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2017 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 13

By Shawn Spencer

Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive line lines up against the Ohio State Buckeyes defense line during the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive line lines up against the Ohio State Buckeyes defense line during the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NFL Draft Travis Rudolph
Oct 31, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State wide receiver Travis Rudolph (15) runs a pass route against the Syracuse Orange at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports /

Travis Rudolph (WR – Florida State) vs. Florida

This game used to have national championship implications on seemingly a yearly basis. This year, the Seminoles and Gators will take the field in a quest for win number nine on the season. While running back Dalvin Cook will be the focal point of the Florida defense, Travis Rudolph is the 2017 NFL Draft prospect who must step up for Florida State.

With the Gators coming off an emotional win over LSU and already clinching a spot in the SEC title game, this could be a cake walk for the Seminoles. Florida has nothing to lose besides bragging rights. However in a rivalry game, especially one with the history this one has, neither team is going to just roll over. That’s why Florida State will need to create balance on offense.

In order for that to happen, Travis Rudolph needs to have a big game. The injury-plagued Florida defense is going to load up the box in hopes of slowing down Cook. That will allow Rudolph to go one-on-one with Teez Tabor or Quincy Wilson.

While Tabor and Wilson may both be future first-round picks, Rudolph can work his way into the second day of the draft with a solid performance.

Only a junior, Rudolph does have the option of returning to school for one more season. However, if he’s able to get the best of Florida’s dynamic duo at cornerback, his stock may be too high to not declare for the 2017 NFL Draft.

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