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The Detroit Lions are wrapping up their final practice day before their Sunday matchup in Germany, while college football's Week 11 unfolds with its own set of challenges. UCLA had to start its third-string quarterback against Illinois, and several teams, including Michigan State, had games delayed due to the FAA grounding of flights.
Amid this chaos, here are five players the Lions must scout in Week 11.
OT Jordan Seaton, LSU
Seaton faces a tough test against Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons, the top draft-eligible EDGE prospect. Seaton, the top tackle prospect, has excelled in pass protection at Colorado and LSU but has questions in run blocking. He moves well and has ample experience at left tackle. Although he's projected as a top-10 pick and likely out of the Lions' range, lineman ratings can fluctuate, so keeping a report is wise. Seaton and the Tigers kick off at noon EST against the Longhorns.
QB Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
In a chaotic college football season, Mestemaker has emerged as the top quarterback for the 2027 draft class through mid-November. A North Texas transfer, Mestemaker has a well-known story of not starting in high school and beating the odds. His film shows why he's the real deal: a big-time arm and consistency that led to an upset of Oregon and a top-25 ranking for the Cowboys after firing longtime head coach Mike Gundy. His numbers and touch draw comparisons to Jared Goff, though his under-pressure rating on PFF is middle of the pack. Like Seaton, it's unlikely Brad Holmes considers Mestemaker on draft day, but having a file is always handy. The Cowboys take on Texas Tech at 9:30 p.m. EST.
DL A.J. Holmes Jr., Texas Tech
Holmes Jr. was part of a Red Raiders portal class that reshaped their defensive line. After a Skyler Gill-Howard injury forced Holmes into action alongside EDGE forces David Bailey and Lee Hunter, Holmes has stepped up. With Hunter, Bailey, and Gill-Howard gone, the spotlight was on the All-American, and he has delivered. He ranks as the top interior defender in PFF's Wins Above Average and is the top pass-rusher among his group in multiple categories, including nine sacks. Holmes will be tasked with pressuring Mestemaker into his more pedestrian numbers against pressure on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. EST.
LB Tony Rojas, Penn State
Penn State is one of the teams affected by travel issues, as its opponent, Minnesota, had not yet flown before the FAA grounded flights. Rojas is returning from a torn ACL in 2025 and has shown his coverage ability remains intact. The Nittany Lion is viewed as one of the top coverage prospects, grading out highly on PFF. He has yet to allow a touchdown in coverage and has two interceptions this season. He is expected to be an NFL Combine standout and his tools and frame fit the NFL mold. While his missed-tackle percentage is slightly above the 50th percentile, his movement skills give him a chance to shine as a Day 2 pick. The Nittany Lions kick off at 7 p.m. EST against Minnesota.
LB Wade Abrams, South Dakota
Another FCS prospect to highlight is Abrams. The Coyotes have seen a monstrous season from Abrams, who grades out among the top draft-eligible prospects in run defense and pass coverage. In 536 snaps, Abrams has been in on 70 tackles and 25 assisted tackles, missing only six. He has 25 run stops and 10 coverage stops (plays for under three yards by the offense). In coverage, Abrams has three pass breakups. The obvious concern is his strength of competition from the FCS. Additionally, he has very little pass-rush skill, being sent on a blitz only 26 times in over 1,000 career snaps. He is also smaller, at an estimated 6-foot, which bumps him into Day 3 consideration or priority free-agent range. Abrams' stats and ability are reminiscent of Erick Hunter, a player the Lions signed post-draft but cut and now will face on Sunday with New England. The two-time team captain will lead the Coyotes against Northern Iowa at 2 p.m. EST.