Prospects to Pros: QB3 candidates, Caleb Williams check-in, rookie standouts, and more
Sep 13, 2023
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Nate Tice and Dane Brugler discuss the QB3 candidates, check-in on Caleb Williams, highlight defensive standouts, and give love to rookies who shined in Week 1 of the NFL season.
Cooper DeGene from Iowa is the best all-around defensive back in college football, showcasing exceptional tackling, speed, awareness, and versatility in different positions.
The edge rusher class lacks dominant players at this stage of the season, with no standout performers emerging, although Markelle Latu from UCLA shows promise despite concerns about his previous neck injury.
Deep dives
Cooper DeGene: The Best All-Around Defensive Back
Cooper DeGene from Iowa is considered the best all-around defensive back in college football. He showcased his skills in the game against Iowa State, where he played as an outside corner as well as in the slot against tight ends. DeGene is an exceptional tackler and displays great speed and awareness. He is also a valuable special teams player, acting as a gunner and punt returner. His instincts and reliability make him the best player on the field and a first-round talent.
Edge Rushers: Looking for Standout Performers
The edge rusher class has been underwhelming so far, with no clear standout performers emerging. Players like Jared Vers and Dallas Turner have shown some potential, but lack the impactful plays to separate themselves from the pack. Among the few promising edge rushers is Markelle Latu from UCLA. He excels in using his reach, timing, and hands to disrupt offenses. However, concerns remain due to his previous neck injury, which may affect his draft stock. Overall, it seems that the edge rusher class lacks dominant players at this stage of the season.
Week 1 Rookie Standouts
Several NFL rookies stood out in week one. Puka Nakua, the wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, had a stellar performance with 10 catches for 119 yards on 14 targets. He exceeded expectations and showcased his toughness and savvy play. Zeh Flowers, the wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, also impressed with his performance, and he could be a key playmaker for the team this season. Chandler Zavala, the offensive lineman for the Carolina Panthers, had a strong showing and displayed toughness and intelligence in his blocking. On the defensive side, Brian Branch, the safety for the Philadelphia Eagles, stood out with an interception and showcased his playmaking abilities. Jalen Carter, the defensive lineman for the New England Patriots, played as expected and impressed with his disruptive plays, leading all rookies in pressures. Will Anderson, the linebacker for the Houston Texans, also had a solid performance and showed why he was highly regarded coming out of college.
QB3 Thoughts and Evaluations
The podcast hosts delved into discussions about QB3 prospects, focusing on Spencer Rattler, Kale Williams, and other rookie quarterbacks. They emphasized the importance of dominance at the collegiate level and the need for these quarterbacks to make plays and stand out, especially against inferior competition. They also discussed the challenges of scouting quarterbacks and highlighted the importance of speed and decisiveness in the position. The hosts mentioned standout performances from QB3 candidates, such as Puka Nikua, Jameer Gibbs, Zay Flowers, and Keon cannot be away, and highlighted their potential for success at the professional level.
We just put a bow on Week 2 of the college football season, and we've already got our first bit on Prospects to Pros: Who's the QB3? Nate Tice and Dane Brugler discuss a few candidates on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also check in on Caleb Williams, highlight standouts on the defensive side of the ball, and give some love to the rookies who flashed in Week 1 of the NFL season.
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