NFL Draft expert's diary: Insider notes on top Risers and sliders after Week 4 - Big Ten prospects dominate

Week 4 of the college season saw the schedule turn towards conference play, as things are about to heat up. Unlike the initial three weeks of the season, there were no major upsets on Saturday; rather, there were several outstanding performances from a variety of next-level prospects.

A pair of defenders from the Big Ten and an offensive tackle from that conference made NFL scouts take notice and lead this week’s risers and sliders.

2025 NFL Draft stock: Risers after Week 4 of college football

#1 Josaiah Stewart (Edge/Michigan)

In a game most usually seen on January 1 in the Rose Bowl, Michigan, and USC faced off for the first time as Big Ten opponents in a contest that came down to the wire. The Wolverines relied heavily on their defense throughout all four quarters.

Stewart was a nightmare for the Trojans offense all game, constantly penetrating the line of scrimmage and blowing up plays. He finished with four tackles, three TFLs, two sacks, and four quarterback pressures. Equally as impressive as his pass-rush skill was the discipline Stewart played with.

Josaiah Stewart - Source: Imagn

On multiple snaps, rather than mindlessly rushing up the field, he showed skill in making plays in space and pursuing ball carriers on running downs or pass plays.

Stewart has a lot of ability, yet his frame, which measures 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds, has downgraded his draft stock. Expect Stewart to end up somewhere at the start of Day 3 in next April’s draft, then line up as a pass-rush specialist on Sundays.

#2 Xavier Scott (CB/Illinois)

Scott was a player I identified during my Illinois preseason preview as the next top secondary prospect who will come out of the Illinois program.

I graded the junior as a fifth-round prospect at the time, but one month into the college season, it seems I underestimated his ability.

NCAA Football: Central Michigan at Illinois - Source: Imagn

Scott has intercepted three passes in the early going this year and most recently broke up two passes during the victory over Nebraska, which helped keep Illinois undefeated at 4-0.

He’s a well-built corner who will measure just under six feet tall, and Scott comes with outstanding ball skills.

The lack of desired height may ultimately keep Scott out of the early part of the draft, though he’s definitely moving toward the bottom half of Day 2, where a team will select him to be a nickel back.

#3 Ja'Corey Brooks (WR/Louisville)

Soon after Nick Saban announced his resignation from Alabama, the Tide had several top players leave the program via the transfer portal, Brooks being one of them.

It seems the change of scenery has done the explosive wideout a lot of good. After a serious shoulder injury limited him to just three games last season, Brooks is making up for lost time.

Ja'Corey Brooks - Source: Imagn

In three games this year, he has 17 receptions for 297 yards. His stat line during the win over Georgia Tech on Saturday included four catches for 125 yards. Brooks is a speedster and a legitimate deep threat who measures just under 6-foot-2.

Graded as a middle-round choice entering the season, Brooks could move into the draft’s initial 100 selections if he continues to produce at this pace and proves no ill effects from last year’s injury.

#4 Gennings Dunker (T/Iowa)

The Hawkeyes program has a long history of putting talented offensive linemen into the NFL, and Dunker is next. He’s a powerful right tackle who is at his best run blocking but also holds his ground in pass protection.

Gennings Dunker - Source: Imagn

Dunker drives opponents off the line, opening up the running lanes and blocks with a nasty attitude. And he put those talents on display during Iowa’s conference victory over Minnesota.

The Hawkeyes finished with 272 rushing yards, much of it behind Dunker’s right side. Presently rated as the No. 2 prospect on my Iowa Hawkeyes board, Dunker is stamped with a middle-round grade.

Sleeper Prospects in 2025 NFL Draft class

Albert Gillie (G/Louisiana-Lafayette)

For a second consecutive week, an interior offensive lineman from the Sun Belt Conference makes the risers list. This time it’s Albert Gillie, who had a phenomenal game during the Ragin Cajuns’ close loss to interstate rival Tulane.

Anytime Louisiana needed to pick up precious yardage on fourth down or turned in a long-running play, it came behind Gillie at the left guard spot.

Graded by most scouts as a PFA, Gillie moves incredibly well for a 6-foot-2, 320-pound lineman, displaying power at the line of scrimmage as well as the ability to hit a moving target on the second level.

He’s a Day 3 pick who won’t test all that well before the draft, yet he has scheme versatility and upside.

Small-school Prospect in 2025 NFL Draft class

#1 Efton Chism III (WR/Eastern Washington)

If a team is looking for a surehanded slot receiver with potential as a punt returner in the late part of next April’s draft, Chism could be their man.

The ultra-productive wideout is a surehanded pass catcher who combined for 199 receptions in the prior three seasons.

Efton Chism III - Source: Imagn

Entering the contest against Nevada this weekend, Chism has already totaled 28 receptions with four TDs during the first three games. Against the sturdier opponent, Chism led all pass catchers with 11 receptions for 85 yards.

Chism is small, measuring under 5-foot-11 and under 200 pounds, and he won’t run much faster than 4.55 seconds in the 40, but he’s a great route runner who shows incredible concentration and hands of glue.

He may end up falling out of the draft, but Chism’s approach to the game, tenacity, and ability will help him latch on to an NFL roster in 2025.

2025 NFL Draft stock: Sliders after Week 4 games

#1 Donovan Smith (QB/Houston)

Smith was a prospect scout expected to pop this season. Graded as a potential late-round pick, those in the scouting community felt a move into the middle rounds, if not earlier, was possible with a big senior season.

Donovan Smith - Source: Imagn

It’s been anything but for Smith this year. He played well against Oklahoma in Week 2, yet a miserable performance against UNLV to start the season and equally poor games against Rice and Cincinnati the past two weeks have raised red flags.

His numbers against the Bearcats on Saturday included just 73 yards on 11-of-16 passing with one interception.

In four games, Smith has four INTs to just two TDs. He’s a physical specimen who flashes ability, but he has yet to prove he’s anything other than a good athlete trying to be a quarterback.