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NFL Draft 2018: Top 32 draft prospects entering Championship Weekend

By Charles Rahrig V

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions flips over Dicaprio Bootle #23 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in what was originally ruled a touchdown then reviewed and pulled back to the 1 yard line during the first quarter on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions flips over Dicaprio Bootle #23 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in what was originally ruled a touchdown then reviewed and pulled back to the 1 yard line during the first quarter on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 09: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 9, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Georgia won 20-19. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 09: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 9, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Georgia won 20-19. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
18

Roquan Smith

LB, Georgia

Roquan Smith is an absolute animal out on the field. Against Georgia Tech he proved once again why he might be the best inside guy in the nation. It’s a battle between him and Rashaan Evans at this point.

Smith finished with nine tackles, including three for a loss. He fits the mold of the inside linebackers that have captained defenses at the next level and Smith should be an early target in this draft class.

He can’t think about that stuff yet at this moment. Right now, he and the Bulldogs are focused on getting their revenge and defeating the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship Game this week in Atlanta.

The last time these two met, Auburn had their way with the Bulldogs. Reversing fortune means bringing that intensity early on and Smith is the guy to lead the charge defensively. If they win the game, they’ll find their way competing for something bigger.

17

Derrick Nnadi

DL, Florida State

As mentioned in last week’s prospect rankings, Derrick Nnadi tends to be one of those players that will make everyone take notice one week and then might have a quiet week the following week. However, there’s been more taking notice than silence this season.

Against Florida, Nnadi made sure to bring it in the rivalry battle. He finished the afternoon with a stat line that could prove to teams why he should indeed be the anchor of a defensive line at the very next level.

Nnadi finished the afternoon with three tackles, 1.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss. The entire Florida State defensive line made life for Felipe Franks tough all afternoon, which led to turnovers happening.

Now, the Seminoles can get to a bowl game if they win this week against Louisiana Monroe. If they bring that same intensity up front that they have been, then they should be playing extra football this year.

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