DraftAce Blog

Year round coverage of the NFL Draft.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Week 2 Key Matchups

Not a lot of intriguing matchups on Saturday, but there are a few players who could improve their draft stock this weekend.

Mike Williams WR Syracuse - vs Penn State
Williams has the size and speed to be a first-day selection this upcoming April. He's going to be Greg Paulus' favorite target (and really, his only reliable target) so he should put up some big numbers this season. Williams has caught a TD pass in 10 straight games, but that streak could be tested on Saturday. Penn State has a formidable defensive secondary which will challenge Williams.

Brandon Lang DE Troy - vs Florida
Playing at Troy, you don't get many options to perform on the big stage. While Florida should cruise to an easy victory over the Trojans, Lang will be looking to get in a few hits on Tebow. He's a tremendous athlete with impressive size who needs to have a big game against Florida to help earn a spot in April's 1st round.

Charles Brown OT USC - vs Ohio State
USC's offensive line shouldn't have many issues with Ohio State's defense, but Brown could be one who gets challenged. When matched up with Buckeyes' DE Cameron Heyward he'll be overmatched in terms of size, which could limit his ability as a run blocker. Brown could have a lot to gain or lose depending on he fairs on Saturday.

Taylor Mays S USC - vs Ohio State
The player tested most on Saturday by Terrelle Pryor's running ability could be Taylor Mays. Mays won't be the primary guy assigned to stop Pryor on the run, but his decision making ability - when to help out against the run, when to stay back in coverage - could be a key to this game. Pryor's athleticism confuses defensive backs on a weekly basis; Mays needs to be focused at all times to avoid falling into that trap.

Anderson Russell S Ohio State - vs USC
Russell has reportedly lost his starting job, which would be devastating to his draft stock. However, he's experienced and will still see playing time and could earn it back with a strong showing. Facing a freshman quarterback can be an easy way to earn back some confidence, and Russell will be a guy to keep an eye on. He'll be playing with a chip on his shoulder and could be an unlikely key factor against the Trojans.

Notable Injuries:
Rob Gronkowski TE Arizona - may be with a back injury
Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma - out 2-4 weeks with sprained shoulder
Harvey Unga RB BYU - may be out with hamstring injury
Arrelious Benn WR Illinois - missed part of last week's game with ankle injury
Bryan Bulaga OT Iowa - hospitalized with illness; will miss this week's game
Brandon Minor RB Michigan - questionable with an ankle injury
Navarro Bowman LB Penn State - out with a groin injury

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