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NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up In Week 6

By Shawn Spencer

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Sep 6, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls player Mattias Ciabatti (47) runs the the ball as Maryland Terrapins Yannick Ngakoue (7) attempts a tackle him after a fumbled snap during a field goal attempt at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Yannick Ngakoue (OLB – Maryland) vs. Ohio State

In order for any school to upset the number one team in the country, several players have to step up. That’s certainly the case for Maryland as the Terrapins will try to upset Ohio State.

Cornerback William Likely may be the top-rated prospect on the Maryland defense, but it’s edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue who must step up the most. Cardale Jones will have plenty of receivers to throw the ball to who aren’t covered by Likely, but he won’t have any way to avoid Ngakoue if he’s on his game.

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Ngakoue won’t have it easy either. He’ll lineup at both defensive end positions, but scouts will pay extra attention to him when he lines up on the left side of the offense. When that happens, he’ll battle left tackle Taylor Decker. Decker is expected to be a first-round pick, so Ngakoue has a great opportunity to enhance his stock.

As he did against Brandon Scherff last season when Maryland played Iowa, Ngakoue will use his speed to try and beat Decker around the edge. He did get a sack against Scherff, the first OT selected in the 2015 NFL Draft, in that game, so Decker can’t take him lightly.

Cardale Jones has struggled mightily this season as a result of poor decision making, so Maryland’s ability to create pressure and cause turnovers will dictate how close the game is. As the best pass rusher on the team, Ngakoue must be at his best.

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