Top 10 NFL Draft Performances Week 4: Potential Jets QB and Chiefs WR among standouts

Week 4 of the college football season delivered eye-opening performances, highlighted by Indiana’s blowout of Illinois and Texas Tech asserting themselves as the class of the Big 12. Several players put themselves on the map for the 2026 NFL Draft, including top quarterbacks, explosive skill players, and impact special teamers.

From breakout stars like TCU’s Eric McAlister to versatile playmakers such as Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price, these athletes showed why scouts are taking notice. As the season progresses, expect these players and others to continue shaping the conversation around next year’s draft class.

2026 NFL Draft prospects: 10 players who turned heads in Week 4

1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

NFL Fit: New York Jets

Indiana delivered the shocker of the week, dismantling ninth-ranked Illinois 63-10. The Illini were supposed to have one of the Big Ten’s top defenses. At the center of it all was quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who torched them for 267 yards and five touchdowns. It marked his third straight game topping 240 passing yards and his second consecutive week earning honors from NFL Mocks. Don’t be surprised if the New York Jets consider him with their likely top five pick next April.

2. Eric McAlister, WR, TCU

NFL Fit: Kansas City Chiefs

TCU’s passing game ran straight through Eric McAlister, who erupted for 254 yards on eight catches while no other receiver had more than 32. He showed off NFL-level traits, using speed and strength to pile up 145 yards after the catch and force five missed tackles. This was his first true breakout of the season, but if he maintains this level of play, he should be in position to hear his name called in the 2026 NFL Draft. A team like the Kansas City Chiefs, who need more speed at wide receiver, would be an ideal fit.

3. Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

NFL Fit: Dallas Cowboys

Jeremiyah Love may draw most of the attention in Notre Dame’s backfield, but he isn’t the only NFL-caliber talent. Jadarian Price made his case against Purdue, scoring four touchdowns with three on the ground and one on a kick return. He averaged 8.2 yards per carry and flashed impressive explosiveness for a 209-pound back. Price could hear his name called as early as this year’s draft or in 2027, and a team like the Dallas Cowboys would be a natural fit.

4. Arch Manning, QB, Texas

NFL Fit: Indianapolis Colts

The hype around Texas quarterback Arch Manning was extreme heading into the season, and I still see him more as a mid-round pick currently. He did excel against Sam Houston State, completing 86% of his passes for 309 yards and accounting for five touchdowns. However, performances like this are part of why he was overrated entering the season, and he will need to prove himself against tougher competition. If he goes in the mid-rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, he could be a solid developmental quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts behind Daniel Jones.

5. Kaden Wetjen, KR, Iowa

NFL Fit: Cleveland Browns

Iowa’s Kaden Wetjen may not make a huge impact on offense, but he is a true game-changer on special teams. This past week he returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown against Rutgers, and in his previous game against UMass he had a punt return for a touchdown. He is leading the nation with a 33.6-yard punt return average, and his 35.5-yard kickoff return average ranks second in the Big Ten. Wetjen would immediately upgrade the Browns’ special teams, which is currently one of the kick return units in the NFL.

6. R. Mason Thomas, DE, Oklahoma

NFL Fit: Los Angeles Chargers

Going into the 2025 season, I named Oklahoma’s R. Mason Thomas to my All-Underrated team, and he has lived up to those expectations. In his latest game, he recorded two sacks, including a game-sealing safety, all in just one half of football. His blazing speed and lack of ideal size could make him a natural fit in the Chargers’ 3-4 defense.

7. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

NFL Fit: Tennessee Titans

Texas Tech had an impressive win over 16th-ranked Utah, 34-10, and a big reason was linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. He was directly responsible for two turnovers, intercepting one pass and forcing a fumble. He also dominated against the run, a strength he’s shown all season, currently leading all Power Five linebackers with a 93.9 Pro Football Focus run defense grade. Going into the season, I projected Rodriguez to the Titans, and that fit still makes sense.

8. Ian Strong, WR, Rutgers

NFL Fit: New England Patriots

Rutgers wide receiver Ian Strong is off to a terrific start this season, posting over 100 receiving yards in all three games. In his latest performance against Iowa, he recorded a season-high 151 yards on eight receptions, including four catches in traffic. With the Patriots looking to add weapons for Drake Maye, Strong could be a valuable Day Three pick.

9. Red Murdock, MLB, Buffalo

NFL Fit: New York Giants

Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock is one of the most underrated linebackers in the 2026 NFL Draft thanks to his ability to consistently find the ball and his high football IQ. Last season, he led the nation with 156 tackles, and so far this year he has recorded at least 10 tackles in three of four games. In his latest performance against Troy, Murdock made plays all over the field, totaling 12 tackles, forcing two fumbles, and recording a sack. The Giants could add valuable depth at linebacker by selecting him in the sixth or seventh round.

10. Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor

NFL Fit: Denver Broncos

Baylor tight end Michael Trigg was a standout basketball player in high school, averaging 22.6 points per game as a junior. Those skills translate to the football field, where he excels at high-pointing the ball, just like he did when rebounding. He is also an athletic mismatch for defenders in coverage. A player like Trigg would be a valuable Day Three target for the Denver Broncos in the 2026 NFL Draft.