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Notre Dame vs. Stanford: 5 2020 NFL Draft prospects to watch

By Nicholas Perlich

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 08: Khalid Kareem #53 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish rushes against Danny Pinter #75 of the Ball State Cardinals at Notre Dame Stadium on September 8, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Ball State 24-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 08: Khalid Kareem #53 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish rushes against Danny Pinter #75 of the Ball State Cardinals at Notre Dame Stadium on September 8, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Ball State 24-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 05: Colby Parkinson #84 of the Stanford Cardinal makes as one handed catch against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter of an NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Palo Alto, California. Stanford won the game 23-13. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 05: Colby Parkinson #84 of the Stanford Cardinal makes as one handed catch against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter of an NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Palo Alto, California. Stanford won the game 23-13. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Pick Analysis. player. Stanford. Colby Parkinson. 84. 871. Scouting Report. TE

Due to all the injuries suffered by the other top draft-eligible prospects for Stanford, Parkinson is the only prospect from the Cardinal on this list. Parkinson definitely deserves to be on this list, however, as the next in the long line of geat Stanford tight ends. This season, he is the second-leading receiver on the team with 45 catches, 552 yards, and one touchdown.

While Parkinson has good size at 6-foot-7 and 235 pounds, he is very lean for the position. He will need to add some muscle and strength to truly be successful as a blocker at the next level. He will especially struggle as an in-line blocker until he is able to add the needed strength. Parkinson, thus, has been used mostly as a big, oversized receiver this season. While he is not as athletic as his frame would indicate, Parkinson has adequate athletic ability to win in man coverage situations while using his size to his advantage.

Parkinson figures to be a big part of the passing gameplan like he has been all season for Stanford. He is a tough cover for anyone due his sheer size and height as most defensive backs are far too small to affect him in coverage. How the Irish decide to defend him and how effective they are in executing that plan will be a big key in who wins this game.

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