NFL Draft 2018: Updated ranking of the top 32 draft prospects entering Week 8
Mike McGlinchey
OT, Notre Dame
This is a big week for the No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish. With all the calamity that happened in the top-10 last week, Notre Dame really has a chance to benefit and springboard their season at home this week.
They have a huge test coming up against the USC Trojans and win could maybe even move them into the top-10 overall. To get that win at home and revenge for their loss last year, it’s going to start up front for them.
Mike McGlinchey is going to have to maul in the run game and keep Brandon Wimbush standing. The Trojans have some pass rushers that can make life difficult for the quarterback and this will be a great test for McGlinchey.
He has already faced some of the best thus far this season, including Harold Landry. If the Fighting Irish can impose their will and push around USC, it will be because of their stout offensive line that continues to get better each week.
Da'Ron Payne
DL, Alabama
The Alabama Crimson Tide defense just does not surrender points to anyone. Once again, the Crimson Tide defense was on point in their 41-9 victory over Arkansas this past week. They moved to 7-0 on the season and have a great chance to run the table all the way to the SEC Championship game.
For Da’Ron Payne, it wasn’t a day for stats but he was still productive. While he didn’t register any tackles or sacks, he still got pressure on the quarterback and found his way into the Arkansas backfield.
The Razorbacks have some tough linemen up front and getting past them isn’t always the easiest task. Still, he used the large frame of his to overpower them and make some plays for the rest of his defense.
Arkansas quarterback Cole Kelley is certainly going to remember the painful shot that he took from the monster. He makes sure to deliver some punishing blows and is a big part of what Alabama does on defense.