The Big Ten hosts some of the best matchups in college football for Week 2. That means that some of the best NFL draft prospects have an opportunity to build on their draft resumes. Check out the top five Big Ten prospects who have an opportunity to build on their NFL draft resumes this week.
Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan
vs. Texas offensive line
What To Look For: The last time Texas faced an interior defensive lineman this talented was Ndamukung Suh. Mason Graham is already viewed as one of the best players in the country and according to the Draft Network Top 100, the No. 1 overall player. To help solidify his draft stock, he needs not only a good performance but a dominant one. Graham has to dominate and begin the “elite” conversation for NFL talent evaluators.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
vs. Texas WRs
What To Look For: Will Johnson appears to be in the driver's seat for CB1 with names like Travis Hunter and Benjamin Morrison also being thrown into the mix. With a matchup against this high-powered Texas offense on tap, Johnson is going to have a clear opportunity to make a resume statement for CB1 going against some of Texas' talented receivers like Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden. Johnson profiles to be in the same talent as Derek Stingley Jr. and Patrick Surtain II, and Saturday's matchup against Texas will go a long way for him staking his claim as the elite college corner.
Sebastian Castro, CB, Iowa
vs. Iowa State's passing/rushing attack
What To Look For: Sebastian Castro is a versatile nickel/safety for the Iowa secondary who is flying under the radar as one of the most talented defensive backs in the country. Castro is facing off against a well-rounded and efficient Iowa State offense that is going to require Castro to make plays against the pass but also come down and make plays in the box against the run. Look for Castro to make plays all over the field, as this could be a great resume game for him.
Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon
vs. Boise State defense
What To Look For: Oregon is in the conversation for some as a favorite to make it to the national championship game. But for that to open, they have to take it week by week and build on consistency. Dillon Gabriel got off to a hot statistical start last week against Idaho in which he threw for almost 400 yards, but this road is a week-by-week process. Now, he has to produce at a high level with Boise State having their own potent offensive attack. Gabriel can continue to elevate his draft stock with a strong win against Boise State and this could serve as a good resume game showing that he is one of the better quarterbacks in college football on the national stage.
Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
vs. Boise State secondary
What To Look For: Tetairoa McMillan and Hunter started this season off with great individual performances and have separated themselves from the rest of the pack at the top of the draft. Since 2020, there have been at least four receivers taken in the first round of the draft—that means there are more slots to be filled. Evan Stewart is a quick, shifty receiver who has flashed brilliance. Stewart has the opportunity to throw his name into the mix as one of the best receivers in college football against this Boise State defense.
