Fansided
Fansided

2017 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 7

By Shawn Spencer

Dec 26, 2015; El Paso, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Stacy Coley (3) reacts after having a touchdown reception called back on a penalty during the second half against the Washington State Cougars at Sun Bowl Stadium. The Cougars won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; El Paso, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Stacy Coley (3) reacts after having a touchdown reception called back on a penalty during the second half against the Washington State Cougars at Sun Bowl Stadium. The Cougars won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
2017 NFL Draft Amba Etta-Tawo
Sep 2, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange wide receiver Amba Etta-Tawo (7) catches a pass in front of Colgate Raiders defensive back Cortney Mimms (26) during the third quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Amba Etta-Tawo (WR – Syracuse) vs. Virginia Tech

Amba Etta-Tawo leads the FBS with 876 yards receiving this season. The Virginia Tech defense has allowed just 661 yards through the air this year, also best in the FBS. Something has to give this Saturday as the Orange and the Hokies battle inside the Carrier Dome.

Last week against Wake Forest, Etta-Tawo gained only 36 yards. It was his first game all season not eclipsing the century mark in receiving yards. The game was played in rain from Hurricane Matthew, but the weather’s impact was minimal compared to other games played in North Carolina. This includes Virginia Tech’s last game, which came against the Tar Heels.

Even if the weather were to blame for Etta-Tawo’s lack of production, he’ll face an even tougher test this week against the Virginia Tech secondary. Not only do the Hokies limit yards gained through the air, they also force a lot of incompletions. Virginia Tech ranks first in the FBS in opponent’s QB rating and second in completion percentage.

Scouts will pay even more attention when Etta-Tawo lines up across from Virginia Tech cornerback Brandon Facyson, a potential day two pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. In order for Etta-Tawo to continue to generate buzz across the country, he’ll have to step up and prove he can match up against one of the best secondaries in the nation.

Home/NFL Draft