It’s Week 4 of the college football season and there are a bunch of exciting matchups on display. With that in mind, we’ve produced this list of five NFL Draft prospects that you need to keep a close eye on.
Xzavier Henderson – WR, Cincinnati (6-3, 200, Senior)
Henderson has been one of the country’s standout pass catchers through three weeks. The former four-star recruit spent the first three years of his career with Florida, choosing the Gators over offers from the likes of Alabama and Georgia. Following the 2022 season, Henderson transferred to Cincinnati, reuniting with former Florida quarterback Emory Jones.
He has looked the part so far, leading the team in catches (19), receiving yards (293) and yards per route run (3.53). There is a lot to like about Henderson’s game when projecting to the next level. He has good height and length with some of the best hands in the class. Henderson has logged a single drop on 82 catchable targets since the start of 2021. This weekend’s test against Oklahoma is a big one, and it will be interesting to see if he can stamp his mark on the contest.
Barrett Carter – LB, Clemson (6-1, 230, Junior)
A former five-star prospect and the No. 33 overall recruit in the 2021 class, Carter has been on the NFL Draft radar for a long time. He became a starter for Clemson in 2022 and looked phenomenal. He was a true do-it-all linebacker, making an impact in run support, in coverage, and as a blitzer.
Carter also boasts high level athletic ability. He is a twitched up, explosive linebacker with impressive burst when working downhill. His length is good too, helping as a tackler, in shedding blocks, and in coverage. Carter has been fairly quiet so far this season during what has been a disappointing start from Clemson. This weekend’s game against Florida State is a big opportunity for him to impress against top competition.
Trey Benson – RB, Florida State (6-1, 223, rs-Junior)
2024 looks set to be another very talented running back class and Benson is one of the biggest names in the group. The former three-star recruit began his career at Oregon before transferring to the Seminoles ahead of the 2022 season. He broke out in a big way last year, setting the collegiate record for missed tackles forced per attempt and averaging an impressive 6.5 yards per attempt.
It is fair to say that Benson has looked a little less impressive through three games this season. He has forced just five missed tackles on 33 attempts and hasn’t exceeded four yards per carry in either of his games against Power Five opposition. This weekend’s game against Clemson is a must-win for Florida State and they will need Benson to be at his very best.
Laiatu Latu – EDGE, UCLA (6-5, 265, rs-Senior)
The competition for the top edge rusher in the 2024 class is wide open and one of the names in contention is UCLA’s Laiatu Latu. Latu’s journey hasn’t been without its struggles – whilst with Washington in 2021 he was forced to medically retire as the result of a neck injury. He began playing again later that year, transferring to UCLA in order to secure medical clearance.
Despite missing two seasons, Latu hit the ground running in 2022 and has continued to impress so far this season. Through three games he has 16 pressures, including four sacks. He has also chalked up six defensive stops and two forced fumbles. This weekend he has the toughest test of his season so far as the Bruins face off against Utah. Medicals will obviously play a big part in Latu’s evaluation, but a big game this weekend will no doubt help his stock.
Max Melton – CB, Rutgers (6-0, 190, Junior)
Melton is a former three-star recruit and the younger brother of former Rutgers receiver and current Green Bay Packer Bo Melton. Has been a starter for the Scarlet Knights since his true freshman season in 2020. Melton is a feisty cornerback, with a well-rounded athletic profile and the ability to play effectively from press and off coverage.
His ball skills are also excellent. Melton has six interceptions and 14 pass breakups on his 147 career targets. So far this season he has allowed just 50% of his 18 targets to be completed and has given up a passer rating of just 45.8. Keep an eye on him this weekend as he faces off against JJ McCarthy and Michigan.