Iowa prospects could entice Giants, Jets

There’s only five more — either weeks of misery, for a Jets fan, or games to make a playoff chase, for a Giants fan.

That means there’s even less time left on the college football schedule, which is already nearing bowl season with conference championships two weeks away. But Saturday still features a full slate of games —COVID-19related postponements notwithstanding — meaning another chance to see prospects who could be on the Jets or Giants’ radars for next April’s NFL draft. Here’s a look at three more games to keep an eye on:

No. 24 Iowa at Illinois 3:30 p.m., FS1

The Hawkeyes send plenty of talent to the NFL every year and look poised to do so again, starting on their offensive line.

Tackle Alaric Jackson (6-foot-6, 315 pounds) is a strong pass blocker and center Tyler Linderbaum (6-3, 289) offers athleticism inside.

They also have a pair of potential wide receiver targets in Brandon Smith and Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

Those receivers should have a good test going against Illinois cornerback Nate Hobbs, who had seven passes defended last season.

No. 8 BYU at Coastal Carolina, 5:30 p.m., ESPNU

This game came together late, but it puts a pair of undefeated teams with prospects that may be getting overlooked back in the spotlight. BYU quarterback Zach Wilson has seen his stock explode this season, so much so that a recent mock draft by The Athletic had him going No. 2 overall. If the Jets slip, could he be an option? The Cougars also have a strong offensive line prospect in left tackle Brady Christensen.

Coastal Carolina edge rusher Tarron Jackson, who has 8.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles, could be a late-round sleeper.

No. 9 Miami at Duke, 8 p.m., ACC Network

Could there be more where Daniel Jones came from? The Giants made Jones one of the highestdrafted players ever to come out of Duke in 2019, but edge rusher Chris Rumph II could be the Blue Devils’ next early-round pick in April. The 6-4, 235-pound redshirt junior has eight sacks in nine games and profiles as an outside linebacker at the next level.

The Hurricanes have a pair of potential pass rushers in Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche, but also have one of the top-rated tight ends, Brevin Jordan.