2018 NFL draft prospect watch: Welcome back, college football

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College football is back, which means we get our first look at the 2018 NFL draft class.

I know what you're thinking, "It's way too early to look at draft prospects!" Well, I'm sorry you feel that way, but I respectfully disagree.

Without having a gauge of where the Eagles will pick or what exactly they'll need, let's take a look at some of the bigger games that feature a ton of NFL talent.

No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 3 Florida State (8 p.m./ABC)
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama, junior (6-1/188)
Most eyes will be on the Alabama defense — more specifically safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ronnie Harrison — but Ridley is impressive. His size is just OK but he's lightning quick in and out of his routes, is good after the catch and can take the top off a defense. After a prolific freshman season (89 catches for 1,045 yards), his numbers suffered a little in 2016 with freshman Jalen Hurts at the helm. Hopefully, Hurts will be more consistent in the passing game in Year 2 so we can all get a long look at Ridley.

Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida State, junior (6-2/198)
The hope here is that Florida State keeps this one close so we can see McFadden and Ridley go at it on the outside. McFadden is the prototype of what NFL teams are looking for. He's tall with long arms and he's physical. He also has tremendous ball skills, picking off eight passes during a strong sophomore season. Would the Eagles invest in another corner in 2018? Probably not, but if a player like McFadden is on the board, he's certainly worth considering.

No. 17 Florida vs. No. 11 Michigan (3:30 p.m./ABC)
Martez Ivey, OT, Florida, junior (6-5/315)

I'd love to profile game-changing receiver Antonio Callaway here, but he is one of 10(!) players suspended for the Gators' opener against Michigan. Yikes. Ivey spent last season at left guard but will kick back out to left tackle for his junior year. His body type seems better suited for playing tackle but we'll see how he holds up out there protecting redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks. I'm not sold on Halapoulivaati Vaitai as a long-term solution at tackle for the Eagles once Jason Peters retires. Tackle is a position of need for the Eagles. It would be good to have a player with Ivey's versatility.

Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan, senior (6-2/282)
Hurst is an undersized defensive tackle that excels at attacking up field as opposed to holding up blockers. The fifth-year senior recorded five sacks and 11 1/2 tackles for a loss last season. With Tim Jernigan set to become a free agent, Hurst could be an intriguing mid-round option in Jim Schwartz's attacking style. 

Temple vs. Notre Dame (3:30 p.m./NBC)
Sean Chandler, S, Temple, senior (6-0/195)

Every year there are prospects you fall in love with. Chandler is one of my guys this season (NOTE: I did not go to Temple, I genuinely like Chandler). He started off as a corner at Temple but made the shift to safety and has excelled. Versatile DBs that can cover like a corner but also play closer to the line of scrimmage against the run are all the rage in the NFL. Chandler's role at Temple is similar to what Malcolm Jenkins does for the Eagles. Speaking of Jenkins, he's not getting younger. Chandler can contribute on special teams and nickel situations while learning from Jenkins on the back end. As the signing of veteran Corey Graham shows, it's important for teams to have three competent safeties. Chandler will certainly be tested today against the Fighting Irish

Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame, senior (6-8/315)
The Penn Charter grad might be the best tackle in college football and the first to come off the board next April. He's massive but he's not a stiff. He has the athleticism to keep up with quicker pass rushers and is able to get down the field and block at the second level. He will get beat by the occasional speed rush. He also has a little bit of a nasty streak and looks to finish his blocks.

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