This week, some electric defensive feats were observed by players around the country in their respective games. Here are some players who are Week 12’s Defensive NFL Draft Risers because of their performances this week.
High-Level Playmaking DBs Take Over Week 12’s Defensive NFL Draft Risers
EDGE Jasheen Davis, Wake Forest
Jasheen Davis has been one of the best pass rushers in college football for multiple years now. One of his best collegiate games came this weekend against North Carolina. He recorded 2.5 sacks on the day and forced a fumble as well. He climbed up to third on the all-time Wake Forest sack leaders with 24.5 and constantly made his presence known.
He’s parlayed a couple of impressive games in a row now, showcasing a variety of skills. With the draft season approaching, he could start gaining more coverage. A Reese’s Senior Bowl scout was in attendance at the game, and if his performance means anything he should see an invite going his way soon. He’s projected to land in the draft’s latter rounds, but his play could provide much-needed helium to his stock.
Potential Team Fit: Las Vegas Raiders
LB Power Echols, North Carolina
North Carolina took it to Wake Forest this week, and arguably the game’s biggest turning point was Echols’ 42-yard pick-six. He read the QB’s eyes perfectly, leaped to grab the pass and rumbled his way to the endzone. The clear Defensive Player of the Game, he was relentless in his defensive effort and kept WF in check.
Echols is expected to be picked in the back half of the 2025 NFL Draft, and games like these can drive his stock up even more. He possesses some impressive athleticism and is a very “traitsy” player. As long as he can get himself into a position to make plays, he should contribute at the pro level. He has continued to anchor the Tar Heels defense after Cedric Gray left for the NFL and should catch the eye of many teams next April.
Potential Team Fit: Los Angeles Rams
DB Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
Notre Dame continued its strong season with a 35-14 win over Virginia and Xavier Watts was right at the center of it. He accounted for three tackles, a fumble recovery, a pass breakup and an interception. He didn’t allow a single yard in coverage and ended the day with a 90.0 PFF Coverage Grade. The former wideout has excelled in the Fighting Irish secondary since switching in 2021 and had one of his best games to date this weekend.
Scouts view Watts as a likely Day 2 pick in the upcoming draft, and he has the instincts and playmaking to succeed immediately. His place among the top safeties in CFB has been solidified this year and he’s making a real argument for the top spot. He could end up getting picked in the first round. Watts showcased everything scouts want to see in an NFL safety this week.
Potential Team Fit: Baltimore Ravens
DB Jahdae Barron, Texas
The Arkansas Razorbacks kept it close against Texas this week, but Jahdae Barron shut them down every time they got momentum. The senior cornerback picked off a Taylen Green pass, sacked him once and batted another away. The SEC Defensive Player of the Week was constantly around the ball and made many impressive plays. He held star WR Andrew Armstrong to just one catch for six yards and utterly erased him from the game.
A season-long riser with his continued elite play, Barron has been putting out some high-level tape in recent weeks. He’s been playing his way into a legitimate shot at the Jim Thorpe Award for the nation’s best Defensive Back. However, the Longhorns DB has certainly gotten the attention of NFL Draft Media on multiple platforms. He is quickly becoming a favorite among scouts.
Potential Team Fit: Green Bay Packers
Main Photo Courtesy of Brett Davis – Imagn Images
