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College Football Week 3: NFL Draft big board rankings

By Nathaniel Reeves

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans scrambles with the football during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans scrambles with the football during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 09: Wide Receiver Deon Cain No. 8 of the Clemson Tigers during the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Clemson Tigers defeated The Alabama Crimson Tide 35 to 31. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 09: Wide Receiver Deon Cain No. 8 of the Clemson Tigers during the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Clemson Tigers defeated The Alabama Crimson Tide 35 to 31. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Deon Cain

WR, Clemson

As Cain further establishes himself as the No. 1 target on a team that has a good shot to repeat as national champion, he will rise even further up the draft board.

Cain had a relatively quiet game in the win over Auburn with two catches for 27 yards, although he picked up a key first down reception in the fourth quarter. Still, the connection with new starting quarterback Kelly Bryant appears to be developing well and Cain showcased his big play ability with two catches for 70 yards and a score in the opening victory over Kent State.

The junior was somewhat buried on the 2016 depth chart behind the likes of Mike Williams and Jordan Leggett, but still managed to pile up 724 yards and nine touchdowns on just 38 receptions. Cain is sitting on a healthy 18.5 yards per catch for his career, and finished last season strong by reeling in five passes for 94 yards against the mighty Crimson Tide defense in the title game.

Assuming Cain gets a healthy amount of targets this season, he should have some huge yardage totals due to his game-changing speed an explosiveness. Cain is a tough cover at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, and more experience as a No. 1 receiver should help him develop more polished route running.

Clemson has a tough primetime matchup at Louisville on Saturday, when Cain should see some action against future NFL pick Jaire Alexander at cornerback.

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