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Five possibilities to watch for Week 12

Harry November 16, 2024

Allen Park — Each week throughout the college football season, the Detroit News will list the five prospects we think are the best. lions You might be interested in the timing of the 2025 NFL Draft in April.

Those listed here are intended to be at the beginning, middle and end of the round, so you can get an idea of the types of players that may be available throughout the draft. When a player appears on this list, it means his team is playing a locally televised game.

Landon Jackson, Arkansas, edge (No. 40)

Texas in Arkansas, noon, ABC

Position on the big board (DraftTek): No.33

There’s no question that Jackson (6-foot-7, 280 pounds) fits the physical profile of an elite defender, and there’s no doubting his numbers. The big-bodied senior continues to have his best collegiate season with 35 total tackles (seven for loss), 32 pressures, 4½ sacks and a forced fumble through nine games so far. Jackson’s production has helped Arkansas pick up several big wins this season; Including a victory over Tennessee in which he recorded a career-best seven pressures against the Vols.

Jackson on how he’ll fit in Detroit: lions Another pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson and Josh Paschal. Marcus Davenport’s contract is set to expire and it remains to be seen whether Za’Darius Smith will remain in the final year of his contract in 2025. Even if Smith returns, the Lions can add Jackson and not have to worry about injuries. The problem position in 2024.

Tate Ratledge, OL, Georgia (No. 69)

Tennessee at Georgia, 7:30 p.m., ABC

Position on the big board (DraftTek): No.36

Signing right winger Kevin Zeitler this summer was a slam dunk for the Lions. The veteran lineman certainly benefited from playing between center Frank Ragnow and right tackle Penei Sewell, but he also performed extremely well. However, one thing to consider about Zeitler is that he is 34 years old and does not have a contract this offseason. Bringing him back on a short-term deal would be ideal, but Detroit needs to start thinking about the future of the position regardless.

In Ratledge, a fifth-year senior (6-6, 320 pounds) who is rated as the 38th overall player in the Class of 2020 by the 247Sports Composite, there is a player who certainly lives up to that billing. Ratledge, a second-team All-America in 2023, played 1,744 offensive snaps for Georgia, all but four of them at right guard. He had surgery on an ankle sprain earlier this season and struggled in his return against Ole Miss last week, but his legs may be under him again in the second game.

Kamari Ramsey, S, USC (No. 5)

Nebraska at USC, 4 p.m., FOX

Position on the big board (DraftTek): No.129

The Lions are safe with Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph arguably the best duo in the league, but depth doesn’t hurt. This is especially true when Ifatu Melifonwu, who has not played this season due to an ankle injury, is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the season. Moreover, Detroit has already shown a willingness to land a mid-round pick at a strong position — the Lions selected Sione Vaki in the fourth round earlier this year despite landing David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

Ramsey (6-foot-1, 204 pounds) was impressive in his first season at USC since transferring from UCLA in December. His 84.4 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus ranks 15th among 247 safeties in the country who have played at least 400 defensive snaps. Ramsey also plays special teams, which means if he had to play behind Branch and Joseph, he could play a role similar to that of Vaki, who has excelled on special teams this season.

Cam Horsley, DL, Boston College (No. 96)

Boston College, SMU, 3:30 p.m., ESPN

Position on the big board (DraftTek): No.236

Horsley (6-4, 306 pounds), a fifth-year defensive lineman, was everywhere in the win over Michigan State in September, totaling seven tackles (two for loss) — one shy of a career-high of eight — and a pass defensed. deviation. He began his career as a rotational player at Boston College but has established himself as a starter in 2021; He has started his last 42 games, including nine in 2024, where he earned a 76.4 overall defensive grade from PFF. Similar to Ramsey, he ranks 15th among linebackers with 400 defensive snaps played.

Even under the leadership of DJ Reader and Alim McNeill, there is always a need for D-linemen. Levi Onwuzrike and Kyle Peko will be delisted at the end of the season. Both could return, but the depth behind them, headlined by former third-round pick Brodric Martin and current rookie Mekhi Wingo, remains unproven if they leave.

Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State (No. 10)

Arizona State, Kansas State, 7 p.m., ESPN

Position on the big board (DraftTek): No.249

Kansas State couldn’t beat Texas last season, but Parrish (5-10, 198 pounds) tried his best, dropping the best two interceptions of his career and adding another pass deflection. Parrish has just one interception in nine games this season after finishing with four in 2023, but he’s still the top CB on a 7-2 Kansas State team that ranks No. 4 in the Big 12 in total defense.

Carlton Davis III and Terrion Arnold have been developing steadily as Detroit’s outside cornerbacks this season, but Davis is about to become a free agent. And to make a point: depth never hurts. Maybe Davis is back in the extension, but adding Parrish to a group that already includes rookie Ennis Rakestraw Jr. will make the position group younger while also making it better.

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