2017 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 13

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Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer and Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh prior to the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

Michigan vs. Ohio State

With a playoff spot presumably on the line, Michigan and Ohio State will battle it out in Columbus. With NFL talent all over the place, there are at least 20 players eligible for the 2017 NFL Draft who will be worth keeping an eye on.

When Michigan has the ball

When the Wolverines are on offense, the most anticipated matchup would typically be wide receivers Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson against cornerbacks Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore. That’s not the case however as backup quarterback John O’Korn failed to prove he can attack downfield through the air last week against Indiana. If that’s the case again in this game, Michigan will look to keep the chains moving in other ways.

That translates to a heavy dose of De’Veon Smith running between the tackles. If he can wear down the Ohio State defense and keep J.T. Barrett and company off the field, Michigan has a good chance to come away with a victory. When the Wolverines do decide to put the ball in the hands of O’Korn, look for tight end Jake Butt to be his safety blanket.

Whether it’s Smith on the ground or Butt through the air, Ohio State inside linebacker Raekwon McMillan is the defender who must come up big. First and foremost he’ll be responsible for stopping the ground game. In passing situations, he’ll be dropping into coverage, something he has struggled with throughout his career. If he’s matched up against Butt, look for Michigan to test him. If McMillan is up for the challenge, his 2017 NFL Draft stock will skyrocket.

When Ohio State has the ball

The last time these two teams met at Ohio Stadium, J.T. Barrett was carted off the field with a broken ankle.

This time around, the Ohio State QB is looking to carry his team to a win.

Barrett may not be in the same category as the top-rated passers eligible for the 2017 NFL Draft, but he is someone who deserves a look.

Whether that’s as a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent, Barrett does have some NFL tools.

He only had to throw 15 passes in the blowout victory last season, but don’t expect a similar result this time around. Barrett’s ability to pick apart the Michigan defense could help scouts realize his next-level potential, especially if he has to throw the ball 25-30 times.

For Michigan, the defense centers around Jabrill Peppers. No surprise there as Peppers will lineup all over the place and is the best 2017 NFL Draft prospect in this game.

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Ohio State will look to avoid Peppers as much as possible, but the junior defender will still find ways to interject himself into the game.

Peppers will make an impact in some form in all three phases of the game. While he may score a touchdown or two on offense or as a returner, Peppers will have to enhance his draft stock on defense. It doesn’t matter if it is from the safety, linebacker or nickel back position, defense is where the NFL wants to see Peppers make plays.

Excelling on the big stage could be the difference between Peppers being a top five or top-10 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. The stage can’t get much bigger than a road game against a bitter rival like Ohio State.

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