NFL Draft Stock Watch: Stock Up Stock Down
Obviously the must see game of the week was when the Stanford Cardinal beat the USC Trojans in triple overtime. A game that showcased the best two quarterback prospects in College Football.
Stock Up
Matt Barkley, QB, USC–I’ve been higher on him than Landry Jones for a long time, but I think this past weekend might have finally convinced everyone else as well. Where Barkley is worlds better than Jones is in his pocket presence. Barkley shows a great ability to feel the rush, move around the pocket and deliver the football. Barkley also will stand in the pocket step into a throw downfield when the pass-rush is bearing down on him. Barkley is not Andrew Luck, but he’s a good prospect. Would a team like the Dolphins if they won the first pick dare consider trading down to the #3 for four spot picking up an extra first round pick or two and selecting Barkley to pair with those extra picks? That’d be a courageous move that’s near a certainty to not happen, but it’s fun to imagine.
Devon Still, DL, Penn State
The 6’5 310 pound defensive linemen is coming on strong for the Nittany Lions. Still had a great performance vs the Fighting Illini. He registered 10 tackles, 3.5 tackles, for loss, and a sack. He now has at least 1 tackle for loss in every single game this season and is really emerging as a late first round, early second round pick. He was in the backfield all game.
Chris Polk, RB, Washington
Rushed for 144 yards and 4 touchdowns vs Arizona. Big game for Polk who has an absolutely monster season. He has six rushing touchdowns in his last two games
Case Keenum, QB, Houston
Keenum’s not going to be quarterback in the N.F.L. and he’s not as good as Kevin Kolb, but if you throw 9 touchdowns in a game your stock can’t go down that’s for sure.
Stock Down:
Ray Graham, RB, Pittsburgh Panthers
Through no fault of his own Graham’s stock is down, down, down. He’s out for the season with an injury and could return next year. Tough break Graham could remind some of former Pitt Panther Lesean McCoy.
Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State
We haven’t been high on Cousins all year, but for those who have perhaps they are questioning Cousins now after a dreadful performance vs the talented Nebraska Cornhuskers. 11 completions for 27 pass attempts for 86 yards (an absolutely embarrassing 3.2 yards per attempt) and 1 interception.
Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
From what I’ve seen on Miller, I’d have no qualms about taking him in the first round, but to say his stock is as high as it was early in the season for the red-shirt sophomore would be lying. To begin the season Miller had five straight games of a 100 yards rushing or more, but in his last three games Miller 29, 94, and 70 yards rushing. It looks like Miller isn’t getting north and south as quickly as he was and looking to bounce outside a little bit and his stock might be descending to the second round, and if that happens it’s possible Miller returns for another season.
Thoughts?
Ffollow us on twitter @NFLMocks and like us on facebok