College Prospects to Watch: Week Nine
The race for the 2024 College Football Playoff is heating up, and so is the anticipation for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Here are four prospects that New Orleans Saints fans should watch within a loaded slate of college football.
Will Campbell – Offensive Tackle, LSU
NFL Draft Buzz Projection: 1st – Top 10
LSU fans are well aware of Campbell’s capabilities. He’s been the strongest link on this offensive line since his freshman year in 2022. Although New Orleans drafted offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga in the 2024 NFL Draft, perhaps recent injuries and departures require another young buck on the line. Watch out for Campbell and the LSU Tigers as they battle the Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday night.
2. Xavier Watts – Safety, Notre Dame
NFL Draft Buzz Projection: 1st – Late
Watts is one of the best coverage safeties in this year’s draft. He’s already amassed three interceptions and 26 tackles this season and will have to defend against a frisky Navy squad this weekend. As Tyrann Mathieu ages and the rest of the safety room lacks stability, perhaps drafting a solid safety in the first round could pay off for Mickey Loomis and the Saints.
Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts is immensely improving his NFL Draft stock. His PFF tackling grade of 90.0 ranks No. 3 among all CFB safeties.
His man coverage ability has scouts salivating too. He’s more than a merchant of being on a stout defense. He makes the ND defense stout. pic.twitter.com/nCGcx70bSv
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) September 26, 2024
3. Derrick Harmon – Defensive Tackle, Oregon
NFL Draft Buzz Projection: 2nd – Late
Derrick Harmon has been an integral piece of the lockdown Oregon Ducks defense we have continuously seen this year. The Saints have struggled to limit rush yards
for over two seasons, and Harmon may be the best run defender in the Big 10 this year. This week, the Ducks have a big test against Illinois, a team that just took down defending champion Michigan last week.
Luther Burden after the catch is special.
Easy accelerator that can tap into that second gear when need be. His versatility will make him an asset at the next level, with him being deployed at various alignments with relative efficiency at every one of them. pic.twitter.com/NIr7pben8A
— NTB_43 (@NTB_43) October 23, 2024
4. Luther Burden III – Wide Receiver, Missouri
NFL Draft Buzz Projection: 1st – Mid
Luther Burden has been one of the most talented wide receivers in the SEC since his freshman season with Missouri in 2022. Surprisingly, his draft stock has fallen a bit this year, potentially making him available in the mid-late first round. Regardless of his less-than-expected production, he’s still a dangerous weapon for the Missouri offense. Keep an eye out for Burden as the Tigers try to hand the Alabama Crimson Tide their third loss this season.
Poll
Which prospect would you like to see New Orleans Draft the most?
66%
33%
0%
0%
Luther Burden III
(0 votes)
3 votes total
Vote Now
Make sure you follow Canal Street Chronicles on Twitter at @SaintsCSC, “Like” us on Facebook at Canal Street Chronicles, and make sure you’re subscribed to our YouTube channel. Follow my personal page @CaulfieldCarson for more!
