as he’ll look to impress NFL scouts with a big game.

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