As we get deeper into the NFL season here’s a quick look at a couple of draft prospect matchups that NFL scouts will have their eyes on, going into Week 5.
Week 5 Draft Prospect Preview
Siaki Ika (NT – Baylor) vs The Oklahoma State Offense
Baylor’s nose tackle Siaki Ika has yet to register a sack this year. But, he is the latest massive space eater to garner NFL interest with 30 career pressures and 16 forced-blown blocks at Baylor (data from Sports Info Solutions). The 6’4” 358-pound interior defender showed potential last season with his ability to create a wall against the running game. His flexibility and acceleration in space are special for a player of his size. Oklahoma State has one of the most explosive pass-based offenses in college football right now. It’s an interesting test for a run-first defender in Ika, who will need to push the pocket and create pressure in order to keep the Bears in this game. Unlike most NFL offenses, the Cowboys run a lot of RPOs and play fakes. This generally slows down the pass rush. It will be impressive if Ika can make an impact despite this.
Devin Leary (QB – NC State) vs The Clemson Front Seven
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Leary enters this season as a mid-round slightly undersized QB prospect with the potential to grow as a player. He’ll have a big test this week in Clemson against a front seven that is loaded with NFL talent. DT-Bryan Bresee (6 career sacks and 46 career pressures), EDGE-Myles Murphy (12.5 sacks and 55 career pressures), and LB-Trenton Simpson (10 sacks and 50 pressures) all could create havoc for Leary. Leary has stood relatively strong against pressure so far in his career with only about a half-yard-per-pass attempt dip in production. Last season the NC State QB led the Wolfpack on a game-winning drive versus the Tigers. He will need a similar effort on the road against an improved Clemson team under the spotlight.
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