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2017 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 9

By Shawn Spencer

Oct 24, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) warms up before a game against Clemson Tigers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) warms up before a game against Clemson Tigers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NFL Draft Lowell Lotulelei
Nov 28, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive tackle Lowell Lotulelei (93) lines up for a play during the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Lowell Lotulelei (DT – Utah) vs. Washington

Other than Alabama, the Washington defense has arguably more NFL talent than any other school. Fortunately for the Utes, their defense isn’t void of next-level prospects either. One of those Utah defenders who needs to come up big in this game is defensive tackle Lowell Lotulelei.

The Utah defense boasts two potential first-round picks in the 2017 NFL Draft, Lotulelei and free safety Marcus Williams. Williams missed the UCLA game last weekend and is doubtful against the Huskies. Utah leads the nation in takeaways, but with Williams out, the defensive line will be asked to step up and force QB Jake Browning into poor decisions. Lotulelei especially will be asked to collapse the pocket and prevent Browning from stepping up.

Lotulelei’s brother Star was the 14th overall pick of the Carolina Panthers back in 2013. That’s a number Lowell will be chasing and could close in on with a strong performance against the undefeated Huskies.

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