Are scouts concerned about John Mateer's injury? What are evaluators saying about Makai Lemon? We have updates on NFL draft prospects through CFB Week 4.
, and while the country's top two teams were off Saturday, there is plenty to talk about from the games played. Miamiis still more than half a year away. But our NFL draft analysts are always looking further down the road, taking early notes onWith that in mind, Mel Kiper Jr.
, Matt Miller and Jordan Reidwill size up CFB action through a draft-centric lens on Sunday mornings all season long . They will answer lingering questions on the best 2026 prospects, share insights from scouts, pick out risers to watch and pull back the curtain on their evaluation process. Here is what they've seen and heard through Week 4.. He was viewed as a middle-round prospect coming into the season after transferring from Washington State to Oklahoma, but scouts were starting to mention him in the early-Day 2 discussions. He's the No. 4 QB on my board, though he began the 2025 season outside my top five at the position. Now, missing a month could keep Mateer outside the top 50 picks. Returning for a late-season stretch of games against ranked opponents -- including-- could help him salvage his Round 1 potential. Evaluators are taking a wait-and-see approach following his injury. It should be noted that Mateer also has the option to return to school since he has another year of eligibility. At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds,he plays with an aggressive mentality and fearlessness.He operates well inside the pocket, isn't afraid of testing tight windows and throws with anticipation in the Sooners' up-tempo offense. Mateer was off to a fast start this season with 1,215 passing yards and 6 TD passes -- and the underrated runner added another 190 rushing yards and five more scores on the ground through four games.. He caught eight passes for 127 yards and a touchdown , and then he also rushed twice for 11 more yards and an additional score. A polished route runner, Lemon transitions well in and out of his breaks. At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, he's capable of lining up in the slot or on the outside, and his reliability at the catch point has shined through four games this season. Lemon has also shown that he can be an adequate return specialist at the next level. At this point in the season, he looks like a potential early-Day 2 pick.entered the season as my No. 2-ranked receiver, and I haven't moved off that grade through four games. He missed Saturday's game with an, but he has nine catches for 239 yards and a touchdown over three games. At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, Lane is a long strider with unique ball-tracking skills. He's able to sky over defenders and make catches as a vertical threat. Lane still needs to refine his route tree and show more consistency in the short-to-intermediate areas, but he for sure has the potential to be a top-50 pick.of any player in the country this week. Facing the No. 9-ranked Fighting Illini -- a team that had allowed just 22 points all season -- Mendoza was nearly flawless. He completed 21 of 23 passes for 267 yards and five touchdown throws. His command from the pocket stood out consistently throughout the game, as he was comfortable and confident standing tall and throwing darts downfield. Mendoza is an on-time passer who gives his receivers plenty of time and room to run after the catch, and his best attribute is how accurately he delivers the ball. Passes were right where they needed to be Saturday. After transferring from California this offseason, the biggest question marks for Mendoza were his ability to play against better competition and whether he could cut down on turnover-worthy throws where he overtrusted his arm. He has done both of those things this season with 14 touchdown passes and no interceptions in four games. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound quarterback is easily one of the most improved players in the class. There is no set-in-stone QB1 for next year, and Mendoza's play is putting him into that conversation. The success of on-target passers likeThe Clemson defense was billed as an elite unit featuring first-round prospects along the defensive line and at cornerback. But much like Florida State's much-heralded defense last year, not all of the prospects have lived up to expectations. Defensive tackle-- a player considered to be a top-five prospect before the season began -- has failed to make a real impact and has yet to record his first sack this season. The 6-foot-3, 315-pounder's tape from prior seasons showed a player who was rarely moved around by offensive linemen, but this year, his ability to get off blocks and finish plays is missing. There's time to turn it around, but the junior defensive tackle's stock might be slipping.One prospect who immediately caught my attention while I was out on the scouting trail this weekend was USC linebacker. At 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds, Gentry is a long and rangy defender with a wiry build. Primarily playing at the second level, he's an explosive enforcer from his inside linebacker spot. Scouts are intrigued by his potential at the next level because of his instincts and range when chasing ball carriers. Gentry will be a bit of a polarizing prospect because of his frame; he needs to add more weight. But when asking scouts about him, many believed that he's a middle-round prospect.is making a case to be a third- or fourth-round pick next April. He's the son of Verron Haynes, a former Georgia running back who I scouted before he went in the fifth round of the 2002 draft to the Steelers. The younger Haynes was great SaturdayAt 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, he plays with a low center of gravity and generates powerful leg drive. This isn't a running back who is going to dance around behind the line of scrimmage and take a tackle for loss; he's a one-cut-and-go runner with good body lean. But once he gets through the hole, he can be hard to catch. Haynes has four carries for 50-plus yards this season, helping him to 537 yards and six TDs through four games. The Alabama transfer also stands out as a pass catcher and blocker. He high-pointed a catch Saturday, and his ability to pass protect is evident on the tape.. This was a résumé game with best-versus-best attributes, and Bailey walked away from the field the clear winner of the four prospects. Matched up across from Fano for much of the game, Bailey's first-step quickness kept Fano off-balance. At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, his ability to counter with power and use of his arm length really frustrated the Utah right tackle. Fano entered the matchup as my top-ranked tackle thanks to his experience at both tackle spots, but his lack of anchor strength at 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds was noticeable. He's still a Round 1 player -- we don't overreact to one game here -- but Bailey's strong showing against elite competition is tape to go back to throughout the process. Bailey has the makings of a top-75 player. have continued to climb up boards after a strong start to the season. Wilson spent the first two years of his career at Georgia before transferring to the Tigers, and after recording a half-sack, he has already matched his career high in sacks from a season ago. He still needs to refine his hand usage as a pass rusher, and that would allow him to climb the board even more. Young, meanwhile, is more versatile in that he can put his length to use as both a run defender and pass rusher. He had two tackles for loss and a sack Saturday. With an explosive first step and the hand power to match, Young is viewed as a top-50 prospect.Second week in a row that I'm piggybacking off something Jordan pointed out, but I had to call out Young -- he was terrific Saturday.The stat line doesn't even tell the full story. Young was disruptive, and I love his length, power and burst. He shows really strong eye discipline, too. His game is consistent, and I think he's going to be really good in a pass rush rotation in the NFL. Right now, I see a third- or fourth-rounder, but Young keeps climbing the board, so don't be surprised if he ultimately goes even earlier.experience. The Razorback quarterback is a playmaker with a big arm and the running ability to go through or around defenders. Each week he's putting the team on his back and carrying the offense. But on Saturday, a late interception in the fourth quarter cost the team, before a fumble by running backGreen showed the traits that scouts love while throwing for 325 yards and a touchdown pass and adding 53 yards as a runner, but his two interceptions on the day point to a prospect who is still growing. There was some QB1 rumblings about Green, and the tools are fun, but he has to clean up his decision-making before he's ready for that title.. You might recognize that last name; Max is the nephew of MikeTomczak, who played quarterback for Ohio State and then was a member of the 1985 Bears. Max was a walk-on at Youngstown State, and he put together three solid seasons before jumping out to a good start again in 2025. Through four games,Tomczak has 21 catches for 306 yards and a TD. The 6-foot, 195-pounder posted seven catches for 116 yards SaturdayTomczak is a nuanced route runner, and he recognizes different coverages well. He adjusts on the ball in the air and then has the hands to secure it. And I see the versatility to play outside or inside -- and return punts. I'm hoping to see him at an all-star event against better competition after the season, but he's the type of player who will fight his way onto an NFL roster.Coming into last season, Beck was viewed as a potential first overall pick for 2025 -- but an inconsistent final year at Georgia created questions. He didn't declare for the draft, instead transferring to Miami, where he aimed to reestablish and revive his draft stock. Well, Beck has 812 passing yards, seven touchdown passes and two interceptions through three games, and his 89.9 QBR is fourth in the nation. He threw for 340 yards in Miami's winSouth Florida on Saturday.Beck looks comfortable in the team's adjusted offense and has routinely stayed on-schedule and in rhythm -- sneaky good traits in his skill set. He entered the season with primarily Day 3 grades from scouts, and they are taking notice of his early-season play. He is certainly trending up. But evaluators aren't ready to put Beck back into that first-round conversation just yet. Most still consider him for the middle rounds.is still the front-runner. He's averaging 104.7 receiving yards per game this season and has four TD catches, including one SaturdayTexas State. Tyson had drop issues last year, but he has emerged as a more polished pass catcher . His deep-route-running ability and how well he separates over the top still has him as the top receiver in the class.is emerging in the mix. He has been the best thing about Alabama football so far this season. Scouts had him with a fringe Round 1-2 grade over the summer. But to me, he's right in the WR1 convo withTysonand has a game very similar toas a college receiver. At 6-foot-1 and 204 pounds, he is already a high-end route runner with good physicality and strength. Bernard had two scores in Saturday's blowoutdeserves to be in the same conversation. He's a Round 1-caliber player despite 14 career starts. In the Utes' bigover Wyoming, he showed really strong footwork and technique. Lomu mirrors well, and he handles twists and stunts without much problem. And Lomu is strong as a run blocker; he can pull and get to the second level, though he needs to improve as a drive blocker. Keep an eye on both of these Utah tackles.. "It's going to be very hard to not think Round 1 with him if he keeps this up," said an NFC West scout. The 6-foot-1, 224-pound Mateer, who transferred from Washington State, has another year of eligibility, but his red-hot start has his stock soaring in a QB class that does not yet have a lock on the top guy. We saw more classic Mateer SaturdayTemple, as he threw one touchdown pass and one interception while showing the arm angles and fun play in the pocket that makes him one of the most intriguing passers in the nation.is playing as well as anyone at the position. The Cal transfer has been at home in Curt Cignetti's offense at Indiana. Against Indiana State on, Mendoza went 19-for-20 with 270 yards and five touchdowns through the air and one on the ground. That's as close to flawless as you can get. Scouts I talked to over the summer were high on him after his junior season but wanted to see him cut down on turnovers. So far this season at Indiana, Mendoza has done that, throwing nine touchdown passes and zero interceptions. I wouldn't be surprised to see him start getting attention from NFL scouts as a potential Round 1 player.. has been terrific in the early parts of 2025 -- and he is in the first-round picture. At 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, he's a bit of a tweener, and I've heard mixed opinions on his position at the next level. There are some scouts who like him as a 3-4 defensive end, while others believe he could transition to 3-technique with added bulk. Regardless, Bain's combination of power and disruption makes him arguably one of the three best defensive linemen in a loaded class at the position. He has 1.5 sacks and 10 tackles over three games.I wanted to call out Bain, too. I just love the way he plays the game. He is constantly hustling and never takes plays off. Bain is powerful, bends well, shows speed off the edge and knows how to use his hands to get leverage. He can generate pressure inside and outside; I really like his inside moves, and he displays a reliable rip move to beat blockers. Taking the right angle to the QB is a very underrated trait for an edge rusher, and Bain does that as well as anyone. And it's not just the pass rush. Bain can shed blockers and make run stops. He's really disruptive, and if he stays healthy this season, he has top-10 upside.was repeatedly mentioned as someone making the jump to another level this season. At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Reese is a rangy second-level defender who wears multiple hats in the Buckeyes' scheme. He serves as a strongside linebacker, but defensive coordinator Matt Patricia also deploys him as an edge rusher. With explosive playmaking traits, Reese has 16 tackles and two sacks over three games. If his current level of play continues through conference matchups, he could start receiving Round 1 chatter, too.had summer hype as a first-rounder, but NFL scouts are backpedaling faster than the cornerbacks he faces. One AFC East scout said: "I think he's a Day 3 guy, and you saw why today. When his weapons were missing in the NFL with how often he plays in the box," said an AFC East area scout. The issue with that idea is that Downs is listed by Ohio State at 6-foot and 205 pounds, hardly linebacker size by today's standards. In my view, Downs is aJordan touched on this, but I still thinkManninggoes back to school. He needs to become a great college quarterback before he can become a great NFL quarterback, and he hasn't gotten there yet. The potential is here, for sure. But one full year as a CFB starter isn't going to be enough to reach that next level before jumping to the pros. I wouldn't put him on mock drafts or even rankings right now.void in the Missouri offense. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound slot receiver has been all over the place. He was at Jackson State in 2022. Then Louisville in 2023. Then Mississippi State in 2024. Now he's on to Missouri. And the production has been good so far, including 10 catches for 126 yards and a touchdownon Saturday. Coleman displays the quick burst to separate underneath, and he can tag on extra yards after the catch. His body control is impressive, and he snags the ball in stride. And I really like how quickly Coleman reads zone coverage and finds openings. Toss in some punt return ability, and I see a potential Day 2 prospect.. They specifically call outhis ability as a blocker at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds. "He's an absolute weapon as a run blocker that tries to put guys in the dirt whenever he gets hands on them," an AFC area scout said. Sadiq came into the season as my TE1, and he looks like one of the most consistent prospects in the country so far, regardless of position. Sadiq received Round 1 buzz coming into the year, and if his level of play continues, he could be a top-20 pick.--a highly regarded transfer from Rice with top-75 grades from NFL scouts -- did not start against Texas and played just 13 snaps after he eventually rotated into the game at right guard. The 6-foot-6, 333-pound senior had high expectations this season, but the early word from sources with the Buckeyes is he has struggled to pick up the offense.this weekend. The Purdue transfer has good length, the ability to get pressure both inside or outside and solid closing speed. Heldt mixes up his pass-rush moves to get home, but don't sleep on his ability to get off blocks and pursue laterally, and even drop in coverage. Dabo Swinney doesn't typically use the transfer portal, but landing Heldt this year was a big win. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound edge rusher is playing like a first-rounder.is worth keeping an eye on as an emerging talent in the 2026 draft class. An AFC South area scout texted me on Saturday: "Robertson is the real deal. He's got it all." The 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior was phenomenal in a. Harris moves well for his size, especially laterally, and he makes his presence felt against both the run and the pass. He still needs refinement as a pass rusher, but defensive coordinators can move him around to get advantages. His draft stock is still TBD -- I need to see more.left Ball State for Houston before this season, and he has been outstanding. The early Day 3 prospect still has to improve his blocking, but he's a dangerous pass catcher. Koziol is basically a receiver in a tight end's body . He already has 13 catches on the season, including six for 52 yards on Saturday
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