5 Defensive NFL Draft Risers In Week 4

Edge R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma

In a big top-25 showdown against Auburn, R Mason Thomas was a huge difference maker coming away with two sacks and four tackles in the Sooners second win over a ranked opponent this season. What makes Thomas’ performance even more impressive is that he missed the entire first half of the game because of a targeting call the previous week, and he still recorded multiple sacks and four tackles. Late in the game, Thomas also sealed the win for the Sooners with a safety. Thomas is an undersized player, but his explosiveness and pass-rushing ability are good enough to make him a Day 2 pick with a chance at getting into the first round with continued great play this season.

LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

Texas Tech made a huge statement, beating No. 16 Utah on the road 34-10, and Jacob Rodriguez was a standout in the Red Raiders elite defensive performance. Rodriguez had a team-leading 11 total tackles, including five solo tackles, and a tackle for loss, along with an interception and a forced fumble. For the third time in four weeks, he made the PFF Big 12 Team of the Week, and currently ranks as the highest-rated linebacker in the country, according to PFF, with a 91.9 overall defense grade. Rodriguez is proving to be one of the best run defenders in this year’s draft class with incredible instincts and playmaking ability.

LB Ray Coney, Tulsa

Ray Coney is in his first season at the FBS level after transferring from East Tennessee State, and through the first four weeks, he leads all the FBS in tackles with 49. In Tulsa’s upset win over Oklahoma State, Coney was making plays all over the field with 13 total tackles, nine solo tackles, and one sack, helping hold the Cowboys offense to just 12 points in the game. Coney was named to the Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List in the offseason, and with his performance in Week 4 and through the first month of the season, he should continue to gain more draft attention.

DB Aamaris Brown, UNLV

Aamaris Brown is not a prospect with a ton of NFL Draft buzz, but it is hard to ignore the production he has had through the first four weeks of the season. Against Miami (OH) in Week 4, Brown came away with his fourth interception of the season and second pick-six of the season, both of which currently lead the country. On top of his impressive interception numbers, he also has two sacks and three pass deflections on the season. Brown is a solid coverage player with amazing ball skills and playmaking abilities. If he continues to show good coverage ability and elite ball production, Brown is going to be a name to watch for in the 2026 draft.