Saturday NFL Draft watch notes

• Oklahoma Stat’s Russell Okung has emerged as a possible first overall pick this season at left tackle. He can really help his cause against a good Texas pass rush that features ends Sergio Kindle and Sam Acho. Both ends are quick, which will test Okung’s kick step off the snap.
• The play of Iowa left tackle Bryan Bulaga has been somewhat up and down since his return from a thyroid issue. He’ll be tested by one of the nation’s top defensive end duos, Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton of Indiana.
• Junior left tackle Anthony Davis is having a great season for Rutgers. He’s played like an early first-round pick after starting his career at guard. He could matchup against Connecticut’s Lindsey Witten, a streaky pass rusher who has good quickness to the outside.
• Over the last two games, Mississippi quarterback Jevan Snead has shown why he was considered a very good prospect entering the year. Against UAB and Arkansas, he’s completed 37 of 55 passes for 572 yards and five touchdowns. Auburn has an above-average pass defense (35th nationally) that will challenge Snead’s decision making.
• There is no better one-on-one contest today than the one between Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and Baylor center J.D. Walton. Both are widely considered the top seniors at their position. If Suh can have another dominant game, the top-five talk is warranted. If Walton excels, he could be a late second-round pick.
• Possibly matching up against Georgia’s A.J. Green, Florida junior Joe Haden can establish himself as the best cornerback in the nation. Haden has shutdown corner ability, but has been a little inconsistent in man coverage this year. He’s certainly an all-around corner talent but needs to show he can shut down a great receiver, which perfectly defines Green.
The Georgia/Florida game offers a great matchup on the inside when the Gators are on offense and the Bulldogs on defense. Mike and Maurkice Pouncey will have their hands full against Georgia defensive tackles Geno Atkins and Jeff Owens. Mike Pouncey, a junior, is one of the best guard prospects in the country.
• Arizona State senior guard Shawn Lauvao will have his hands full against California’s Tyson Alualu. The senior defensive tackle is a rising prospect who plays with a high motor and a lot of tenacity. He has good pass-rush moves for an interior player and could cause problems for Lauvao, a top player at his position.
It should be interesting to see if Cal lines senior cornerback Syd’Quan Thompson against Sun Devils receiver Chris McGaha. Both are considered second round prospects, at best, but could offer a premiere contest.
• The play of USC safety Taylor Mays has been a little suspect this season. He’s blown some coverage assignments and needs to tackle better. That will be tested greatly against Oregon tight end Ed Dickson. A hard runner after the catch, Mays’ tackling could be exposed against Dickson.
• Quietly, Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour is putting together another great season. He has 16 touchdown passes to only four interceptions and is completing 70 percent of his passes. He gets Boston College today in what could be his last big showcase game of the year.
• Book it: The legend of Golden Tate will grow today against Washington State. The Cougars have the third-worst pass defense in the nation and arguably no player in the country is as hot as Tate.