Heading into Week 4 of the season, we are finally starting to see those conference additions start to match up with the old guard. This week in the Big Ten we have a collision of top programs in Michigan vs. USC. Just in that matchup alone, there are plenty of draft prospects with an opportunity to boost their draft resume. In addition to that game, there are other matchups for NFL draft prospects to make a case to elevate their draft resumes.
Check out the four prospects in the Big Ten who have great opportunities to elevate their draft resume in Week 4.
Miller Moss, QB, USC
vs. Michigan defense
What To Look For: Miller Moss came out in Week 1 and may have had the best performance of any quarterback against LSU. Moss showcased not only his physical traits but also strung together a classic two-minute drive where he had to decipher different coverages and make tight-window throws to lead USC to a win. This week, he has the opportunity to take down another college football powerhouse in the reigning national champion Michigan Wolverines. Look to evaluate how Miller Moss handles the front seven of Michigan which has potentially two first-round picks (Kenneth Grant, Mason Graham) along its defensive line. Moss is going to have to pick plays both inside and outside out of the pocket, making throws on the run. The strong suit of the USC offense is its wide receivers, so if USC has a chance to win this game, it will be through this passing attack. Moss’ name has been floating around from a draft perspective, but if he wins this game against Michigan, expect the draft conversation to shift to him being discussed in the first round.
Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, IDLs, Michigan
vs. USC offensive line
What To Look For: Through three weeks of college football, it is clear that Michigan's road to success is going to have to be through playing a dominant defense and a ball-control offense. In Week 2 against Texas, neither showed and they lost by double digits at home. This week, they have an opportunity to redeem themselves in a must-win game. They’ll put the responsibility defensively on their two first-round prospects, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. Look for these guys to have a flat-out dominant performance dominating in the run game and rushing the quarterback. Graham and Grant could be one of the best one-two punches from the IDL position that we’ve seen in a long time, but they have to show up in this game against USC. With Moss at quarterback, a passer who has proven that he can win games with his arm, Graham and Grant are responsible for disrupting this offense and controlling the game. This is a tall task for defensive linemen, but as they say, to whom much is given much is required.
Kalel Mullings, RB, Michigan
vs. USC defense
What To Look For: A name that was completely off the radar entering the season has now become one of the most important players in all of college football. Michigan entered the season with RB Donovan Edwards being the household name and expected feature back for Michigan, but through a few games, this situation looks to be at least a running back by committee if not a slow shift to Mullings becoming the No.1 back for Michigan. There is no question that Michigan's equation to beat USC will be running the football and controlling the clock, which means Mullings is going to be relied upon to have some productive runs. Mullings is a big powerful running back who can serve the role a tone-setter for not only this Michigan offense but this Michigan team as a whole, much like Blake Corum did last year. Look for Millings to take advantage of an opportunity like this and continue to build his resume. Perhaps Mullings will be a household name after this showdown with USC.
Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
vs. Marshall defense
What To Look For: No, this is not the Michigan vs. USC showdown, but it is an opportunity for Will Howard. The Ohio State Buckeyes have slowly rolled into the 2024 season facing Akron, Western Michigan, and then a bye week, but every game is an opportunity to get better. In this matchup against Marshall, I'm looking forward to Howard being efficient and showing that he has a firm grasp and command of the offense. Building these pillars are important because the Big Ten matchups are right around the corner for Ohio State. It will be important to see what Howard can and can't do and for him to find that rhythm. Howard has been playing efficient and effective football and its important for him to continue to trend that way. Look for Howard to make plays with both his arm and legs and get the ball out to the playmakers they have in abundance.
