Top Prospects Key Weekend Matchups: Week 3

Each Saturday NFL Mocks will release an article discussing the top prospect match-ups of the weekend.   We hope to show you what match-ups you should keep an eye on and what would help or hurt that prospects stock.  We encourage you to take a look at these match-ups and watch closely on Saturday to see who comes out on top.  We will discuss the results of those match-ups on Sunday.

Game: California @ Nevada

Where to Watch: Friday September 17th 10:00pm ESPN 2

Prospects: Nevada QB #10 Colin Kaepernick vs Cal LB #18 Mike Mohamed

Thoughts: Kaepernick gets his first chance this year to show his stuff on ESPN.  He is an electrifying playmaker that will fill his stats sheet with a ton yards.  Kaepernick is both a threat to run and throw the ball so the Cal defense will have their hands full.  The biggest question is whether or not Kaepernick can stay at quarterback in the NFL or if he will have to change positions.  One player that I am sure will be closely watching Kaepernick is Cal linebacker Mike Mohamed.  Mohamed is a smart player that excels at reading plays and getting himself in good position.  While he might not have the top end athleticism to excel in the NFL that doesn’t mean he isn’t on the NFL radar.

How they Raise Their Stock: Kaepernick needs to continue to show he can throw the ball with efficiency.  He has the athletic ability to make a position change but I am sure he wants to take a stab at being an NFL quarterback.  Mohamed needs to show he can stuff the run against this amazing Nevada running attack.  Making plays sideline to sideline will be key for Mohamed to show NFL scouts that he has the speed to contribute on and NFL roster.

Game: #8 Nebraska @ Washington

Where to Watch: Saturday September 18th 3:00pm ABC

Prospects: Washington QB #10 Jake Locker vs. Neb CB #21 Prince Amukamara

Thoughts: Locker has a tough task ahead of him this week as he takes on a very tough Nebraska defense.  Nebraska does an excellent job at stuffing the run, creating pressure on the quarterback, and getting turnovers.  Locker is going to be running for his life all day long but he does have the athleticism to get away from the pressure.  He will need his wide outs to get separation against one of the top corners in Prince Amukamara.  Expect Amukamara to keep tight coverage and look to capitalize on any Locker mistakes.

How they Raise Their Stock:  This is pretty simple for Locker he needs to avoid turnovers, lead his team to victory, and stay healthy!  If he does all three of those things he will raise his already high stock.  For me the biggest thing is to stay healthy because he is going to be facing immense pressure and will be tempted to run the ball.  He needs to play smart and avoid the big hit.  Amukamara needs to lock it down and not provide Locker with any windows to squeeze the ball into his wide out.  Of course an interception would also help Amukamara if not just for some hype and media attention.

Game: Clemson @ #16 Auburn

Where to Watch: Saturday September 18th 7:00pm ESPN

Prospects: Clemson DE #93 Da’ Quan Bowers vs. Auburn T #73 Lee Ziemba

Thoughts: Bowers came in to Clemson with the high exceptions of the #1 overall recruit in the country.  He hasn’t really lived up to the expectations but the talent is there and this could be the year he puts up big numbers.  Bowers’ speed and pass rush ability are what teams fear and that wont be any different for Lee Ziemba and Auburn.  Ziemba left last weeks game with a knee injury but is expected to suit up against Clemson.  Ziemba was looking at maybe being a 2nd or 3rd round pick in last years draft but decided to return to school.  He has good size and technique and this match-up will be watched closely.

How they Raise Their Stock:  Bowers needs to create pressure and register sacks.  He hasn’t been overly productive in his career so he needs to get numbers in the stat book.  He is going up against a nice NFL prospect in Ziemba so showing he can get it done against good talent is also important.  Everyone knows that Ziemba wont be 100% if he plays so if he could shut down the pass rush of Bowers then that would certainly raise his stock.

Game: #9 Iowa @ #24 Arizona

Where to Watch: Saturday September 18th 10:30pm ESPN

Prospects: Iowa DE #94 Adrian Clayborn vs Arizona T #78 Adam Grant and QB #8 Nick Foles

Thoughts:  Iowa has a very strong defense and it all starts up front with playmaking defensive end Adrian Clayborn.  Clayborn is a force to be reckoned with and excels at making life miserable for offensive coordinators.  He faces the tough task this weekend in slowing down the high octane offense of Arizona.  It will be up to tackle Adam Grant to slow down Clayborn but the legs of quarterback Nick Foles will also play a factor.

How they Raise Their Stock:  Clayborn has to get pressure on Foles and force him to make quick decisions.  Rattling Foles will be key if the Iowa defense has any hope of stopping that Arizona offense.  Foles has to avoid the rush and make sound decisions with the football.  He needs to remain patient and not hurry his throws.  Grant is going to have a tough time with Clayborn but limiting his impact on the game will be a win for Grant.