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2017 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 12

By Shawn Spencer

Nov 21, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Jalen Tabor (31) reacts as Florida Atlantic Owls misses the field goal during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Jalen Tabor (31) reacts as Florida Atlantic Owls misses the field goal during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NFL Draft Jake Butt
Sep 10, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) makes a reception for a touchdown in the second quarter against the UCF Knights at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Jake Butt (TE – Michigan) vs. Indiana

With starting quarterback Wilton Speight out for this weekend’s contest against Indiana, Michigan will rely heavily on the running game.

However when the Wolverines do allow John O’Korn to throw the football, Jake Butt needs to make an impact.

Butt needs to act as O’Korn’s safety blanket in this game, giving his QB large windows in which to place the football. The senior tight end hasn’t been targeted as often this season as he was a year ago, but that could change with a new QB running the offense.

In seven Big Ten games this year, Butt has just 23 receptions for 268 yards and one touchdown. He’s only an adequate blocker, so catching passes is where he’ll make a living in the NFL.

With Ohio State on the schedule next, the Wolverines can’t be caught looking ahead.

Assuming that doesn’t happen, the week 12 matchup against Indiana will allow O’Korn and Butt to create chemistry on the field and generate momentum heading into the season finale against the Buckeyes.

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