Kiper & McShay: Picking CFB's biggest surprises, NFL draft risers

ESPN NFL draft experts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay break down college football's biggest surprises through two weeks -- including one big draft-board riser out of the SEC -- and pick out under-the-radar 2020 NFL draft prospects to keep an eye on.

Kiper: The biggest surprise of the season so far is the emergence of LSU quarterback Joe Burrow as a legitimate NFL prospect. He carved up Texas -- in Austin -- on Saturday night, throwing for 471 yards and four touchdowns. And he throws a beautiful ball. Where was this in 2018?

McShay: He's up to nine touchdown passes through the first two games this season, and he had only 16 all of last season. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder was a fringe NFL prospect for me, but he looked like a whole new player against the Longhorns, playing much better than I expected. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, the 471 passing yards was the second-most in a game for LSU ever (Rohan Davey threw for 528 yards in 2001).

Kiper: I had a late Day 3/undrafted free agent grade on Burrow going into the season. The Ohio State transfer was underwhelming for the Tigers in 2018. But I was impressed by how he used his mobility to extend plays against the Longhorns, and he showed good touch and anticipation. He has a clean release and you can tell he has worked on his mechanics. He's thriving in a new offense ushered in by former New Orleans Saints assistant Joe Brady.

McShay: Yeah, he just seems to have complete control of that offense. Burrow didn't seem fazed at all by Texas' pressure, and he showed some great touch on his deep balls. He completed 11 of 13 passes thrown 15-plus yards downfield for 307 yards and three touchdowns, per ESPN Stats & Information research. And man, it helps to have a talent like Justin Jefferson catching those passes.

Kiper: Now, it's still early. The Tigers have a grueling SEC schedule, and Burrow needs to show he can keep up this high level of play against Florida and Auburn at home and at Alabama on Nov. 9. But I like what I have seen from Burrow so far, and he's rising up draft boards. Todd, what else has surprised you so far?

McShay: How about that true freshman quarterback at USC? Kedon Slovis shined for the Trojans in his starting debut against Stanford, throwing for 377 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions while completing 85% of his passes. He stepped in for the injured JT Daniels (knee) and looked great. Slovis' poise really stood out, and he reminded me of Sam Darnold's first start at USC.

Kiper: Slovis was tremendous in the 45-20 victory, but don't forget about USC wideout Tyler Vaughns, who had five catches for 106 yards and a touchdown. He has taken his game to another level. In a 2020 draft that could be loaded with receiving talent, I'll be keeping a close eye on Vaughns.

McShay: Slovis, of course, isn't draft-eligible until 2022, but he has a big arm. He and the Trojans have tests on deck against BYU and Utah over the next two weeks. Is there another surprise that sticks out to you, Mel?

Kiper: What's wrong with the Michigan offense? The Wolverines went to overtime at home against Army. Quarterback Shea Patterson was supposed to take a jump, but he has struggled. A big-time recruit in the class of 2016 who transferred from Ole Miss, Patterson just hasn't lived up to his hype. He's a borderline prospect at best for 2020.

Under-the-radar prospects you should know

Keep an eye on these potential Day 2 or Day 3 picks:

Evan Weaver, ILB, California

Weaver tallied 14 solo tackles, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble in the Golden Bears' victory over Washington in Week 2. He's shown really good instincts this season, keeping off blocks and chasing with great effort. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound senior projects as a two-down linebacker and core special-teams contributor -- he played a big role on special teams back in 2016 -- in the NFL, but he is showing he can make a difference on the field. -- McShay

Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton

How about the Flyers winning at FCS No. 14 Indiana State on Saturday? And Trautman had a massive day, catching 11 passes for 132 yards and making a key block on Dayton's go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. At 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, Trautman is a former high school quarterback with a big frame and excellent hands. He's a versatile athlete who has shown a good release off the line while playing in line and in the slot. He high-points passes like a power forward grabbing a rebound. He's not afraid to make tough catches in traffic. Trautman, who had nine touchdowns last season, is a Day 3 prospect for now, but he could rise if he excels at an all-star game after the season. -- Kiper