2015 NFL Draft Watch: Who Is This Danny Shelton?
By Erik Lambert
Nov 29, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive tackle Danny Shelton (71) celebrates following a 27-17 victory over the Washington State Cougars at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
A number of top prospects and sleepers took center stage in week two. Who did their stock a big favor for the 2015 NFL draft?
Marcus Mariota – QB – Oregon
Widely considered the best quarterback of the 2015 class, Marcus Mariota needed to erase the stigma of his late game collapses last season that kept Oregon out of both a national title and a Rose Bowl. His 318 yards passing, 42 rushing and three touchdowns ignited a huge second half comeback against Michigan State and gave him the kind of signature win that Heisman finalists have.
Javorius Allen – RB – USC
It is always a tight, low-scoring affair when USC tangles with Stanford so the Trojans knew they needed a big game from somebody if they were going to win. They got one from running back Javorius Allen. The junior workhorse carried the offense for 154 yards against a tough Cardinal defense, allowing for just enough field position to eek out a 13-10 win and his name is a growing list of talented 2015 runners.
Amari Cooper – WR – Alabama
Many view Alabama receiver Amari Cooper as the best of the class heading into next April. His combination of good size, great quickness, fundamentals and speed make him a nightmare to cover and he proved it in week two by torching Florida Atlantic for 189 yards and a touchdown on 13 catches.
Evan Engram – TE – Ole Miss
Pass catching tight ends are at a premium in the modern NFL so scouts and coaches will be watching for them this season. One who has distinguished himself thus far is Evan Engram out of Ole Miss. After a quiet debut against Boise State, he led the Rebels in a thrashing of Vanderbilt with seven catches for 112 yards.
Danny Shelton – DL – Washington
A two-sack performance in his first game wasn’t too shabby. Apparently Danny Shelton of Washington felt that wasn’t enough so the 330-lbs defensive lineman produced a dominant encore with 12 tackles and four sacks against Eastern Washington. Make no mistake, big men who can still rush the passer will rise high in the 2015 NFL draft. Keep an eye on this senior.
Dexter McDonald – CB – Kansas
Big corners is another trend that is sweeping the pro level so scouts probably took notice of Kansas senior Dexter McDonald. At 6’1″ he has ideal height and he showed it off in the first game of the season for the Jayhawks by intercepting two passes in a tight game against Southeast Missouri State. The performance likely help seal the win, which will only help his draft status down the road.