While the 2023 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 4.
Texas A&M has a 2-1 record on the season and has plenty of games ahead to show off their draft prospects. Their defense has been good this season and a big part of that is defensive back Antonio Johnson. He has 25 total tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack on the season.
In week 4, the Aggies take on Arkansas, which will give Johnson a chance to shine. He is a versatile defensive back who is able to line up at several different positions in the secondary. Against the Razorbacks, this can help him, as the Aggies will need to stop the run and K.J. Jefferson at the quarterback position from scrambling. Johnson is a projected first-round pick, but can help solidify that in this game. He left the game against Miami, but could be back for this game, which would really help the Aggies.
Tennessee has a good offense with Josh Heupel at the helm and the Volunteers are undefeated because of it. One of the reasons they have been successful is that they have one of the SEC’s best receivers in Cedric Tillman. Tillman has 17 catches for 246 yards and one touchdown already this season.
At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Tillman has the physicality to win matchups down the field. He is a matchup problem for smaller corners. This week the Volunteers play Florida and will need a big performance out of Tillman. He is projected to be a mid-round pick, but Tillman could improve his stock by continuing his good play.
*Tillman is currently listed as day to day with an ankle injury.
Florida has a 2-1 record and have had some individual defensive players stand out. Brenton Cox is one of those players on the edge for the Gators. In the 2022 season, Cox has 21 total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. He has shown flashes, but will need to be more productive and can start doing that against Tennessee.
Cox has shown an impressive burst at the line of scrimmage and has plenty of athleticism. Although the production hasn’t shown up in the stat-line fully, his impact has been great. If he plays like he did the first three games, his stock will go up. He’ll have his hands full against the very talented Tennessee offense and a win can help Florida get back on track.
Maryland has started the season off undefeated, which has set them up for a good matchup against Michigan. One of the areas that Maryland has shown competency is at the wide receiver position. Rakim Jarrett is one of the most talented receivers in the Big Ten. He already has 11 receptions for 196 yards and a touchdown on the season.
For Maryland to pull off the upset against Michigan, they’ll need to generate big plays. Jarrett is able to do that, as he is averaging 17.8 yards per reception. He can make some acrobatic catches as well, which will be needed against Michigan’s defense. A good game could help Jarrett, as he is currently seen as a day two or three pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Wake Forest is 3-0 with a great offensive start to the season. After missing the first game of the season due to an undisclosed health issue, Hartman has returned to the lineup after leading the Demon Deacons to success last season. In two games played, Hartman has passed for 625 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions on 62 percent completion.
Hartman has improved his accuracy so far this season and operates the Wake Forest extended-mesh very well. The Demon Deacons will need the offense to play well in order to defeat Clemson, who has a great defense. Hartman playing a great game could help give the Demon Deacons a victory and open up the ACC race. He is currently a projected mid to late round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
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