NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up In Week 1

Oct 25, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Josh Doctson (9) during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Doctson (WR – TCU) vs. Minnesota

In last season’s 30-7 win over the Golden Gophers, Doctson caught six passes for 64 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the strong performance, he’ll face a much tougher test in this year’s matchup.

Minnesota has one of the best cornerback duos in the nation with Eric Murray and Briean Boddy-Calhoun both capable of playing on an island. Last year it was Jalen Myrick, now a backup, who was tasked with slowing down Doctson. Whether it’s Murray or Boddy-Calhoun matched up against the 6-foot-3 Doctson, Minnesota must play physically on the outside.

This is why Doctson must step up his game. He’s extremely lean for his size and there’s a concern he may not be strong enough to go up against physical cornerbacks in the NFL. Murray is the more physical of the two Minnesota corners, so there will be even more intrigue when Doctson lines up on his side of the field. The Big 12 Conference lacks strong secondary play, so this may be the best chance for Doctson to prove he’s not soft. As TCU QB Trevone Boykin looks to kick start his Heisman campaign, expect him to look early and often for his star wideout.

Next: Christian Hackenberg