While the 2027 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 4 Recap.
Related: NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 5
Iowa lost a tough game to Ohio State with their offense only putting up 14 points. There were some solid performances from player on their offense, including left tackle Trevor Lauck. The Hawkeyes picked up just 39 yards on the ground and gave up two sacks, but Lauck played solidly. He even caught a pass on a two-point conversion, but it didn’t work (there was also a penalty on the play).
Lauck has solid size for an NFL tackle, but even through this game, a move to guard could be seen in his future. He held up in pass protection in this one and his run blocking was solid. The move to guard could help him play in a phone booth rather than out in space. Whether he stays at tackle or moves inside, he has played well and is a projected early-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Ohio State’s offense moved the ball well, both on the ground and through the air, to defeat Iowa on the road. The offensive line played well, including Austin Siereveld. Siereveld helped the Buckeyes rush for 160 yards and pass for 324. He will need to get his false start penalties under wraps, though.
Siereveld’s ability to move around the offensive line is admirable and does bring value, but his best fit is at guard. He played tackle in this game and did hold up well. Siereveld sees the field clearly and has good strength for the position. He isn’t the best athlete, but on the interior, he will be more natural. Siereveld has played well and is likely a day-two pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
The Mississippi State defense was no match for the Alabama offense. Alabama put up 56 points and were able to run out the clock late in the game. There were some bright spots defensively. Cornerback Kelley Jones finished the game against the Crimson Tide with three total tackles. He did give up a catch to Ryan Coleman-Williams on the sideline, but mostly played well.
Jones will continue to show off his elite frame and length for the position. He didn’t get the chance to show them in this game, but he also has good ball skills. Continuing to fill out his frame with strength and also improving his stickiness in man coverage can help his stock, but there is a lot of football left to be played.
Alabama’s defense wasn’t the highlight of the team, but they played well enough to help the team get the win. Pierre has been a great player so far this season. He played ok in this game, but has had better performances. In the game against Mississippi State, he registered no stats. He still got some pressure on Kamario Taylor.
Pierre has played well outside of this game to start the year. He is a good athlete with nice burst at the snap of the ball. He will need to continue filling out his frame and improve his ability to make an impact against the run to really increase his stock. Alabama has plenty of big games over the next few weeks for Pierre to continue to show what he can do.
Clemson’s defense competed hard against a very talented Miami team. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough and the team lost 41-13. Despite the loss, there were some players who performed well. Cornerback Ashton Hampton had five total tackles and two passes defended during the contest.
Hampton showed off his ball skills, aggression and athleticism in this game. He matched up well with Malachi Toney, winning some of his reps against the dynamic receiver. Hampton also was willing against the run, His stock has risen to start the season and he is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
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