2021 NFL Draft spotlight: Chuba Hubbard leads 5 players to watch in Week 3

The 2021 NFL Draft spotlight welcomes Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard who makes his debut this weekend and hopes to be a first-round pick.

Trevor Lawrence proved last week why he is the Heisman favorite and presumed No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. This week Chuba Hubbard makes his debut and looks to start his Heisman campaign on the right foot. Hubbard will likely have a seat next to Lawrence as a Heisman finalist and could be a potential late-first round pick.

Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book looks to continue his solid play this weekend against South Florida. Miami quarterback D’Eriq King seeks to prove his worth as an NFL-caliber quarterback against the Louisville Cardinals.

Those are a few of many players who have dreams of playing in the pros. They are worth keeping an eye on this weekend. These five players, however, are ones to make sure you watch this weekend.

5. Charlie Brewer, Baylor, (6th-7th Round) QB

Under circumstances that look to become commonplace this season, Baylor senior quarterback Charlie Brewer makes his debut against the Houston Cougars in a quick reschedule for both programs. Both teams had to reschedule their season openers due to COVID-19 outbreaks at Louisiana Tech (Baylor’s opponent) and Memphis (Houston’s opponent).

For Brewer, this season is all about change. He has a new coach and offensive coordinator. Larry Fedora, hired by new coach Dave Arranda is all about throwing the football. Brewer, loaded with intangibles, needs to prove himself as a passer. Fedora’s offense will give Brewer plenty of opportunities to throw the football.

4. Travis Etienne, CLemson, (1st Round) RB

Last week against Wake Forest, Travis Etienne had his usual Travis Etienne game. Fewer than 20 carries over 100 yards and a touchdown. Clemson uses Etienne this way because they can. The Tigers are three deep at running back with Lyn-J Dixon and Darien Rencher. This week against the Citadel won’t be much different for the top running back prospect in this draft.

Getting a glimpse of Etienne this week means two things. First, watch the first quarter because there won’t be much of Etienne after that. Second, look for a play or two, not statistics in this one. Against an FCS opponent, look for Etienne to rip off at least one or two long runs. He’ll do things in this game that will demonstrate why NFL scouts love him so much.

3. Carlos Basham, Jr., Wake Forest, (1st Round) DE

If Carlos Basham is one of the top two defensive ends in this upcoming draft, he did not play like it against Clemson. The Tigers’ offensive tackles Jackson Carman and Jordan McFadden, contained Basham last week. This week the redshirt senior looks for redemption against the North Carolina Wolfpack.

The Wolfpack offensive line was marginal at best last season, and Basham should put up numbers. These are the types of games you look for top prospects to dominate. Basham should have no issues with North Carolina’s offensive line unless they double and triple-team him all game. Even if they do, Basham should still get a fair amount of pressure on their quarterback.

2. Dez Fitzpatrick, Louisville, (4th-6th Round) WR

The best way to improve one’s draft stock outside of putting up ridiculous numbers at the scouting combine is to play big against stout competition. The Miami Hurricanes secondary is one of the better secondaries Dez Fitzpatrick will play against this season. Miami is going to key in on Tutu Atwell just like Western Kentucky did in week one and Fitzpatrick needs to take advantage.

The redshirt senior has prototypical size at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds. What Fitzpatrick needs to prove is he can play big against elite competition and get separation against better defensive backs. That is why this game versus Miami is so crucial for Fitzpatrick’s draft stock. This game tape is what scouts watch.

1. Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State, (1st-2nd Round) RB

After using his voice and platform to call for change, Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard makes his season debut this weekend against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. Both fans and scouts have waited with bated breath to see one of the most explosive running backs in recent memory play.

Hubbard is on the shortlist for every major postseason award he can win, including the Heisman trophy. Many pundits have the Cowboys a favorite to contend for the Big 12. Not only does Hubbard have to play with the pressure of being an early-round draft pick, but he also has the pressure of leading the Cowboys to a conference title.

In addition to that pressure, scouts want to see Hubbard improve as a receiver. Despite Hubbard’s ability running the football, today’s NFL demands running backs become proficient pass receivers and blockers against the blitz. Those are two things Hubbard can improve.

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