With the college football season moving toward its final stretch, NFL Draft conversations are beginning to gather momentum. Week 10 offered another chance for prospects to strengthen their cases, and several players delivered performances worth watching as the draft process approaches.
Here are nine prospects whose play stood out.
## Austin Simmons, QB, Missouri
Missouri lost to Texas, but Austin Simmons produced another strong performance. He threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. His receivers dropped eight passes, a costly issue that affected the offense and made Simmons’ numbers less reflective of his overall play.
Simmons showed accuracy and touch, particularly when placing throws over defenders in the middle of the field. On a downfield pass to Cayden Lee, the ball was slightly off target, forcing Lee to adjust, but Simmons still placed it over the defender.
Two other missed opportunities came on deep throws that were dropped. Simmons put a fade pass in Naeshaun Montgomery’s hands, but Montgomery could not secure it. On another deep post route, Simmons delivered a firm throw into the end zone that his receiver also failed to catch.
The result was another encouraging outing for a quarterback whose draft stock has been climbing throughout the season.
## Rasheem Biles, LB, Texas
Rasheem Biles continued to show why he is emerging as one of the more intriguing linebackers in the class. Against Missouri, his coverage ability stood out. He dropped back smoothly and handled routes over the middle, including a seam route that he covered with impressive hip fluidity.
Biles also showed value against the run. He read zone-running plays effectively and filled his gap with good lateral movement. Physicality remains an area to develop, but his athleticism and ability to contribute in both coverage and run defense should draw interest from teams.
## Dominick Giudice, OL, Missouri
Dominick Giudice has not received as much attention as some other prospects, but his performance at center is worth noting. After playing guard for Missouri last season, he moved to center this year. At 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, he has the size to handle the position, and his production has been particularly strong: he had allowed no sacks and five pressures on the season entering the Texas game.
He continued that run against Texas, giving up no pressures. Giudice has shown a strong understanding of zone blocking, including the ability to work to the second level and help create running lanes. He has also been effective in pass protection, especially when recognizing and picking up stunts. His steady play could bring him more attention as draft evaluations progress.
## Devan Thompkins, DL, Alabama
Devan Thompkins made a strong case for continued first-round consideration with his best game of the season against LSU. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound defensive lineman recorded two sacks, two tackles and two tackles for loss.
His power off the edge was a defining feature of the performance. Thompkins repeatedly collapsed the pocket, including on a bull rush that drove Jordan Seaton backward and helped force Sam Leavitt into a sack. He also displayed a spin move, the ability to rip around the corner and quickness throughout his pass rush.
Thompkins has continued to improve, and his combination of size, power and varied rush moves makes him a compelling prospect.
## Jackson Harris, WR, LSU
Jackson Harris has put together two consecutive games with more than 150 receiving yards and continued to build momentum. Against Alabama, he showed refined route control and strong body awareness. His stop-and-go route featured a convincing fake before he accelerated downfield.
Harris is not limited to vertical routes. LSU also used him on screens and quick stop routes outside, illustrating his ability to contribute at different depths. Bigger receivers are sometimes viewed mainly as deep threats, but Harris has shown he can run a broader route tree, compete for catches in traffic and make difficult receptions underneath.
## CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
CJ Carr delivered in one of the weekend’s biggest games, throwing for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns against Miami. His ability to avoid sacks has been a notable part of his season; his pressure-to-sack rate is 3.5 percent. Against Miami, he again showed composure under pressure and navigated the pocket while looking for downfield opportunities.
Carr also made plays outside the structure of the offense. On one scramble, he moved to his right, looped back left and attempted a throw across his body. His ball placement was uneven at times, but the overall performance was impressive. A touchdown pass to Jordan Faison showed excellent anticipation, while another scoring throw came after Carr worked through his progressions and returned to a post route.
## Lance Heard, OT, Kentucky
Lance Heard allowed three pressures against Tennessee, a season high, but his performance still included dominant moments. He matched up with Xavier Gilliam several times and largely neutralized him. On a running play, Heard drove Gilliam to the ground; in pass protection, he used his length to keep the defender from making an impact.
Heard’s movement skills and balance can improve, but his size and physical presence are immediately apparent. His performance against Tennessee reinforced why he could attract significant attention during the draft process.
## Qua Moss, S, Tennessee
Qua Moss was consistently involved in Tennessee’s defensive effort. His burst and acceleration were evident as he tracked ball carriers across the field, and he handled outside runs and passing routes effectively. He also did well getting over the top of post routes.
Moss forced two fumbles in the game, a notable contribution that reflected his activity and effort. His ability to pursue plays and create takeaways made him one of Tennessee’s defensive standouts.
## Collin Dixon, WR, Illinois
Collin Dixon continued an excellent season with 129 receiving yards and two touchdowns against Nebraska. He entered the game with 910 yards and 12 touchdowns, and his latest performance added to those totals.
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, Dixon combines strong acceleration with reliable hands. Illinois used motion routes near the goal line, where his burst helped him beat man coverage for two scores. He has also shown the concentration to make contested catches, with 15 on the season.
Refining the details of his route running remains an area for improvement, but his athletic traits and ability to win difficult catches could make him an appealing later-round prospect.
## Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson
Ashton Hampton followed up his performance against Syracuse with another productive outing, recording two pass breakups and an interception. He was targeted eight times and allowed three receptions for 23 yards.
Hampton uses his length effectively, attacking the ball and disrupting receivers to create breakups. There are areas to monitor, however. He can be slow off the line, and receivers who defeat his press may be able to take advantage. He also had difficulty turning to locate the ball and showed limitations in straight-line speed. Those concerns will be important in evaluating how his skills translate to the next level.
