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 4.
1. Jonah Monheim, IOL, USC Trojans
USC is off to a good start to the season at 2-0. Their offense has been good and it starts upfront with the offensive line. Monheim is the leader on the offensive line at the center position, which is new to him this season.
In week 4, Monheim and the Trojans are going up against Michigan. The Wolverines have a talented defensive front, so it will test Monheim. He has done a good job anchoring and can move to pick up pass rushers. Monheim can get to the second level, but can struggle to move big defensive tackles in the run game. A good game in this one can help him, but he’s also proven to be one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the class.
2. Mason Graham, DL, Michigan Wolverines
Michigan is 2-1, but haven’t played well. Their defense has had to carry a lot of the load for the team to be successful this season. The defensive line has a few potential early draft picks, but hasn’t played up to their standard yet. Mason Graham has nine total tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss from the interior.
The Wolverines are playing USC, who has a good offense and a tough matchup for Graham. He will need to make things difficult for the Wolverines to win. Graham can let his pad level get too high, limiting his power, but he has so many strengths to focus on. He is a good athlete who gets a good jump at the snap of the ball. Graham is flexible and can play well against the run and pass.
3. Lander Barton, LB, Utah Utes
Utah is off to a 3-0 start and that is even with starting quarterback Cam Rising getting injured. The defense has stepped up this season and that includes linebacker Lander Barton. He has 12 total tackles and a pass defended this year.
The Utes will be playing Oklahoma State, who have an experienced offense. Barton has good size for the position at 6-foot-4 and 236 pounds. He sheds well and has good awareness in zone coverage. Barton can find the ball quicker and needs to stay healthy to help his draft stock. Helping to stop Ollie Gordon this week can help his draft stock.
4. Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State Cowboys
Oklahoma State has started the season undefeated. They haven’t exactly been able to get the offense rolling as well as they would like. That includes running back Ollie Gordon. In three games, Gordon has 216 rushing yards, 44 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
The Cowboys will need to get the running game going this week against Utah, making it an important matchup for Gordon. He is a patient runner with good vision and contact balance. Gordon could help the passing attack more and isn’t the most elusive back, but he wears down defenses with his power. He could be one of the first running backs taken in the 2025 NFL Draft.
5. Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma is 3-0, but have had some scares already. The offense has been inconsistent, so the defense really has to play well. They have a leader at linebacker in Danny Stutsman. So far this season, Stutsman has 33 total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
The Sooners will have their hands full with a Tennessee offense that has put up at least 40 points in every game so far this season. Sutsman is a big linebacker at 6-foot-4 and 241 pounds and uses that to shed and help stop the run. He finds the ball quickly and is able to make tackles. Where he could improve is in his coverage, as he can get overeager in zone coverage and can struggle to mirror in man to man. This game gives him the opportunity to prove he can be an early-round draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Check out our NFL Draft page for more news and updates like NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 3!
Follow Joe on Twitter!