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2020 NFL Draft: 8 Standout prospects from college football rivalry weekend

By Michael Johnson

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 30: Zack Baun #56 and Chris Orr #54 of the Wisconsin Badgers grab the Paul Bunyan Football Trophy after defeating the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the game at TCF Bank Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Badgers defeated the Golden Gophers 38-17. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 30: Zack Baun #56 and Chris Orr #54 of the Wisconsin Badgers grab the Paul Bunyan Football Trophy after defeating the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the game at TCF Bank Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Badgers defeated the Golden Gophers 38-17. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 09: Chase Claypool #83 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Duke Blue Devils during the first quarter of their game at Wallace Wade Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 09: Chase Claypool #83 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Duke Blue Devils during the first quarter of their game at Wallace Wade Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

College football rivalry weekend saw huge clashes between bitter enemies but these 2020 NFL Draft prospects stood out as they led the charge.

NFL Draft fanatics flocked to their televisions to watch one of the best Saturdays in college football: rivalry weekend. We got an opportunity to see how the 2020 NFL Draft prospects performed in classic matchups as well.

The Game between Ohio State and Michigan led the way as a Buckeye not named Chase Young or Justin Field led the charge. Alabama and Auburn had fans on the edge of their seats in the Iron Bowl classic. While Tua Tagovailoa was out, it was still impressive to see the Tigers be led by a standout defensive prospect.

Meanwhile, LSU hosted Texas A&M in a matchup that saw the Tigers dominate to get revenge for a loss in a seven-overtime thriller a season ago. Yes, Joe Burrow was great, but it’s time some of his pass-catchers got some recognition.

Must Read. 20 Bold predictions for NFL Week 14. light

It was a week not just for college football bragging rights but for 2020 NFL Draft prospects to make names for themselves. These were eight of the standout prospects from Week 14.

8. Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame

Notre Dame went into enemy territory and routed Stanford on Saturday. The Fighting Irish clobbered the Cardinals, 45-24, to take home the Legends Trophy. Wide receiver Chase Claypool played a major role in their success.

Claypool finished the game with just three catches for 63 yards but two of his catches went for touchdowns. The 6-4, 230-pound big-body wideout hasn’t gotten much hype. Part of why Claypool isn’t on the top of many lists is because of his lack of production prior to 2019.

What a difference a year makes. Claypool’s 12 touchdowns are good enough for eight best in FBS this season. This past weekend, he showed why he deserves some love in NFL Draft circles as well. His glaring strength his size and length. He boxes out and plays above the rim. He’s an imposing pass catcher but he’s more than that.

Claypool isn’t limited to go and post routes. He has enough quickness and acceleration to win underneath and in intermediate areas. He’s a big slot or someone who can flex out wide as an immediate red zone threat at the next level.

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