Week 7 NFL Draft random observations

Here are some random observations from Week 7 of the college football season:

In a weekend with Stanford's Andrew Luck not playing, Washington quarterback Jake Locker had a good showing against Oregon State. He went 21 for 35 with 286 yards, five touchdowns and an interception. After struggling some earlier in the season, Locker is starting to again show his promise. While he needs to do a better job of setting his feet and stepping into the pocket, he's not throwing as many bad passes.

One of the really unheralded players in the nation is Auburn middle linebacker Josh Bynes. In the Tigers' win over Arkansas, Bynes had two big fourth quarter interceptions. The second one not only helped seal the game, but Bynes showed off great athleticism jumping high in the air to pick off the ball.

It's true that Notre Dame's Michael Floyd had a great game Saturday with nine receptions for 157 yards and three touchdowns. But he did it against a below-average Western Michigan pass defense. Credit Floyd for getting open, and holding onto the ball, but the Broncos don't have the kind of secondary that can keep up.

Did you know that Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers leads the nation in tackles for a loss with 15? Bowers has been inconsistent until this season. Now, he's becoming a star. Bowers can be a force as a pass rusher. He's had six sacks in his last three games, including three against Maryland. He looked unblockable at times and could be solidifying himself as a first-round pick.

Although Christian Ponder had a tough game against Boston College, it's not due to the play of left guard Rodney Hudson. The senior is arguably the top interior lineman in the nation and showed off his mobility and strength. Don't get held up by Hudson's weight (282 pounds). He's stout at the point and agile enough to get to the second level.

In Wisconsin's upset over No. 1 Ohio State, Badgers defensive lineman J.J. Watts looked like a star. He had three big tackles for a loss and two sacks. He's only a junior, but someone to keep an eye on the rest of this season.