2027 NFL Draft Watch: Evaluating Prospects In Week 4
There were lots of prospects in Week 4 with fascinating matchups, as Conference play kicked in. While we wait for the likes of Miami and Notre Dame to be tested, this was the first good look at the National Champions, Indiana, and their two receiver prospects. How did prospects fare as we got into the meat of the schedule?
2027 NFL Draft Watch: Evaluating Prospects in Week 4
Evaluating Prospects in Week 4: Charlie Becker (Wide Receiver, Indiana)
Indiana won’t be truly tested until October 17 when they host Ohio State. Friday night’s game is as good as it gets until then. In a close win, Charlie Becker contributed with seven catches for 98 yards.
It should have been more on the stat sheet, though. In the second quarter, he showed his speed to beat the cornerback on a go route, but Josh Hoover underthrew the ball on what was a missed opportunity. Hoover also just missed a deep post, which would have been a touchdown.
Charlie Becker (wide receiver, Indiana) is listed at 6'4", 208 lbs. For a tall receiver, he's got excellent speed, which is on show on this play (bottom of the screen). He has his man beaten, but the ball is underthrown.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/uS66D4mqWs
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) September 27, 2026
Becker’s release package is impressive. His size and speed combination make him difficult to cover. Even when he’s covered, he’s a master of the back shoulder catch, and he again showed this skill.
Becker can add to his frame. Indeed, it would be beneficial for him to get stronger to help him against NFL press coverage. Outside of this, he looks like a very good prospect.
Indiana’s Charlie Becker (80) runs for a touchdown during the Indiana versus Western Kentucky football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
Evaluating Prospects in Week 4: Ashton Hampton (Cornerback, Clemson)
It’s often the case that teams avoid throwing at cornerbacks with a big reputation. Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele was not afraid to do so. Hampton, however, responded extremely well.
Playing press-man coverage much of the night, Hampton had three pass breakups. One in particular was outstanding. He was able to reach his right hand around the receiver to knock the ball away, while keeping his left hand off the back of the receiver to avoid a flag.
Cal tested Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton several times, but got no joy. As on this play (bottom of the screen). Hampton looks like a really good prospect.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/xpG3uEMPZu
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) September 27, 2026
Hampton looked confident and physical. As long as he runs fast at the NFL Combine, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t, he’ll be a high Draft pick. With Clemson finding ways to win games this season, perhaps Hampton will get a College Football Playoff stage later in the season.
Clemson corner back Ashton Hampton (2) jumps in the student section after making a defensive play against Georgia Southern University during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Evaluating Prospects in Week 4: Sammy Brown (Linebacker, Clemson)
After the early Clemson turnover on the flea-flicker play, the Cal offense took the field. In a sudden change situation, Brown’s reaction to the first offensive play was to beat his blocker across his face and make a tackle for no gain.
Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown (#47) on the first defensive snap after a sudden change situation. He reads the play, beats his blocker and makes a solid tackle.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/spWX56DVvt
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) September 27, 2026
Brown is an athletic linebacker who is comfortable in coverage, so he can stay on the field in all situations. He’s also an effective blitzer, and in this one, he was used as a spy on the quarterback, so he fits any defense.
Listed at 6’2″, 235 lbs, he’s not the biggest. When he can’t beat blockers with his speed and reading of the game, he does struggle to get off them. However, on an NFL team with a big defensive line to keep him clean, he’ll be highly productive.
Evaluating Prospects in Week 4: Kingston Lopa (Safety, California)
Lopa is a transfer from Oregon. He’s received a great deal of press after a five-interception start to the season. He plays a versatile role for Cal, lining up at two-deep safety in base, nickel linebacker, and also over a slot receiver, and occasionally as a single high safety.
Lopa is listed at 6’5″, 210 lbs. He comes downhill quickly and hits with force. He eats up the ground quickly, which is impressive for such a big safety.
Cal safety Kingston Lopa (#2) was active against Clemson on Friday night. A versatile prospect, he comes downhill quickly to support the run, as on this play.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/xPUPjkh2uT
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) September 27, 2026
Lopa is over-aggressive at times. He will bite on misdirection and take himself out of plays. He gets away with this to a degree when in the box, but when he’s lined up as a deep safety, this is a problem.
The main area for him to improve is his tackling. At times, he’s not under control, and a cutback is a problem for him. At other times, he doesn’t wrap up, just putting his shoulder into the ball carrier.
Lopa has the physical traits and versatile skill set to enter the day two discussion. He’s coming into the league at the perfect time, as NFL teams are looking for players like Nick Emmanwori. Lopa must improve his eye discipline and tackling, but he should test well and be an NFL Combine riser.
Evaluating Prospects in Week 4: LaNorris Sellers (Quarterback, South Carolina)
Sellers has all the tools to be a high NFL Draft pick. He’s listed at 6’3″, 238 lbs, has a big arm, and is an elite athlete when he runs the football. However, last season wasn’t good for him, and this year hasn’t looked any brighter.
In this one, South Carolina used him as a runner to good effect. However, as a passer, his struggles continued. He finished with just 185 yards and threw a pick-six.
Sellers started the game brightly. Per the ESPN commentary crew, he was encouraged by his coaches to be more decisive, and he was on two good early drives. As Alabama started to pull away on the scoreboard, Sellers struggled far more.
In the pocket, Sellers lacks a natural feel for pressure. There’s none of the pocket manipulation that Arch Manning shows. Sellers held the ball too long at times, and pressure got to him.
His accuracy was also spotty. With pressure around him, he tends to throw high. When he has time to throw, at times he will drag the ball down, so his release point isn’t consistent.
Sellers’ interception was returned for a touchdown by Alabama. It was a standard RPO play, where he pulled the ball. He stared down his receiver, even when carrying out the fake, and Red Morgan read him like a book.
LaNorris Sellers throws a pick six. An RPO – he stares down his receiver and throws it straight at Red Morgan.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/aCTdzJLLxi
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) September 27, 2026
Now a redshirt junior, Sellers’ development is not encouraging. He does have the remainder of this season, and potentially next, to grow. Right now, he’s looking like a Taylen Green (sixth round, Cleveland Browns in the 2026 NFL Draft) type of prospect, with athletic upside, but lacking the ability to run an NFL progression read offense.
Sep 26, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama linebacker Yhonzae Pierre (0) closes on South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) at Saban Field at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
Evaluating Prospects in Week 4: Jayden Maiava (Quarterback, Southern California)
Maiava lacks the elite physical traits of Sellers, but right now is the better quarterback. Having said that, Maiava is not lacking physical traits; they just aren’t on the level of Sellers. Maiava is athletic enough to get yardage with his legs and has a good arm.
Maiava showed off his ability to layer passes on one of his touchdown throws. It was beautifully placed and touched in, with the receiver not breaking stride.
This touchdown throw by Jayden Maiava is a really nice ball. Excellent touch and placement.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/qD6qYYf2Ry
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) September 27, 2026
The main thing for Maiava to clean up is his footwork. His accuracy suffers, as he doesn’t always get his feet sorted before throwing. This tends to be when he has pressure or when he’s throwing on the run.
At times, he will stare down his target. However, he does demonstrate the ability to work through his progressions. If he can take his feet with his eyes when doing so, his accuracy will improve.
Maiava is more of a day two prospect, who will need to retool his footwork to succeed in the NFL. He has talent and is someone who could look to come off the board on day two of the Draft.
Evaluating Prospects in Week 4: Bear Alexander (Defensive Tackle, Oregon)
Alexander is the modern-day College player; Oregon is his third school after stops at Georgia and Oregon’s opponents this week, Southern California. He’s always been a highly regarded talent, but only now is it all starting to come together, which is great to see.
Alexander is listed at 6’3″, 316 lbs, and is hard to move. He’s not just an old-fashioned space-eater, though. He moves really well for such a big man, and that gave his former school problems.
Oregon defensive tackle Bear Alexander (#1, vs the left guard) is listed at 6'3", 316 lbs, yet moves like this… The planet theory applies.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/hJHgxl34zS
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) September 27, 2026
Alexander is hard to move. He can stack blockers and shed them effectively, making him a fit for the modern gap and half trend in the NFL. He’s also athletic enough to be a one-gap player who disrupts, so he’s scheme diverse.
Alexander can play high at times, but he did play a lot of snaps in this one, so he was likely tired. He is extremely athletic for his size; the NFL will have a strong interest in him come April.
Evaluating Prospects in Week 4: Kade Pieper (Guard, Iowa)
There was talk Pieper would move to center in 2026, but he has remained at right guard. Given his size – 6’3″, 298 lbs – NFL scouts may well view center as his pro position.
Pieper was in complete control of pass protection in this one. His technique was flawless. He sat and mirrored, making it look effortless – including when asked to pull in pass protection on one play.
Iowa right guard Kade Pieper is so athletic, he makes pulling in pass protection look easy#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/IeS1zoUJoy
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) September 27, 2026
Despite not being the biggest prospect, Pieper was still able to move people. He drives his feet on contact, and as he wins the leverage battle and gets under defenders, he plays much bigger than his size.
There were occasions when Pieper got his head out over his toes and lost balance. He ended up on the ground a little too much.
Overall, though, he looked to be an athletic and polished prospect. The biggest NFL nose tackles may always be a problem for him, but he should fit well in a physical zone blocking scheme like Iowa’s.
Evaluating Prospects in Week 4: Trevor Lauck (Offensive Tackle, Iowa)
Lauck is listed at 6’5″, 314 lbs, and his frame looks more like a guard than an NFL tackle. When Michigan freshman Tariq Boney used his speed rush, Lauck didn’t look that comfortable. Therefore, Lauck may be better as a guard prospect.
The Iowa zone blocking scheme produces well-coached individuals, but it’s not a finesse zone scheme. There is a strong physical element to it, and Lauck showed he can keep his feet moving on contact and move defenders, working well to finish.
Iowa left tackle Trevor Lauck shows that Iowa's zone blocking scheme isn't all about skill and finesse. You have to be be able to finish as well#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/HMvoPMz3RA
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) September 27, 2026
His balance is a slight concern at times, as he does get a little over-enthusiastic as a run blocker. He was on the ground a little too much.
In pass protection, when stressed by speed, his hand placement became a little outside. Outside of this, he looked balanced and comfortable, with a nice anchor.
Overall, Lauck is a very good guard prospect who could play tackle in an emergency, but would struggle there against NFL athletes coming off the edge.
The Last Word
An injury to Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, ironically, when he was sliding to protect himself, robbed us of a chance to evaluate him. There were still lots of good prospects in Week 4, with fun matchups.
The Clemson pair of Sammy Brown and Ashton Hampton looked excellent on Friday night and will benefit from greater exposure if Clemson makes a playoff run.
Also on Friday night, Charlie Becker showed off his size, speed, and hands. He’s also still the Backshoulder King!
Of the two quarterbacks trying to impress this week, Jayden Maiava looked more polished. LaNorris Sellers’ obvious physical tools were on display, but after starting the game well, he fell away badly. He must find greater consistency and may even consider a Portal transfer for next season to find the right quarterback guru to turn the talent into production.
More NFL News