2027 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch ij Week 4
2027 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch ij Week 4
Week 4 has some great prospects to watch in interesting conference matchups. Indeed, this might be the best schedule so far this season from an NFL Draft angle. Who should you watch as we get into the meat of the schedule?
2027 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in Week 4
Matchup of the Week – Oregon at Southern California (7:30 p.m. ET, NBC)
ESPN recently polled NFL scouts and executives to ask who they believe will be the first quarterback taken in the 2027 NFL Draft. Oregon’s Dante Moore won. In Week 4, Moore and the Ducks get a difficult road test.
Questions remain about the Oregon offense. These have been more about the offensive coordinator and offensive line than Moore. After putting up a basketball score against Portland State last week, Moore will get a nice stage to impress.
Another part of the problem has been Jamari Johnson’s injury. The tight end was hurt in the season opener, but he is expected to play in this one. Johnson is a difference maker, and if he can hit the ground running, we can expect big plays.
Watch the Oregon defensive line. A’Mauri Washington did miss snaps against Oklahoma State, but returned that game. He’s got all the raw talent in the world, but he needs to start turning it into performances like Will Echoles (Ole Miss) in Week 3.
This matchup gives us the chance to see how Southern California quarterback Jayden Maiava compares to Moore. This is the kind of stage that can boost stock. It will be particularly interesting to watch Maiava when the Oregon defense pressures him.
2027 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in Week 4 – Friday Night Lights (All Times Eastern)
The National Champions, Indiana, have had an easy schedule so far (North Texas, Howard and Western Kentucky). They are three-touchdown favorites against Northwestern (8:00 p.m., Fox), but it is worth giving the two receivers a look. Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh are both regarded as first-round candidates.
The better and more interesting matchup is Clemson on the road at Cal (10:30 p.m., ESPN). Cal safety Kingston Lopa is a popular name right now, and this will test him far more than Wagner did last week. Lopa is 6’5″, 210 lbs, and already has five interceptions on the season from a hybrid position.
Cal also has Rutgers transfer Ian Strong at receiver. Strong isn’t an elite athlete or separator, but he is a contest-catch master. His matchup with Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton will be worth the late night!
Other 2027 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in Week 4 (All Times Eastern)
Texas faces Tennessee in the noon kickoff slot (ABC). The Tennessee secondary typically doesn’t give up big plays so that it will be a nice test for Texas receivers Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo. If the defense gives Arch Manning only short/intermediate options, can he be accurate enough to move the Longhorns down the field?
Tennessee’s best prospect is linebacker Arion Carter. He struggled with turf toe in 2025, but still showed an ability to come downhill with force. He’s not the biggest (6’1″, 235 lbs), but he’s athletic and is good in coverage.
Per numerous sources, including Yahoo Sports, Carter is donating money to charity for every tackle, sack, interception, forced fumble, and touchdown this year. Irrespective of the outcome, let’s hope he has a busy day on the stat sheet!
If you’re looking for an old-school Big Ten matchup, then look no further than Iowa on the road at Michigan (3:30 p.m., CBS). Iowa is regarded as “Offensive line U” and has two good prospects this year. Offensive tackle Trevor Lauck and center Kade Pieper. Both are, as expected, well-coached and skilled in zone-blocking scheme concepts.
Michigan cornerback Jyaire Hill had an interception against Oklahoma, but may not get many chances to shine in this one. Edge John Henry Daley will get the chance to show he can set an edge and deal with Iowa’s running game.
One of the top prospects in this class is South Carolina edge, Dylan Stewart. He’s been dealing with a back injury, but returned and played 14 snaps last week. South Carolina travels to Alabama (7:00 p.m., ESPN) in a nice test for Stewart.
South Carolina offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak has also been banged up, but played snaps last week. He will face Alabama edge Yhonzae Pierre, widely regarded as a high first-round pick. Hopefully Peak is close to 100% to make this one of the better matchups this week.
2027 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in Week 4 – Small Schools
While the FBS vs FCS matchups give way to conference play, there are still interesting matchups to watch. The best one is on national TV: Northern Arizona at Montana State (10:30 p.m., ESPN2).
NAU has quarterback Ty Pennington, who has an NFL arm, and will be tested on the road against the reigning FCS Champions.
Montana State has its own quarterback in Justin Lamson, who can work through his progressions, including on the move. His receiver, Taco Dowler, is small but quick and dangerous after the catch.
The Ivy League provides worthwhile viewing. Yale safety Abu Kamara is well regarded. Yale is on the road at Cornell (1:00 p.m., ESPN+).
The Last Word
Last week was a good one matchup-wise for the SEC. This week, it’s the Big Ten’s turn. The Indiana matchup is not the best, but on a Friday night, it’s worth a watch.
The Iowa/Michigan game will be a great test for Iowa’s two offensive linemen. NFL decision-makers place great trust in the coaching they receive under Coach Ferentz, and good tape in games like this can only add to that.
Dante Moore and Oregon face a difficult road test. After losing on the road to Oklahoma State in Week 2, they’re under pressure to win as a team. Their NFL Draft prospects also face pressure to have a good year to boost their stock.
The SEC has two fun matchups, including Texas, as they continue a tough schedule. Hopefully South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart is healthy enough to play more snaps this week.
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