6 Prospects to Watch in Michigan-Penn State Showdown

Two of the top teams at the collegiate level will square off Saturday in a game with plenty of intrigue.

With off-field storylines brimming, the unbeaten Michigan Wolverines will travel to Penn State to take on the Nittany Lions. This game will boast plenty of talent, which makes it an enticing watch for teams like the Detroit Lions.

Here are six players to watch in Saturday's game.

Michigan

OG Zak Zinter

The Lions' offensive line has been steady throughout the season. Graham Glasgow, the versatile interior blocker, has played a big role in that. However, he's the second-oldest player on the roster currently, and is on just a one-year deal.

Additionally, both starting guards face questions. Jonah Jackson is in a contract year, while Halapoulivaati Vaitai has struggled with injuries. One way or another, the Lions will have to address this area in the offseason.

Zinter is currently projected to be a Day 2 pick in the draft. He has been Michigan's most reliable lineman, having not been penalized and not allowing a sack through nine games this season.

If the Lions elect to move on from one of their incumbent interior linemen, Zinter could be a natural fit. Should they keep the core intact, he's still worth taking as a developmental player within a unit that has been among the league's best.

QB J.J. McCarthy

The top two quarterbacks in this year's draft class appear to be set, with Caleb Williams and Drake Maye holding the honors. However, the third spot on many big boards remains to be decided.

With the Wolverines at 9-0, McCarthy can take control of the third spot by performing well in the team's tough final three games. He's a dual-threat option who has shown plenty of exciting potential with both his arms and his legs.

The Lions will have to decide whether to extend Jared Goff by the end of the 2024 season, a decision that will hinge on Detroit's final nine weeks of this year's regular season.

If the Lions succeed, quarterback is not an issue moving forward. However, in the event they struggle, they could look for a passer who offers more mobility and exciting potential than Goff.

McCarthy fits that bill. If he has a strong showing against the Nittany Lions, he'll make a serious statement about his NFL Draft stock.

DL Kris Jenkins

Another area where the Lions lack depth is on the defensive interior. Alim McNeill has had a strong showing in his third campaign, but the group lacks reliability elsewhere.

Though some players, like Isaiah Buggs and Benito Jones, have been good in spurts, the Lions have to add talent in this area. As a result, Jenkins could be an early contributor, should Brad Holmes and company see fit in the draft.

Jenkins holds an 83.4 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus, along with 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. His skillset would fit well within Aaron Glenn's defense, and an emphasis on stopping the run would play to his strengths.

Penn State

CB Kalen King

With Cam Sutton signed in the offseason to a three-year deal, the Lions have their top option. However, they still face questions about the depth at cornerback.

Jerry Jacobs currently holds the second corner role, with Emmanuel Moseley out for the season. King is a potential early-round pick. He's strong and holds his own in man coverage.

Detroit elected to not add a piece in the secondary at the trade deadline. However, it could see fit to make a move at cornerback in the draft. King has the necessary length and strength to compete right away, but his skill will need fine-tuning as he progresses.

With Jacobs and Sutton already in place, King could at the very least provide strong depth.

OT Olu Fashanu

Fashanu is one of the best tackles in this year's crop of prospects. He's strong and savvy, displaying a knack for hand placement beyond his status as a draft prospect.

The Lions have two solid tackles already, and Fashanu will go early in the draft. However, Decker is 30 years old, and is entering the penultimate year of his contract. As a result, much like Goff and others, the Lions are facing a crossroads regarding his future.

Fashanu has elite potential, and would fit nicely with Detroit's front five. If Holmes and company want to invest in the future of this unit, Fashanu would be worthy of a big move.

DE Chop Robinson

Aidan Hutchinson needs a running mate. The Lions have struggled to get consistent production from a second EDGE rusher, which has allowed opponents to account for Hutchinson more often.

Robinson's skillset off the edge would make him a strong presence defensively. While taking some of the attention off Hutchinson, he also has enough ability to be an impact player at the next level.

He has three sacks already this season. With a strong day against the Wolverines, Robinson could stake his claim to being a top EDGE-rushing prospect in next year's draft.