2015 NFL Draft Stock Watch: Bryce Petty On a Cliff

Aug 31, 2014; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty (14) appears to be injured as he scores a touchdown against the Southern Methodist Mustangs during the first half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Several big names and a few small ones saw their 2015 NFL draft stock take major swings in week one.  Who had it good and who didn’t?

Bryce Petty – QB – Baylor – Stock:  Down

It’s hard to imagine a player feeling down after winning a game 45-0 but that is the unfortunate case for quarterback Bryce Petty.  Not only did the 1st round hopeful not play up to his standards against SMU, he exited the game with an injury where it was later revealed he has two cracks in the bone around his spine.  It’s a very dicey injury that really scares teams during a draft.  He should return, but that red flag won’t go away.

Landon Collins – SS – Alabama – Stock:  Down

Safety has been a position of strength for years at Alabama under Nick Saban and Landon Collins is expected to uphold that tradition.  He didn’t make the best first impression in the opener against West Virginia.  While he was helpful against the run, the strong safety and the rest of the secondary were torched through the air for 365 yards and a touchdown.  Collins has to improve both individually and as a leader if he wants to maintain a 1st round grade.

Byron Marshall – RB – Oregon – Stock:  Up

Oregon has a long history themselves when it comes to dual-threat running backs, smaller but faster athletes who can impact games as runners, receivers and return men.  Byron Marshall kept that legacy intact by dissecting South Dakota for 90 rushing yards, 138 receiving yards and two touchdowns.  As in the past scouts will question whether he has the size to handle pro-level hits, but in the right system he has a ton of value.

Henry Coley – OLB – Virginia – Stock:  Up

Who in the world is Henry Coley?  That is what UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley, a projected 1st round talent himself, was probably asking after his Bruins narrowly escaped their opener against Virginia.  The outside linebacker was everywhere.  Not only did he make 14 tackles in the game but he also led a violent Mountaineers pass rush with two of their five sacks.  His versatility is evident on every play, which will make his stock skyrocket as the 2015 NFL draft draws closer.