NFL Draft 2018: Updated ranking of the top 32 draft prospects entering Week 12
How do the top 32 NFL Draft prospect stack up leading into Week 12?
There aren’t very many games remaining on the college football calendar. For teams that won’t be going to a bowl game this year, their seasons are almost done with. That means that the top 32 NFL Draft prospects have a limited amount of time left to show what they can do.
Of course, those that are fortunate enough to go to a bowl or even the College Football Playoff will still have plenty of time to add more great film on themselves. This is the time of year where players can really improve their draft stock by showing out in the latter stages.
Finishing the year strong is important and now in these bad weather games, it really shows the mental toughness and drive that these athletes have. Here are the top 32 NFL Draft prospects leading into Week 12.
Roquan Smith
LB, Georgia
With a talented group of linebackers in this class, Roquan Smith is pushing for a high pick right there with Rashaan Evans. The two SEC linebackers have been dominant this year and this will be the draft day debate inside.
In the loss against Auburn, Smith finished the afternoon with 12 total tackles for a loss. The 6’1″ 225-pound Georgia native has been a tackling machine all season for the Bulldogs and has shown a burst to get in the back field often.
The Bulldogs currently sit right on the outside looking in when it comes to the College Football Playoff this year. When they face the running attack of Alabama potentially or Auburn’s offense in a rematch, Smith will be counted upon again to put up a big night.
Connor Williams
OT, Texas
Connor Williams began this season on the top 32 NFL Draft prospects list. He never really left it, but his injury forced him off for the time being. The great news is that he’s going to probably play again before this season is over.
Before this year began, there were plenty of people high on Williams and thought he was the best tackle in this class. Lofty comparisons were thrown his way and then a slow start leading to an injury derailed his year.
The good news is that getting back on the field is a great sign for him. Being healthy and showing that toughness to try and finish strong with his teammates speaks to the character that he brings to the field.
He had issues with rare penalties that were uncommon to him early on this year. Let’s see if he can keep it clean on the field and how the rust affects him in his return. Still, it’s great to see him close to being back.