Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 27, 2026

Wake Forest and Florida State NFL Draft watch notes

Getty Images

(It’s true, this game isn’t until Saturday, but we wanted to get the preview up early. Look for several more up tomorrow)

We may now begin to properly evaluate Florida State defensive end Bjoern Werner. Through two games, the junior has a sparkling stat line with 6.5 tackles for loss and five tackles. But that came against Murray State and Savannah State. Wake Forest doesn't have much of an offensive line, but it's at least an FBS challenge for the relentless junior pass rusher. Now that fellow pass rusher Brandon Jenkins is out for the season with a foot injury, teams can key more on Werner. Lets see how he adjusts.

Also off to a strong start for the 2-0 Seminoles is quarterback EJ Manuel. He's completing 77 percent of his passes this season.

Wake Forest, which is off to its own 2-0 start, doesn't have many senior NFL Draft prospects. The Demon Deacons had four players taken in last year's draft and 10 in the last three years. But the team may not have a player taken in 2013. Lets just be frank. The best thing about Wake Forest is Martin Rickman, who runs SB Nation's Wake site Blogger So Dear. After the jump, watch lists, a solid matchup and a question.



Wake Forest and No. 5 Florida State, noon, ESPN

Florida State Seminoles 2013 NFL Draft prospects:

Offense:
No. 3 - EJ Manuel, QB - 6'5, 240 pounds (Senior), No. 84 - Rodney Smith, WR - 6'6, 219 pounds (Senior)

Defense: No. 95 - Bjoern Werner, DE - 6'5, 255 pounds (Junior), No. 91 - Cornelius "Tank" Carradine, DE - 6'5, 265 pounds (Senior), No. 93 - Everett Dawkins, DT - 6'3, 304 pounds (Senior), No. 11 - Vince Williams, MLB - 6'1, 250 pounds (Senior), No. 27 - Xavier Rhodes, CB - 6'2, 217 pounds (Junior), No. 20 - Lamarcus Joyner, DB - 5'8, 195 pounds (Junior)

Wake Forest Demon Deacons 2013 NFL Draft prospects:

Offense:
No. 3 - Michael Campanaro, WR - 5'11, 195 pounds (Junior), No. 74 - Garrick Williams, C - 6'4, 310 pounds

Defense: No. 39 - Justin Jackson, OLB - 6'1, 220 pounds (Junior)

Key matchup: Florida State CB Xavier Rhodes vs. Wake Forest WR Michael Campanaro

Through two games, Campanaro has 22 receptions for 260 yards. That includes 13 catches for 164 yards last week against North Carolina. Rhodes overmatches him pretty easily from a size standpoint and he should be able to get physical with Campanaro. Rhodes has an interception and three pass deflections this season.

Question of the day:

Will Tank Carradine start an ascent up NFL Draft boards?

With Jenkins out for the season, Carradine has the opportunity to live up to his ability as a starter. Carradine certainly has the size and good athleticism for an end. But he's been limited to a backup role during his career.

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