Falcons Draft 2027: Ten Prospects to Watch in Week 9 of College Football

Happy Halloween, Falcons Fans! No tricks today, just ten sweet 2027 NFL Draft prospects to watch in week 9 of college football. As the season flips toward all eyes being on the College Football Playoff, with the first rankings coming out on Tuesday, the prospect pool will shrink, and there will be a clearer vision as to who will be coming out and who will be coming back to college for another year. But without further ado, here are this week’s ten prospects for a suspiciously spooky great day of college football.

Brice Pollock, CB, Texas Tech vs. Arizona

Galaxy Stadium – Lubbock, TX – 12 pm EST – ABC

One of the Falcons’ biggest needs heading into this draft is cornerback and Texas Tech’s Brice Pollock fits the bill of a potential long-time corner in the NFL. Pollock plays with a ton of instincts, mostly in off man and zone coverage, but he has the tools and recognition to continually get his hands on the football, grabbing two interceptions this season despite limited targets.

Kam Davis, RB, Liberty vs. Florida International

Williams Stadium – Lynchburg, VA – 3:30 pm EST – CBS Sports Network

If you’re looking for a potential RB2 or RB3 in this draft behind Bijan Robinson and, potentially, Brian Robinson, Kam Davis is a perfect complement to their skillsets. Davis is a powerful runner who can explode for chunk gains when he gets into open space. He was a former four-star prospect before being mostly unused at Florida State. At Liberty, the former Albany, GA native is able to better show off his ability in the open field.

Kari Ashley, TE, TCU vs. Kansas

Amon G. Carter Stadium – Fort Worth, TX – 3:30 pm EST – FS1

I’m never above having a Feldman’s Freak on the list and Kari Ashley is certainly one of the freakiest. A former linebacker turned tight end at Navarro Community College, Ashley has been one of the most productive tight ends in the country, so much so that he is only one of five tight ends that have been added to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List. His ability with his hands with the ball and the size (6’4”, 225) that he brings makes him an interesting prospect to watch. With him still being raw as a prospect, there’s still a chance he can develop into a do-it-all tight end and fill out the room with Kyle Pitts and Charlie Woerner.

Chance Gamble, CB, Georgia Southern vs. Appalachian State

Allen E. Paulson Stadium – Statesboro, GA – 6:30 pm EST – ESPN+

A Georgia boy through and through, Chance Gamble decided to stay at Georgia Southern for his final year after last season was cut short due to injury. Gamble is a back-end of day three to UDFA guy that deserves a shot at making a roster due to his athleticism and instincts at cornerback. For a team like the Falcons, Gamble would instantly add special teams value while potentially developing into a rotational cornerback. Not to mention he has one of the best names in the business.

Earnest Greene III, OT, Georgia vs. Florida

Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, GA – 3:30 pm EST – ABC

Whether it’s left or right tackle, Georgia’s Earnest Greene III can give you exactly what you need. A consistently good run blocker, Greene creates good movement both pulling and in traditional run reps. Under Bill Callahan, Greene can develop into a cornerstone of the Falcons offensive line, on either side of the ball, for years to come.

Owen Heinecke, LB, Oklahoma vs. South Carolina

Memorial Stadium – Norman, OK – 4:15 pm EST – SEC Network

Getting to see the Owen Heinecke that made him one of the best LB prospects coming into this season was great to see last Saturday. Now, against a surging South Carolina team, can Heinecke lead the Oklahoma defense to shut down LaNorris Sellers and company? Heinecke’s athleticism will be on full display as he will likely be deemed the spy on Sellers. Heinecke shows good instincts and is a good tackler, especially in the open field.

Sully Burns, LT, Texas State @ Boise State

Albertsons Stadium – Boise, ID – 10 pm EST – CW

After you’re done trick-or-treating, go ahead and watch some Pac-12 after dark and keep your eye on Texas State left tackle, Sally Burns. The entire line for the Bobcats have had good years, but Burns in particular has been great, particularly in pass protection. He has allowed one of the lowest pressure rates among G6 left tackles and was another Feldman’s Freak this offseason, broad jumping 9’8” and power-cleaning 415 pounds at 6’4”, 325 pounds.

Carlos Hernandez, WR, Wake Forest vs. Virginia

Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium – Winston Salem, NC – 4:45 pm EST – ACC Network

This is mostly out of respect for the incredible season that the Demon Deacons have had, but Carlos Hernandez may be the best receiver that isn’t discussed in national media. His 706 yards rank him 13th in the country among FBS teams and his 194-yard performance against Louisville was one of the best performances ever put on by a Wake Forest wide receiver. Hernandez has incredible speed and movement skills that make him a danger with the ball in his hand.

Austin Siereveld, OT, Ohio State @ USC

Los Angeles Memorial Colisseum – Los Angeles, CA – 7:30 pm EST – NBC

When healthy, Austin Siereveld is one of the best prospects on the offensive line, however, after a non-football related injury, Siereveld is back on the field against the Trojans. While Sierveld may lack the ideal arm length to play tackle, he has incredible feet that keep him in position to make plays against edge rushers. But with guys like 6’6” Luke Wafle and 6’4” Jadyn Ramos for the Trojans, it will be a good test to see how Siereveld does against longer edge rushers.

Will Whitson, DE, Mississippi State @ Texas

DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium – Austin, TX – 7:30 pm EST – ESPN

If you’re looking for some help along the defensive line to add to the rotation, Mississippi State’s Will Whitson could be a name you’re looking for. At 6’5”, 295, Whitson has versatility to move all throughout the defensive line. And with Melvin Siani on the other side, it could be a good test for Whitson against potential NFL-caliber talent.