NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up In Week 3

Sep 12, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers running back Taquan Mizzell (4) is tackled by Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9), Fighting Irish cornerback Devin Butler (12), and Fighting Irish linebacker James Onwualu (17) while carrying the ball in the first quarter at Scott Stadium. The Fighting Irish won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Notre Dame Front Seven vs. Georgia Tech

With Malik Zaire out and DeShone Kizer in at quarterback for the Fighting Irish, the offense will likely take a step back this week. That puts even more pressure on a defense full of NFL prospects, especially on the front seven, which has to figure out a way to slow down Georgia Tech’s triple-option offense.

While Notre Dame hasn’t faced Georgia Tech since Paul Johnson installed the triple option at the school in 2008, the Irish are certainly familiar with the offense. Prior to arriving at Georgia Tech, Johnson ran the same offense at the Naval Academy. Navy still runs the offense and has had success with it against Notre Dame. Over the past two seasons, Navy has gained 667 yards rushing and averaged 5.1 yards per carry against Notre Dame.

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The Irish defensive front seven has to come up big and prevent Georgia Tech from methodically moving the chains and controlling time of possession. When the Yellow Jackets run a dive play up the middle, defensive tackle Sheldon Day and linebacker Joe Schmidt will be the key defenders. On outside runs, defensive end Romeo Okwara must take away one option for QB Justin Thomas, whether it’s the pitch or Thomas keeping the ball. Once Okwara forces the QB to make a decision, outside linebacker Jaylon Smith needs to finish the play.

Stopping the option takes a lot more than four defenders, but these are the four to keep an eye on. While all four are likely to be drafted, Smith is clearly the top prospect. He’ll be an early first-round pick if he enters the 2016 draft.

Next: Cody Kessler and Kevin Hogan