2022 FPC Chiefs Draft Prospect Watchlist: CFB Week 8

Embed from Getty Images
The Kansas City Chiefs will look to bounce back this weekend when they take on the San Francisco 49ers. Beforehand, Chiefs fans can once again enjoy a tremendous slate of college football. You have five games where two ranked teams will face off against one another. Elsewhere, there are some teams who are looking to make their cases for the College Football Playoff, given some of the teams that recently suffered a loss. Many potential draft prospects will have chances to separate themselves as well.

It is never too early to think about possible draft prospects for next spring. With some positions being lighter on long-term contracts and potential needs, Kansas City will have eyes on certain spots. Each weekend, we will be listing some prospects to keep in mind as possible fits for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2023 NFL Draft. Be on the lookout for different prospect names each and every week. Here are five players for Chiefs fans to monitor in Week 8 of college football. Let’s kick it off.

WR Rashee Rice, SMU

Opponent: Cincinnati

Kickoff: Saturday, October 22 at Noon ET on ESPN

No player drives the SMU offense more than wide receiver Rashee Rice. His 2022 production is amazing for a team that is only 3-3 on the season. As a pass catcher, Rice is a dynamic athlete. He seems so shifty as a route runner, allowing him to create extra separation at the top of the route. This makes him incredibly dangerous in the intermediate to deep passing game. Yet, Rice is also electric as a pass catcher in the quick passing game too. He sees the field so well and creates plenty of yards after the catch. Because of his spatial awareness, Rice can create many missed tackles.

RB Zach Charbonnet, UCLA

Opponent: Oregon

Kickoff: Saturday, October 22 at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX

Before transferring to UCLA, Zach Charbonnet spent two seasons at the University of Michigan. Charbonnet is a dense running back who can overwhelm opposing defenders with his power. It took a while for the production to become consistent for him after joining UCLA. Now in the last year and a half, Charbonnet has driven the bus for the Bruins. Outside of his power, this running back displays superb vision and patience. He is not the most dependable when it comes to change of direction skills. But when Charbonnet gets going, he is a difficult train to stop.

DL Brandon Dorlus, Oregon

Embed from Getty Images

Opponent: UCLA

Kickoff: Saturday, October 22 at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX

One of the players who will be attempting to stop Charbonnet this Saturday also made our list this week. A versatile defensive lineman for the Oregon Ducks, Brandon Dorlus has quickly risen up some draft boards throughout the college season. No one did well against the Georgia Bulldogs in the season opener for Oregon. But since then, Dorlus has been impressive. He has an incredibly quick first step at the snap. On top of that, Dorlus has the flexibility and athleticism to rush the passer in a variety of ways. The defense that drafts him could also have the freedom to move him across the defensive line. Namely, Dorlus has played 3-tech and can kick out to a 5-tech or wide-9 alignment. Occasionally, he could also provide stability as a 1-tech.

DL Alfred Collins, Texas

Embed from Getty Images

Opponent: Oklahoma State

Kickoff: Saturday, October 22 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC

Alfred Collins is a bit of an under the radar prospect. However, there is a lot of potential with this defender. Like the aforementioned Dorlus, there is some added versatility with Collins. He is an above average athlete for his size. His ability to crash laterally and shoot gaps is where he makes his money. At the same time, Collins has the power at the point of attack and heavy hands that the Chiefs would love. He simply displaces offensive linemen off of their base in an instant. Finally, Collins is able to stunt and twist as a pass rusher, if necessary.

CB Julius Brents, Kansas State

Opponent: TCU

Kickoff: Saturday, October 22 at 8 p.m. ET on FS1

Like Collins, Julius Brents is a bit of an under the radar prospect in the Big 12. He was formerly at Iowa, before transferring to Kansas State. Brents would enter the NFL level with plenty of experience, as a result. He has the size and length that teams covet at the next level. Meanwhile, Brents has the ball skills and instincts to consistently contribute in man coverage. This test against TCU will be an interesting one. Certainly, the Horned Frogs can attack vertically. Though, TCU’s ability to attack quickly will be a fascinating matchup for Brents and the Kansas State defense.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs draft prospect watchlist articles each and every week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.