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Three 2027 NFL Draft prospects to watch on the Northwestern Wildcats
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- Three 2027 NFL Draft prospects to watch on the Northwestern Wildcats
Two months from now, the Northwestern Wildcats will open their season, at home against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits . Three months from now, NU will play their first game ever in their soon to be iconic new stadium.
New Ryan Field, the most expensive college football only stadium in history, opens for business October 2nd against Penn State .
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So there is no time like the present to discuss and analyze the biggest playmakers on this team.
Griffin Wilde , WR
Wilde, who had 71 catches for 880 yards (12.4 avg) and eight touchdowns, transferred in a year ago. He played his 2024 and 2023 ball for...wait for it...wait for it...South Dakota State! Yes, sometimes things just write themselves. Wilde, a third team All-Big Ten selection last season, had the most single season receiving yards by a NU receiver since 2016.
At 6-2, 200 lbs, he's got great size for the position. He also has the versatility and speed to both go over the top, and find the seams in the mid-range and shorter routes.
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Projected Round: 4-6
Aidan Chiles , QB
As he enters his fourth season, playing for his third different program, it's time for him to fully realize all of his potential. With legendary offensive mastermind Chip Kelly as his OC , perhaps this will be the year. And if it isn't, then Northwestern fans might just be saying "Chile, please!"
When you combine Kelly's top-tier schematics and elite play-calling with Chiles' arm talent, strength in the deep ball and dual threat ability, the potential for something special is obviously there.
However, Chiles still needs to show NFL teams that he's a leader and winner. His record as a starter is just 8-12.
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Projected Round: 6-7
Gavin Sawchuk , RB
Like Chiles, he entered the portal twice, and both of his previous destinations were blue bloods. Well, if you still consider Florida State a blue blood, and regard Oklahoma as ever being worthy of that status. Sawchuk, who supposedly has 4.2 speed , had a break out season in 2023 with the Sooners, but we haven't seen that form since.
If he can find that again this autumn, he'll get that big phone call come springtime.
Projected Round: 6-UDFA
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Three 2027 NFL Draft prospects to watch on the Northwestern Wildcats
