The Atlanta Falcons have not made the beginning of this season easy on their fans. With constant questions at quarterback, including the potential mismanagement of communication surrounding Penix’s injury status, this season could go down sooner rather than later. However, there’s always one aspect of the weekend that will continue to shine through, regardless of what happens on Sunday: College football. The Falcons’ brass have already shown face at each of the schools that house the top recruits,
including the Miami Hurricanes, Oregon Ducks and Oklahoma State Cowboys. But headed into week three, I have 11 more 2027 NFL Draft prospects to watch throughout the week three Saturday slate.
Raylen Wilson & Chris Cole, LB, Georgia @ Arkansas – Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium – Fayetteville, AR – 12 pm EST – ABC
Georgia faces the Arkansas Razorbacks, who have the most efficient running game in the country, according to GameOnPaper.com. To neutralize that, Georgia will rely on their linebacking duo of Raylen Wilson and Chris Cole. Raylen Wilson is the more natural linebacker, who came into Georgia as an athletic freak with track speed and a love for making ball carriers hurt. Chris Cole is a safety convert who has the coverage skills to make opposing quarterbacks avoid the second level. Both can get after the quarterback on the blitz, which may make it a long day for the Razorbacks.
Reed Harris, WR, Arizona State vs. Kansas – Wembley Stadium – London, England – 12 pm EST – FS1
If Arizona State wants a chance to win this game across the pond, they will need Reed Harris to get going early and often. Harris has been a one-man wrecking crew for the Sun Devils’ passing game, accounting for 326 of the 686 receiving yards (47.5%). Harris’ 6’5”, 220-pound frame makes him a problem for most defensive backs, but his movement skills at that size make him virtually unstoppable at times.
DJ Hicks, DT, Texas A&M vs. Kentucky – Kyle Field – College Station, TX – 3:30 pm EST – ESPN
DJ Hicks has already been a heck of a run defender and has helped Texas A&M to the second-highest Havoc % (% of plays that end with tackles for loss (TFLs), forced fumbles, interceptions or passes defensed/broken up (PBUs). Hicks’ lateral quickness and strength at the point of attack will look to continue making life hectic for opposing quarterbacks.
Bray Hubbard, S, Alabama vs. Florida State – Bryant-Denny Stadium – Tuscaloosa, AL – 3:30 pm EST – ABC
This could be the final game of the Mike Norvell era of Florida State, and if that’s going to become a reality, it will be behind Alabama’s defense wreaking havoc on an inferior Florida State offense. Hubbard is one of the names to watch in the Alabama secondary, and if the Seminoles can’t find any luck in the passing game, Hubbard and his great instincts will be a big reason why.
PJ Williams, OT, SMU @ Louisville – L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium – Louisville, KY – 3:30 pm EST – ESPN2
SMU’s offense has been one of the more electric in college football and a lot of that is because of Kevin Jennings at quarterback, but Jennings is only as good as his offensive line allows him to be. Offensive tackle PJ Williams has a pass-block grade of 86.0 from PFF, which is good for 10th best in the nation. Williams is a fluid mover in space and he already has the chops to be an NFL tackle in terms of his pass-blocking.
LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina vs. Mississippi State – Williams-Brice Stadium – Columbia, SC – 4:15 pm EST – SEC Network
LaNorris Sellers is the first of three quarterbacks with an opportunity against solid competition on Saturday. Sellers is still developing into the quarterback his athleticism could allow him to be, and if he can stand and deliver in the pocket, showing NFL teams he will not rely solely on his athleticism, Sellers will continue to rise on draft boards.
Xavier Atkins, LB, Auburn vs. Florida – Jordan-Hare Stadium – Auburn, AL – 7 pm EST – ESPN
Let’s get the negatives out of the way: Xavier Atkins is only 6’0” and 210 pounds. Awesome, glad we could discuss that. Dude is a baller. His slight size makes him faster and more versatile; he could be a defensive coordinator’s favorite player to use if used properly, but for now, Atkins is causing a lot of problems in the backfield (already has two TFLs this season) and seeing if it can translate against a big back like Florida’s Jadan Baugh will do a lot for his potential draft status.
Cam Edwards, RB, Michigan State @ Notre Dame – Notre Dame Stadium – Notre Dame, IN – 7:30 pm EST – NBC
Michigan State is currently giving up almost 30 points to Notre Dame, according to FanDuel Sportsbooks. However, if the Spartans were to cover, of even win this game, it would be behind the legs of Cam Edwards. At 5’11”, 206, Edwards is a tough-nosed runner who brings a lot of physicality in both the run game and in his pass protection.
Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss vs. LSU – Vaught-Hemingway Stadium – Oxford, MS – 7:30 pm EST – ABC
Deuce Alexander and Trinidad Chambliss will be one of the biggest combinations in college football this season, but no better stage exists than Saturday’s game against the LSU Tigers. Chambliss is 24-years-old, so with him being 25 starting next season, it will be tough to pull the trigger on him as a franchise guy, especially with his size concerns, but he has a chance to show that he’s the most NFL-ready quarterback in next year’s draft.
Nico Iamaleava, QB, UCLA vs. Purdue – Rose Bowl – Pasadena, CA – 11 pm EST – Big Ten Network
Nico Iamaleava has had a crazy journey to UCLA, but he has one of the strongest arms in college football. If he can learn to control it, he may be able to convince an NFL team to take a chance on him on day two.
