The majority of this week’s heavily advertised games didn’t have much in the way of defense. Matchups like BYU vs Oklahoma State were filled with scoring, but a few players still elevated their performance to being called Defensive NFL Draft Risers.
Defensive NFL Draft Risers In Week 8 Contains Pair of Linemen
DL Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech cruised to a 42-21 win over Boston College and defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles was a big reason why. While his box score stats don’t scream “game-changer”, he was arguably the team’s most impactful defender. Posting a 78.3 PFF Defense grade and 80.3 Pass Rush Grade, Peebles was a nightmare for the Eagles offense to deal with. He accumulated three total hurries on his way to being the Hokies highest-graded defensive player.
Looking under the hood, his motor, and overall explosiveness shined through on a majority of his snaps. He beat offensive linemen in many ways and flashed the pass-rushing bag of an NFL player. His short stature will likely limit a potential professional role and how high he can be drafted but the makings of a rotational DL are certainly there.
Potential Team Fit: Arizona Cardinals
DL Thor Griffith, Lousiville
Harvard transfer Thor Griffith had his best game of the season Saturday, routinely shredding the Miami offensive line. Louisville came up short 52-45 but Griffith finished with an astounding 93.7 PFF Grade and a forced fumble. The 6’2 320 320-pounder is regarded as a well-rounded player and lived up to his scouting report against the Hurricanes. He showed off violent hands on his FF and broke up several running lanes at the line of scrimmage.
Traditionally, his role as a primary nose tackle prioritizes his size over any advanced technique. He broke that mold on numerous occasions this week, displaying elite athleticism vertically and horizontally. Griffith’s draft projection has floated anywhere from the third round to the seventh and a continuation of similar performances could see him land toward the top end of that.
Potential Team Fit: Miami Dolphins
DB Akili Arnold, USC
USC blew a big lead to Maryland in a shocking defeat, but defensive back Akili Arnold wasn’t the reason why. Arnold projects as a do-it-all safety and was one of college football’s biggest standouts this week. The senior allowed four catches on six targets but held them to just 14 total yards. His five tackles on pass plays ranked third amongst Power 4 safeties and posted an 81.2 PFF Coverage Grade.
Arnold is the exact type of late-round DB that fans and scouts fall in love with as a key depth piece with the potential to develop into much more. His ability to keep the action in front of him was exhibited commonly, with the longest reception allowed being just five yards. Aside from his coverage, he also came close to finishing on multiple blitzes with one resulting in Intentional Grounding.
Potential Team Fit: Green Bay Packers
CB Brandon Adams, UCF
UCF cornerback Brandon Adams totaling an interception and two pass breakups on four unsuccessful targets essentially covers his performance. Against Iowa State, Adams shined in an otherwise struggling secondary against QB Rocco Becht. The exclamation mark on his excellent day was a 63-yard Pick Six at the end of the first half.
Despite being the Knights’ most-targeted DB this season (32), Adams shut down any attempts the Cyclones’ offense made in his direction. His polished talent of making up for early mistakes and closing on passes was put on view for the NFL to see. His 90.9 PFF Coverage Grade indicates his prowess this week and his draft stock most certainly climbed.
Potential Team Fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Main Photo: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
