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Come Fan with UsSunday, July 5, 2026

Saturday NFL Draft watch notes

The first weekend of college football is typically a tough one to judge for talent evaluators. Most teams with NFL prospects play easy games in Week 1, so this week's prospect preview will be shorter than usual.

Welcome back college football. We missed you.

Although cornerbacks Charles Brown and Kendric Burney, ends Michael McAdoo and Robert Quinn and defensive tackle Marvin Austin won't be playing, the North Carolina defense won't be totally devoid of talent today.

Against LSU, senior linebackers Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant can show their ability to make plays all over the field. The draft stock of the ineligible players might take a hit, but for Carter and Sturdivant, it could be a boon.

However, LSU will still have the best player on the field in junior cornerback

Patrick Peterson

. He’ll most likely line up against wide receiver

Erik Highsmith

. The sophomore has good size at 6-foot-3 and is fast. It’s a matchup that Peterson should control, but it will stretch his athleticism and deep coverage.
Te athletic ability of TCU middle linebacker

Tank Carder

will be put to the test against the speedy Oregon State offense. There have been questions about Carder’s change of direction skills. He can quiet those doubts by looking good against the Beavers’

Jacquizz Rodgers

.
Some buzz has been building around Connecticut running back

Jordan Todman

leading up to the season. The Huskies face the 3-3-5 defense of Michigan and Todman’s outside running will be tested against an athletic secondary.
There are mounting concerns about Syracuse running back

Delone Carter

. He’s had a broken hip and was arrested for misdemeanor assault. Carter can push it all aside with an excellent senior season. He gets to start in his hometown playing at Akron. The Zips are transitioning to a 4-3 defense with sophomore middle linebacker

Brian Wagner

being the point man to take Carter down.

Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Eagles stick with what works; invest in the trenchesSB Nation NFL mock draft: Eagles stick with what works; invest in the trenches
Mocking the Draft

This player should be a plug-and-play replacement for Mekhi Becton right off the bat.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Chiefs get an absolute steal of a WR at No. 31SB Nation NFL mock draft: Chiefs get an absolute steal of a WR at No. 31
Mocking the Draft

This guy’s got talent, plus playing with Patrick Mahomes automatically elevates his potential.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Bills fill biggest need with a top CB at No. 30SB Nation NFL mock draft: Bills fill biggest need with a top CB at No. 30
Mocking the Draft

He’s a bit of a liability in the run game, but his potential in the pass game was enough for Buffalo Rumblings.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Commanders give Jayden Daniels a fluid playmaker at WR with No. 29 pickSB Nation NFL mock draft: Commanders give Jayden Daniels a fluid playmaker at WR with No. 29 pick
Mocking the Draft

This pick could help the Commanders build on last year’s excellent season.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Lions bring in a pass-rushing partner in crime for Aidan HutchinsonSB Nation NFL mock draft: Lions bring in a pass-rushing partner in crime for Aidan Hutchinson
Mocking the Draft

It’s a high-potential pick for a Detroit defense that needs a solid pass rusher.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Rams keep building defensive identity at No. 26SB Nation NFL mock draft: Rams keep building defensive identity at No. 26
Mocking the Draft

This rookie would be a great complement to Jared Verse and Byron Young.

By Michael Peterson