Saturday NFL Draft watch notes

• A possible matchup tonight between Brandon LaFell of LSU and Joe Haden of Florida is the most intriguing one of the day. Haden can get out of position, something a heady receiver like LaFell can take advantage of. Haden is really good against the run, so he’ll test LaFell’s blocking ability. LaFell dominated this matchup last season.
This will also be a good game to see what offensive tackle Ciron Black (LSU) and Carlos Dunlap (Florida) are worth. Both have been having ordinary seasons, especially Dunlap. Black is a strong blocker so Dunlap will have to use his initial quickness more today.
In general, LSU’s top prospects have been average this season. Running back Charles Scott finally broke a big run last week, but he’s slow to the hole. End Rahim Alem has been able to get after the passer and defensive tackle Al Woods has been non-existant. Each could turn their draft fortunes around today.
• Another week and another chance for Mississippi’s Jevan Snead to try and prove he’s an elite talent. His struggles this year have been plenty noted, but things won’t get any easier against Alabama tonight. Snead needs to rely less on his arm strength and use his brain more. Alabama will bring a lot of pressure and Snead’s resolve will be tested.
Also in this game, watch for Rebels defensive end Greg Hardy to have a big game. Alabama’s offensive tackles are just average so Hardy could have a big game.
• The Ohio State front four is impressive and filled with NFL-caliber players. Chief among them are ends Cameron Heyward and Thaddeus Gibson. Against the pass, particularly Gibson, they are terrors. Today against Wisconsin, they can show how good they are against the run. Sophomore John Clay is a bulldozer of a back who is hard to take down.
• Oklahoma State left tackle Russell Okung can display his dominance today when the Cowboys play Texas A&M. Von Miller has become one of the nation’s top sack artists and he’ll test Okung’s quickness and ability to move his feet.
• Last week Iowa offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga showed few sigs of rust. However, that was against Arkansas State. Today against Michigan the junior might face all-conference end Brandon Graham. The senior can get low around the edge, which could give Bulaga problems.
• Against the duo rushing attack of Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray of Oklahoma, Baylor inside linebacker Joe Pawelek will have his hands full today. This could be a showcase game for the senior sleeper. He has some athletic deficiencies but makes a lot of plays.
• This won’t be a game where he can show his ability against the pass, but Florida State’s Patrick Robinson is a player to watch today against Georgia Tech. He’s considered a one-dimensional player but will get to show what he can do against the run. Robinson has looked good this season against the pass.
• Georgia defensive tackles Jeff Owens and Geno Atkins have been a big disappointment this season. Conversely, Tennessee’s Montario Hardesty has been one of the biggest surprises this season. It could be a good matchup to watch this week.