It’s already Week 5, and October is here. Somehow, the college football season is flying by, and the games are only getting bigger. This week brings plenty of marquee matchups, including three games featuring a pair of AP Top-25 teams.
Plenty of prospects are worth watching across the college football landscape, but I’ve narrowed it down to six players who could be future Atlanta Falcons. So, let’s take a look at who should be on your 2027 NFL Draft radar this Saturday.
Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama @ Mississippi State
Davis Wade Stadium – Starkville, MS – 12 pm EST – ABC
Kamario Taylor has taken the college football world by storm and one of his favorite targets is Anthony Evans III. Against FBS competition, Evans has the 8th-most receiving yards and is tied for the ninth-most targets in the country. Cornerback Zabien Brown, with his 6’0”, almost 200-pound frame, has a chance to make a sizeable impact on the reliable Evans.
Jack Dotzler & Trevor Lauck, OT, Iowa vs. Ohio State
Kinnick Stadium – Iowa City, IA – 3:30 pm EST – CBS
Iowa has the biggest test of the season as Ohio State comes into town and one of the weakest links on Iowa’s offensive line thus far is right tackle Jack Dotzler, with a 77.7 PFN impact score, according to Pro Football Network’s Impact grading. If the Hawkeyes are going to pull this one out, it will be behind the protection and run blocking of both Dotzler and potential round one prospect Trevor Lauck.
Robert Woodyard, Jr., LB, Missouri vs. Florida
Memorial Stadium – Columbia, MO – 3:30 pm EST – ABC
The Florida Gators bring in one of the stars of this college football season, Jadan Baugh, who has wreaked havoc on defenses all season. If the Missouri Tigers stand a chance, linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr. will have to have the game of his life. Woodyard is a high-IQ linebacker, able to read quarterbacks and has good play recognition to get him in position to make plays.
Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson vs. Miami
Memorial Stadium – Clemson, SC – 7:30 pm EST – ABC
Clemson’s season has started disappointingly; however, if the Tigers can find a way to pull off this major upset against this very talented Miami team, in primetime, it could be a sign of life for a season that feels pretty lifeless for the Tigers. That upset starts with limiting Heisman Trophy Candidate, Malachi Toney, and Clemson’s best bet is junior cornerback Ashton Hampton. Hampton is allowing an absurd 31.8 passer rating when targeted this season, according to PFF. This week, that mettle will be tested and it will be worth watching if he can live up to the challenge.
Kingston Lopa, S, California @ UNLV
Allegiant Stadium – Las Vegas, NV – 3:30 pm EST – CBS Sports Network
One of the biggest surprises in the draft community is Califorina safety Kingston Lopa. He has burst onto the scene with five interceptions, including three against Syracuse alone. Jackson Arnold and the UNLV offense haven’t been intercepted yet, I wonder if Lopa and his rangy athleticism will change that.
