NFL Draft Prospects to Watch on CFB Week 2: Texas A&M vs Colorado

Aggies stacked roster will face an early test from Buffs looking to make some noise.

It's Week 2 in college football, and while it's still early, the "contenders" and the "pretenders" are slowly being identified. This process will continue on as the Texas A&M Aggies go on the road to face the Colorado Buffaloes. In a matchup of traditional SEC and PAC-12 powers, Texas A&M will look to establish itself as an early CFB Playoff favorite. while Colorado tries to build on a successful season in which it fell just short of a conference championship birth. The Aggies and Buffs will be facing off for the first time since 2009, back when they were major players in the Big-12.

 

In Week 1, Colorado faced off against FCS opponent Northen Colorado, coached by HOF WR Ed McCaffrey. While the Bears put up a good fight, they were dispatched by the Buffs by a score of 35-7 in Boulder. It's still early and while nobody's expecting the Buffs to shock the world, Colorodo has been quietly supplying the NFL with a steady stream of NFL talent. For 11 years straight, the Buffs have had at least one player selected in the NFL Draft. That streak includes All-Pro LT David Bakhtiari, who "fell" to 109th Overall to the Packers in 2013; and while he's not part of the currenty streak, you can't leave out All-Time Scoring Leader Mason Crosby, who was selected in the 6th Round way back in 2007.

 

For the 5th Ranked Aggies, they look to also gain momentum after a rough start against Kent State. Going into halftime, the Aggies were only beating the Golden Flashes 10-3, with upset rumors running amuck. HC Jimbo Fisher made some major adjustments in the locker room, which led to 31 points in the 2nd half. Packers' fans should be well acquainted with the Aggies most recent contributions to the team's lore, with Jace Sternberger and Kingsley Keke drafted together back in 2019. Now in their third seasons, many eyes will be on them to gauge their growth.

 

And now the players to watch for the Week 2's Texas A&M vs Colorado:

 

 

Jalen Wydermyer, TE - Texas A&M

Wydermyer is a complete TE. He was considered by many to be the best blocking TE in the nation, even better than 2021 1st Round Pick Kyle Pitts. He may not be as dynamic as the aforementioned Pitts but he is a weapon down the field and at 6"5 he'll make for a massive target in the end zone. I don't think there's a LB on Colorado's roster who can cover Wydermyer with his plus athleticism, so he could draw double coverage with a safety in tow. If that's the case, I don't expect huge numbers from him but he should remain dominant in the endzone. Projection: Top-25 Pick

 

DeMarvin Leal, DL - Texas A&M

Leal is THE run defender of the Draft. He has adequate length at 6"4 and is NFL ready at a hefty 291 lbs. Texas A&M has employed him at every single spot on the defensive line, and he's even played from a 2 down stance with no dropoff in disruption. Next to his run stuffing ability, I like Leal's awareness, if he can't get to the QB he gets in the passing lanes with his hands up to bat the ball down. I'm not sure if NFL teams will consider him as a DE or a DT, but I believe his versatility allows for at least 3T and 4T consideration. Leal needs a dominant game in Boulder as he tries to cement himself as a top pick. Projection: Top-25 Pick

 

Isaiah Spiller, RB - Texas A&M

Spiller caused all kinds of problems for the SEC last year, showing an ability to run strong inside and outside with some receiving ability. I'm not sure at 5'9 if NFL Talent Evaluators will consider him as a RB, so a position switch to WR might be necessary, or the expectation is Spiller will serve as a 3rd Down RB with Special Teams ability.. With top shelf speed, I expect Spiller to exploit the difference in athleticism between Texas A&M and Colorado. Projection: 4th Round Pick

 

Kenyon Green, OL - Texas A&M

Green is a flexible offensive lineman prospect who can play inside and out. Last year for the Aggies he played Guard, and this year as their best lineman he'll be at LT. Given the Packers current state of affaird and Gute's penchant for linemen who can play multiple positions, I expect Green to be a prime target on the Packers' Big Board in 2022. Projection: 3rd Round Pick

 

Leon O'Neal, SS - Texas A&M

If you loved playing NFL Blitz as a child, you should watch O'Neal's tape; it's packed full of hard hits. While he closes in and makes great tackles against the run and whatever is in front of him, there remains questions about his speed to cover over the top. The Buffs aren't an offensive juggernaut but they do have guys who can run, I'll be looking to see how much they can push O'Neal during the game. Projection: 6th Round Pick

 

Michael Clemons, DL - Texas A&M

Clemons fits the mold of a traditional 3-4 DE, but he just might have 4-3 OLB speed. Clemons has some legal issues he's had to overcome during his time in College Station, so it'll be interesting to see how teams view him. I have yet to see the Packers take risks on players of such backgrounds, but Clemons has the necessary traits to excel at the next level if simply given the opportunity. He'll get his first opportunity this season for the Aggies saturday. Projection: 6th Round Pick

 

Aaron Hansford, LB - Texas A&M

Hansford was a project for the Aggies, as he initially committed to them to play WR. He turned LB in 2019, and has been productive ever since. Hansford needs a strong year to garner 1st Round consideration, but with WR speed I expect some teams to potentially overdraft him if he shows any type of promise. Projection: 5th Round Pick

 

 

 

Terrance Lang Jr, DE - Colorado

 

Lang is massive at 6"7, 285. When he first got to Boulder he had a rough start, but once he bought in to the program he's steadily improved. I still need to see a complete display of all the necessary pass rush tools though, and he also needs to consistently be able to shed blocks against the run. Texas A&M has a good but not great offensive line, and they are somewhat inexperienced as a unit. I'd be curious to see if Lang can get a sack off of this unit. If he can do that, and continue to do well down the road, he's got a bright future in the pros. Projection: 4th Round Pick

 

Nate Landman, LB - Colorado

Landman has great processing at the snap of the ball, he picks up the run quickly and his coverage drops are refined. My concern is does he have the athleticism to adjust to the pro game? If there was a game that would answer that question early, the 5th ranked Aggies would be it. Nobody is questioning if Landman can get in the trenches and make plays in the backfield. But can he make plays sideline to sideline? Projection: 6th Round Pick

 

Dimitri Stanley, WR - Colorado

As a redshirt sophmore, I'm not sure if Stanley will declare, but physically he has all the necessary tools to be an NFL WR, he just needs the stats to go along with it. He can get behind even the best DBs if they don't get a good jam at the line or don't have the long speed to stay with him. Texas A&M has a stellar defensive unit as a whole but Stanley's speed can and will threaten them if the opporunity presents itself. I don't expect a huge statine due to Colorado's questions at the QB posiiton but if he can make at least 3 or 4 explosive plays that's a job well done. Projection: 6th Round Pick

 

The Aggies will kick off against the Buffs at 2:30 CST at Folsom Field in Colorado. Check your channel guide for local listings. 

 

 

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Joseph has been an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers since 1997, citing an affinity for dairy products during his childhood and his favorite color, green. Born in Jacksonville, FL, Joseph currently is an Active Duty servicemember in the U.S. Armed Forces. Joseph considers himself a lifelong fan of the game of football, competing since his youth well into adulthood. When it comes to the Pack, Joseph is particularly impassioned about the NFL Draft and collegiate scouting process, and will contribute regularly on CHTV.com leading to that year's upcoming Draft. You can follow him on Twitter at @joeyreyallday.

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