After a wild week of college football, the landscape looks quite different heading into Week 8. Only five teams remain unbeaten, with multiple games that deserve your attention, especially for Atlanta Falcons fans looking for future contributors. Here are ten NFL Draft prospects from Week 8 of college football that Falcons fans should watch.
Cole Tabb, RB, Cincinnati vs. Texas Tech
Nippert Stadium – Cincinnati, OH – 12 pm EST – FS1
Tabb doesn't have to come out this year and can return and further build his draft stock for next year's class. If he does declare, Tabb is an explosive running back who can immediately add explosion to the running game. His smaller stature (5'8", 200) makes him a load to bring down, and he has plenty of speed once he gets into open space to get to the end zone.
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Elijah Melendez, LB, Auburn vs. LSU
Jordan-Hare Stadium – Auburn, AL – 12 pm EST – ABC
TJ Dottery is part of this new-look LSU defense and one of the better linebacker rooms. Dottery's work in the run game and nose for the football should make him a consistent problem for Byrum Brown and the run-first style of the Auburn offense.
Traevon Mitchell, DT, Baylor @ Kansas
David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium – Lawrence, KS – 1 pm EST – TNT
In a defensive tackle class that feels a bit top-heavy at times, guys like Traevon Mitchell out of Baylor remind you talent can be found anywhere in the draft. A bit undersized (6'0", 282), he generates a ton of power in his explosive lower half and moves very well laterally.
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Wilkin Formby, OT, Texas A&M @ Alabama
Bryant-Denny Stadium – Tuscaloosa, AL –
When it comes to versatility, Wilkin Formby is one of those linemen who showcases it well. Formby is a good pass protector who has been a great right tackle and has also kicked inside to guard in a pinch for the Aggies. This is also a homecoming for Formby, who was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, AL, and went to Alabama to start his college career.
Wendell Gregory, EDGE, Kansas State @ Arizona State
Mountain America Stadium – Tempe, AZ – 3:45 pm EST – ESPN2
Do I think Gregory comes out this season? Probably not, not as a Redshirt Sophomore, but if he has a great end to the season, there's a chance that the 6'3", 265-pounder does declare. Gregory has a great get-off and rare explosiveness to beat tackles off the ball.
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Fluff Bothwell, RB, Mississippi State vs. Oklahoma
Davis Wade Stadium – Starkville, MS – 3:30 pm EST – SEC Network
230-pound running backs hardly move as smoothly as Mississippi State's Fluff Bothwell. After sustaining a foot/ankle injury in the Alabama game, Bothwell returns against Brett Venable's vaunted Oklahoma defense.
Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson vs. Virginia Tech
Memorial Stadium – Clemson, SC – 7 pm EST – ESPN
One of my favorite targets for the Falcons this draft cycle, Ashton Hampton is a big corner with a rare blend of movement skills and physicality in both the run and pass game. Could easily be CB2 in this draft and would be CB1 in many others.
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Cam Coleman, WR, Texas vs. Ole Miss
DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium – Austin, TX – 7:30 pm EST – ABC
It has been a disappointing season for Cam Coleman and company on offense, but it's not too late to turn the narrative around about the offense and especially Cam Coleman. Coleman is a 6'3", 204-pound receiver who moves effortlessly down the field. Hopefully he can generate some explosives and jump-start this Texas offense before it's too late.
Javan Robinson, CB, Wisconsin vs. USC
Camp Randall Stadium – Madison, WI – 7:30 pm EST – NBC
Adding depth to the cornerback room will continue to be a necessity, and Wisconsin's Javan Robinson has been playing stellar this season for the Badgers. Robinson is a tough, fast cornerback who is also a plus in run support.
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Noah Bennee, TE, Utah vs. Houston
Rice-Eccles Stadium – Salt Lake City, UT – 10:15 pm EST – ESPN
Most known for his ability in the run game, Noah Bennee has been getting overshadowed by his brother Jackson in draft discussions. But Noah has shown an ability to add value in the passing game as well, hauling in three touchdowns.
