4 NFL Draft prospects who can make-or-break their pro stock this weekend

As the 2024 college football season begins, some of the top NFL Draft prospects have emerged. Players like Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, Michigan cornerback Will Johnson and Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan have all emerged early and are projected to be at or near the top of their respective draft classes.

While most of the top games this week have been boring and top prospects don't have enough competition to properly evaluate draft candidates, there are still a few draft prospects facing real tests that could help them improve their professional standing.

Below are some of the NFL Draft prospects I have my eye on heading into Week 3.

Donovan Ezeiluak, EDGE, Boston College (@ Missouri, 12:45 p.m., SEC Network)

Despite only having 8.5 sacks last season, Ezeiluak really came into the spotlight in Boston College's blowout win over Florida State, recording two sacks against the Seminoles and showcasing the explosiveness and power that has fascinated NFL scouts.

Ezeiluak is adept at using his speed to overset tackles and then counter with a nice swim move, and against a strong Missouri offensive line, he'll have a big task ahead of him using his pass-rush ability to slow them down at all costs.

Deon Walker, DT, Kentucky (vs. Georgia, 7:30 p.m., ABC)

Deon Walker is a big, talented player, but Georgia is his biggest problem. Last year, Walker had his worst individual performance of the season against the Bulldogs, who had an NFL-caliber offensive line. Walker is a great athlete for his size (6-foot-6, 345 pounds) and has the ability to be a disruptive force up front, but he needs to improve his pad level and show scouts he can play all three downs.

Matching up against the Bulldogs will give him a chance to further solidify his status at the top of NFL draft boards and play against quality opposition.

Devin Neal, RB, Kansas (vs. UNLV, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN (Sept. 13)

Friday the 13th is one of the best college football Friday schedules I've seen recently. First up, the up-and-coming UNLV Rebels head to Kansas to take on the Jayhawks and RB Devin Neal. The Jayhawks passing game is off to a slow start this year, but Neal has rushed for over 100 yards and scored two touchdowns in both Kansas games. Neal, a senior prospect, is very light on his feet and has great footwork that allows him to make a variety of cuts through lanes that most other backs can't see or feel. Neal will put defenders on the highlight reel with a variety of junk and will also very likely make the first guy miss.

Kansas will face a UNLV team that is currently 17th in EPA per rush allowed but only in the 40s when it comes to success rate allowed. If Kansas relies on Neal and the run game like they did against Illinois, they should be able to pull off a win.

Marcus Mbou, RT, Purdue (vs. Notre Dame, 3:30 p.m. EST, CBS)

Not much has been said about Mbow (and not much about the Boilermarkers offense as a whole), but he and the Boilermarkers have a chance to put on another phenomenal performance when the Fighting Irish come to town. Mbow broke his foot last season but is back and doesn't seem to have slowed down at all. His grip and hand power stand out on video and his individual handwork is incredibly impressive.

He'll be facing a Notre Dame defense that's still very good, as they don't mix in a lot of coverage in the back and will attack up front, and M'Bow has a chance to skyrocket up draft boards with a standout performance.