NFL Draft 2018: Updated ranking of the top 32 draft prospects entering Week 9
Maurice Hurst
DL, Michigan
Saquon Barkley and the Penn State Nittany Lions might have ran all over the Michigan Wolverines, but it doesn’t change the fact that Maurice Hurst is probably is one of the best defensive lineman in the country at this moment.
Against Penn State, he finished with a tackle and a sack. While Barkley had his way, Hurst was one of the few that buckled down and had a nice night. While he can get to the quarterback, he’s proven he’s about stopping the run.
Anyone that can eat up space and close off running lanes is an absolute necessity at any level. In fact, he was having his way against the Penn State offensive line. It’s hard to really say that about a player at his position in a blowout loss, but that’s how rare of a talent he is.
While Michigan’s season now takes a bit of a different turn, Hurst continues to prove himself each and every week. If he keeps playing the way that he is, he’s going to be coming off the board very early in the NFL Draft.
Derrius Guice
RB, LSU
Derrius Guice has finally been let loose on college football this season. After weeks of having to grind out the tough yards against opponents, Guice had the big day that everyone has been expecting from him.
Against Ole Miss on Saturday, Guice was a machine that couldn’t be stopped. He rushed the ball 22 times and amassed 276 yards and a touchdown. He had an explosive 59-yard run that really highlighted his day overall.
To consistently get the football and pick up an average of a first down with each carry is something special to say the least. Perhaps the program felt he was finally healthy enough to get a full workload.
This performance is why many are high on him as one of the top backs for next year’s draft class. He’s strong, explosive and has the ability to go off at any moment. In case anyone forgot, he made sure to remind everyone this past week.