2018 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 12

Jaire Alexander (CB – Louisville) vs. Syracuse

Louisville Cardinals Football

Louisville cornerback Jaire Alexander entered this season as a potential first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. There were high expectations for him. However, knee and hand injuries have hampered his ability to showcase his skills. After returning to the field last week, Alexander should be close to 100 percent when the Cardinals take on Syracuse.

Alexander will look to slow down one of the best receivers in the ACC, Steve Ishmael. The senior wideout already has seven 100-yard outings this season. Another top CB prospect for the 2018 NFL Draft, Tarvarus McFadden of Florida State, struggled in coverage against Ishmael, who racked up 12 catches for 143 yards and a touchdown against the Seminoles two weeks ago. The Orange need to win their final two games to become bowl eligible and will lean heavily on Ishmael to accomplish just that.

It’s been a disappointing season for Alexander, but he does have a few games left to improve his stock. At this point, being healthy for the offseason is more important to his 2018 NFL Draft stock than his play down the stretch.