While the 2025 NFL Draft is still far off in the distance, players that will be drafted early are on the field now. Each week presents unique matchups for draft prospects and this week is no different. Here are NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 0.
1. Patrick Payton, EDGE, Florid State Seminoles
While a lot of Florida State’s roster is from the transfer portal Payton signed with the program out of high school. He didn’t play much in 2021 before registering six tackles for loss and five sacks in 2022. Last season, he was an impact player with 14.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. His play helped Florida State have an undefeated regular season in 2023.
Payton is listed at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, which is a good frame, but he must add some strength before getting to the NFL. He has good length and solid athleticism, which makes it hard for offensive linemen to stay engaged in blocks. His pad level can get too high and he can have better hand usage, but his production and athleticism warrant recognition. With a good season, Payton could be a first-round pick and it can all start against a Georgia Tech offensive line that returns three starters.
2. Jamal Haynes, RB, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Haynes started his career at Georgia Tech as a wide receiver, but moved to running back last season. After not doing much his first two seasons on campus, he broke out in 2023. He totaled 1,059 rushing yards, 151 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. His play helped Georgia Tech make their first bowl game since 2018.
At 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds, Haynes is a smaller running back. That comes with its limitations, which include, power, contact balance and pass protection. He does bring a lot to the table with this elusiveness, vision and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. With a good first season as a running back, Haynes could build on that and really help his NFL Draft stock in 2024. The game against Florida State will see him try to pick up yards against a very talented defensive front.
3. Preston Stone, QB, SMU Mustangs
After playing sparingly in his first two seasons at SMU, Stone emerged as a star in 2023. During the season, he passed for 3,197 yards, 28 touchdowns and six interceptions on 59.9 percent completion. His play led the Mustangs to 11 wins. Now they head to the ACC, which will test him and the offense.
In week 0, SMU plays Nevada and the Mustangs are favored by almost four touchdowns. This should give Stone the chance to put up some numbers. Stone needs to improve his accuracy, specifically when he is faced with pressure this season. He can also be more accurate with his deep balls. The zip he is able to get on balls is impressive and he can maneuver around the pocket to extend plays. Stone knows where to go with the ball quickly and protects the ball well. He could be a mid to late-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft or return to school for a last season of eligibility.
4. Tommy Mellott, QB, Montana State Bobcats
Mellott joined Montana State in 2020, but started seeing the field in 2021. He returned kicks, but then took over at quarterback in the playoffs that season. In 2022 and 2023, Mellott continued as starting quarterback for the Bobcats. Last season, he passed for 1,068 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also rushed for 690 yards and five touchdowns. Mellott has been banged up with injuries the last few seasons, which has limited his production, but he has also helped Montana State make three straight FCS Playoffs, including a run to the championship game in 2021.
He stands at 6-foot and 208 pounds, making him an undersized quarterback. Mellott has suffered injuries that limited his playing time and plays in an offense that doesn’t throw the ball often. He has a longer windup in his throwing motion and doesn’t have the strongest arm. Mellott is a great athlete for the quarterback position and is used frequently in the running game. He has shown solid accuracy in the short and middle parts of the field and can elude pressure to extend plays. In week 0, Montana State plays New Mexico, which will give Mellott the chance to prove himself against FBS competition for the only time this season. If he doesn’t work out as a quarterback a move to receiver could be fitting for Mellott.
5. Marcus Wehr, OT, Montana State Bobcats
Montana State ha a few players to watch in week 0. Wehr started his career at defensive end and didn’t play much from 2019-2021. He moved to offensive line and played left tackle in 2022, starting seven games before being lost for the season with an injury. Wehr returned in 2023 and proved to be one of the best offensive linemen in the country. He was a First Team All-American and was the highest-graded offensive tackle in Division I by PFF. Wehr was also named to Bruce Feldman’s freak list before the 2024 season.
He isn’t the biggest offensive tackle at 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds. His size also leaves him lacking some length, which could necessitate a move to guard at the next level. Right now he excels more as a run blocker than as a pass blocker, but has played exceptionally well for a player that didn’t start his college career at the position. The offense he plays in runs the ball much more than they pass, so more pass-blocking reps this season will be needed. If he plays well against New Mexico, and because he was on Feldman’s freaks list, Wehr can rise up draft boards to be an early-round pick.
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