10 Week 3 NFL Draft insights: Jalen Milroe’s NFL comparison and 2025 NFL Draft stock risers

Week 3 of college football offered valuable insights into 2025 NFL Draft prospects, revealing how players like Jalen Milroe might translate to the professional level. We also witnessed a notable rise in the draft stock of an Iowa standout while a UCLA player saw his prospects take a hit.

Ten NFL Draft take aways from week three

1. Jalen Milroe the next Cam Newton

The more I watch Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, the more he reminds me of former Auburn star and NFL MVP Cam Newton. Both are powerful, imposing runners who rely on strength more than speed or elusiveness, unlike players like Jayden Daniels. As passers, they share similar limitations, with Milroe likely to face challenges as a pocket passer in the NFL, just as Newton did. However, one key difference between the two is their NFL Draft prospects. While Newton was the No. 1 overall pick in 2011, Milroe projects more as a late day two or day three selection.

2. Virginia Tech defensive end joins elite company

Antwaun Powell-Ryland became just the second player in Virginia Tech history to record four sacks in a game, joining NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith. In the win against Old Dominion, Powell-Ryland tallied seven tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles. As a pro prospect, he displays great flexibility and a knack for getting around the edge. If he continues performing at this level, expect his draft stock to rise from the undrafted free agent grade currently projected by NFL Mock Draft Database to a potential mid-round pick.

3. Biggest red flag on Quinn Ewers

While Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is boosting his draft stock and looking like a potential first-round pick, one major concern resurfaced on Saturday—his injury history. Ewers has missed time in each of the past three seasons due to various injuries. Though none have been particularly serious, the consistent time missed over three seasons will certainly be a concern for NFL scouts evaluating his durability.

4. Florida State prospects not living up to hype

Florida State has been one of the most disappointing teams in college football this season, starting with three straight losses. A big factor is their draft prospects failing to meet expectations. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has struggled, showing poor accuracy and decision-making, casting doubt on his NFL potential. Running back Lawrance Toafili has barely made an impact with just 13 carries this season. Defensively, things aren’t much better—Patrick Payton has only one sack and a Pro Football Focus grade of 51.6, down 20 points from last season. Defensive tackle Sione Lolohea also has a career-low PFF grade of 60.7.

5. Sleeper wide receiver to watch

Nick Nash, a former quarterback turned wide receiver, is making waves this season for San Jose State. The 2023 second-team All-MWC receiver has been on fire, setting a school record with 17 receptions for 225 yards and three touchdowns against Kennesaw State. This follows another standout performance in the season opener, where he tallied 170 yards and two touchdowns against Sacramento State. As a pro prospect, Nash boasts reliable hands, dropping just 2.9% of passes this season, and has the size NFL teams covet at 6-foot-3. Keep an eye on him as the season progresses.

6. Looking like his old self

South Carolina running back Rahiem Sanders, who transferred from Arkansas this offseason, is starting to regain his 2022 form when he rushed for 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Razorbacks. His strong 2022 season and pro potential had him ranked as my top running back in the 2024 NFL Draft entering the 2023 season. Though injuries limited him to just 209 rushing yards last season, Sanders is bouncing back in a big way. He’s already rushed for 285 yards this season, with eight runs of 10+ yards, and looks like one of the best backs in the SEC.

7. Moving up the draft board

One of the biggest draft risers this season is Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, who, despite starting the season as a backup, now leads the nation with 469 rushing yards. His success is largely due to his physical running style, which allows him to break tackles and rack up 106 yards after contact. At 6-0, 225 pounds, Johnson combines his power with impressive speed for his size. I currently have him graded as a fourth-round prospect, a significant jump from the undrafted free agent projection he had entering the season.

8. Moving down the draft board

While Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson’s draft stock is on the rise, UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers is seeing his plummet. Garbers has looked uncomfortable in the pocket this season, with his accuracy dropping by 13 points and his quarterback rating falling by 47 points. Although some of the blame can be placed on poor coaching by UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster, this is far from the breakout performance I expected from Garbers when I pegged him as as my breakout quarterback going into the season.

9. Indiana impresses early

While my prediction of Ethan Garbers having a standout season hasn’t panned out, one I got right is Indiana being the surprise team of the year in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers are off to a strong 3-0 start, outscoring their opponents 150 to 23. A key factor in their success is quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who has emerged as a sleeper in this quarterback class, completing 74% of his passes for seven touchdowns and zero interceptions.

10. Potentially big loss

An injury to keep an eye on this week is that of Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. Loveland who suffered a shoulder injury in the teams win against Arkansas State would be a tremendous blow for the Wolverines if he is unable to play next Saturday against 11th ranked USC Trojans. Loveland who is my number one tight end in the draft leads the Wolverines with 19 receptions which is ten more than any other player and receiving yards by 121 yards.