Four 2025 NFL Draft prospects Patriots fans should keep an eye on in Week 4 originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

After an impressive Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, the New England Patriots have lost two games in a row, including a nasty 24-3 loss to the New York Jets on Thursday night.

The Patriots’ offensive line is a disaster right now, and the pass defense is especially bad. Patriots quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye were sacked a combined seven times and combined for 15 tackles against the Jets.

New England’s defense has been weakened by injuries, most notably the loss of linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley. Missed tackles and a lack of consistent pass rush were problems in Week 3.

The good news for the Patriots is that the 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with elite prospects on the offensive and defensive line, and many of those players are in action this weekend.

Here’s a look at four talents fans should keep an eye on in Week 4 of the college football season (all times ET).

Will Campbell, LT, LSU

Projection design 2025: Top five

Statistics for 2024: N/A

Week 4: Against UCLA (Saturday, September 21, 3:30 p.m. on ABC)

It’s no secret. The Patriots desperately need reinforcements on the offensive line, and left tackle is the position that most desperately needs significant reinforcement. One could argue that Will Campbell, at 6’6″ and 315 pounds, is the best left tackle in college football. Campbell, who excels in pass defense, played very well last week against a very good South Carolina front seven.

James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee

Projection design 2025: Top five

Statistics for 2024: An attack

Week 4: In Oklahoma (Saturday, September 21, 7:30 p.m. on ABC)

The most anticipated matchup of the weekend in college football is the Tennessee Volunteers’ first home game in Oklahoma, where they face the Sooners as an SEC school. Tennessee’s powerful offense has made a lot of headlines this season, and for good reason – the unit averages 63.7 points per game. But the Volunteers’ defense also has plenty of talent, led by elite pass rusher James Pearce Jr.

“I watched James Pearce’s tape and he is the most accomplished edge rusher in all of college football,” former Patriots running back Damien Harris said in a video for The Athletic.

“He’s incredibly explosive off the line of scrimmage, like if the tackle can’t get deep enough, they can’t get to him fast enough. He gets around the edge so quickly.”

Mason Graham, DL, Michigan

Projection design 2025: Top 10

Statistics for 2024: Nine tackles

Week 4: Against USC (Saturday, September 21, 3:30 p.m. on CBS)

Graham is an all-around defensive lineman with plenty of strength and athleticism. He can pressure the quarterback and wreak havoc in the run game. He played a key role in the Wolverines winning the national title in 2023.

Michigan will need a stellar performance from Graham to avoid another home loss to USC this weekend, a huge opportunity for him to boost his draft value after a disappointing loss to Texas a few weeks ago.

Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Projection design 2025: Top 10

Statistics for 2024: 30 pass catches, 342 yards, five touchdowns; 11 tackles, two pass defenses, one interception

Week 4: Against Baylor (Saturday, September 21, 8 p.m. on FOX)

Hunter once again put in an outstanding performance last week against rival Colorado State.

As a wide receiver, he caught 13 passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns, and as a cornerback, he made five tackles with one pass defense and one interception.

Hunter is a true two-way player, and even though he’s expected to be more of a wideout at the next level, it’s super impressive how well he plays on both sides of the ball. We haven’t seen a player like him in a while.

Hunter has another favorable game this week at home against Baylor. It is Colorado’s first Big 12 conference game of the season.