While the 2025 NFL Draft is still far off in the distance, players who 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 5 recap.
Related: NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 5
Alabama had their offense rolling in their game against Georgia, which is impressive given how much talent the Bulldogs have on that side of the ball. Jalen Milroe had one of the best games of his career. He finished with 374 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception through the air. Milroe also had 117 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.
In this game, Milroe showed off improved accuracy. He has always had a nice deep ball and mobility, but his improvements have really helped his stock. There is a chance Milroe could be a first round pick after his performance.
Georgia’s defense struggled in the first half against Alabama, but they really fixed things in the second half. The bad play in the first half included Malaki Starks. He finished the game with eight tackles and two tackles for loss.
There were a few bad plays for Starks in this game, which will likely hurt his draft stock. He let receivers get behind him a few times. Starks also didn’t take the best angles to the football in run support. He still is very talented with great ball skills. Starks should still be the first safety selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Louisville had an undefeated record coming into the week, but a slow start against Notre Dame resulted in them getting their first loss. Their defense could’ve made more impact plays and that includes Ashton Gillotte. He finished with three total tackles.
Gillotte is an impactful pass rusher and could’ve had a better game against a banged up Notre Dame offensive line. He didn’t help the notion that he could be a tweener at the next level. Gillotte has good strength, but may not be athletic enough to fit on the edge long term in the NFL.
Stanford had their work cut out for them going up against Clemson on the road. They lost and their offense couldn’t get much going. That wasn’t the fault of Elic Ayomanor, who had 50 of the team’s 77 receiving yards. He had four catches and a touchdown.
Ayomanor scored his touchdown when Stanford was down 17-0. Clemson was focused on limiting him and were able to do so. He has had a good season, showing off his body control and athleticism. Ayomanor has plenty of football left to play and still could be one of the first wide receivers taken in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Illinois couldn’t find the end zone much against Penn State, scoring just one touchdown. Their offense didn’t play well and that includes wide receiver Pat Bryant. He finished the game with two catches for 33 yards.
Bryant has been a riser so far this season because of his ability to win one on one matchups. That didn’t show up this week. His stock is still better than it was before the season, but he’ll want to prove himself against better competition moving forward.
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