How did Trinidad Chambliss, other key prospects fare in Week 1?: NFL Draft film room

The first full weekend of college football came to a close Monday night (finally) and there was a lot to learn, especially since this was our first look at at least 2027 NFL Draft prospects.

Here are a few of my thoughts and articles on players that have stood out since their time on tape:

Trinidad Chambliss, QB and Deuce Alexander, WR, Ole Miss

The Ole Miss offense He exploded against Louisville in the second half.as Chambis finished with 336 passing yards and three touchdowns. Two of those touchdowns came on 62-yard passing plays to Alexander, who posted 159 yards on just five carries. It was the first of those TDs that gave the Rebels a third-quarter lead.

Two major takeaways from this play: the quarterback’s arm confidence and the receiver’s speed.

Ole Miss features a 1×3 nub (separate tight end opposite pass receivers) with Louisville’s zone. Alexander runs the deep cross from the slot, creating a high-low read for the boundary.

Once Chambis sees the safety roll into the deep middle third post-snap, Alexander knows he can take advantage of the void behind the linebacker and snap a beautiful throw as soon as the pass rush arrives. The delivery time and correct placement is the difference between this first down or touchdown. Chambis hit Alexander softly, allowing the speedy receiver to outrun the pursuit all the way to the end zone.

Chambliss’ review isn’t squeaky clean, but there’s a lot to like. He waits at a high level, in the pre- and post-moments. The ball screams from his hand, and the courage to drive throws it into tight windows. And athletics is a tool to buy time or take positive yards. This is an NFL quarterback; The debate between the scouts will be on his roof.

I rated Alexander. Number 9 among underclassmen During the summer. He’s the buzz prospect that scouts picked up when discussing De’Zhaun Stribling and Harrison Wallace III in last year’s draft cycle. His speed was evident in Louisville and his training numbers. “Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List”. Support him.

Ty Benefield, S, LSU

LSU didn’t count on dimes to add to the roster this offseason, a move that included pulling Benefield from Boise State’s Blue Field. Although NFL scouts are currently split on him as a prospect, Benefield is hoping a productive year in the SEC will put him in the first round — and the Tigers’ debut Saturday was a good step in that direction.

Benefield dominated as a tackler against Clemson and showed why he needs length in coverage, forcing a pass on a third-down attempt (the only target he saw all night).

At 6 feet 2 1/4 inches tall with nearly 33-inch arms, Benefield has a lanky frame and athleticism that translates well to the field.

Devin McCuin, WR, Ohio State

McCuin is one of my “flag plants” in the 2027 NFL draft, and he started a promising start in the ball state. The UTSA transfer had six catches for 97 yards and a touchdown in his first start for the Buckeyes.

His six catches resulted in five first downs and a touchdown, which you can see below. Lined up in the slot, McCuin makes the first man miss and ends up strong in the end zone.

McCune has only good speed and modest size, but his dribbling, ball skills and competitive toughness set them apart. Jeremiah Smith (helpfully) will benefit from increased attention from the defense, which should translate into a productive senior season. McCune has the ability to establish himself as a top-100 pick.

Bear Alexander, DT, Oregon

Boise State almost left Eugene in an upset on Saturday, but Oregon had plenty of explosive options on offense and the defense made enough plays.

While the Ducks looked vulnerable at times defending Fluffy, their run defense was stout for most of the game — led by Alexander who finished with eight tackles and helped limit the Broncos to just 2.6 yards per carry.

At 6-3 and 311 pounds with 34-inch arms and 10 1/8-inch hands, Alexander is a physical presence who can cut through tackles or cover the floor against double teams. A former top recruit, he had stops at Georgia and USC before transferring to Oregon, where he is discovering his potential. With his size and talent, Alexander began his senior season as a top-100 prospect and is vying to be in the top-50 conversation.

Ryan Wingo, WR, Texas

Wingo is an athletic athlete with impressive size and a future as an impact NFL wide receiver. Critics’ gripes are inconsistent elements of his game, primarily on downs — he had a 25 percent drop in 20-plus yard throws last season and zero catches on contested targets.

In his opener at Texas State, Wingo posted seven carries for 121 yards and one touchdown. He showed the speed to get open vertically and made two deep passes down the left sideline.

He caught seven of eight targets on Saturday, but one fell in the end zone incompletion.

This isn’t an easy catch, but for a receiver with first-round aspirations, you’ll want to see this well-placed pass completion to Arch Manning.

Regardless, Wingo appears to be playing with more confidence in his 2026 debut. Hopefully, it continues next week against the Buckeyes.

Darian Mensah, QB, Miami

There are tougher challenges on the horizon, but Mensah took on his first challenge in a Hurricanes uniform against Stanford. He completed 27-for-30 passes (90 percent completion) for 401 yards and five touchdowns.

Mensah is identifying vulnerable matches and delivering them accurately. On this touchdown throw, Cooper Barkate drove the defender into the post for a spell, and Mensah put the ball in front of his best friend and fellow Duke transfer.

Mensah started at number 41 My preseason top 50 And it certainly wouldn’t hurt that prediction on opening weekend. Aside from a matchup against Notre Dame in November, Miami won’t face much opposition on its 2026 schedule (which will be a talking point on several levels over the next few months).