2015 NFL Draft Stock Report: Bryce Petty Comes Alive
By Erik Lambert
Oct 11, 2014; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty (14) throws during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
A number of big and not-so-big names saw their stock rise and fall ahead of the 2015 NFL draft. Who came out on top?
Todd Gurley – RB – Georgia – Stock: Down
The primary reason for Todd Gurley falling considerably in the stock reports is due to an indefinite suspension regarding NCAA rules violations. That alone was bad enough. However, it may have gotten worse watching Georgia post over 200 yards rushing without him in a 34-0 blowout of Missouri.
Bryce Petty – QB – Baylor – Stock: Up
Many 2015 NFL draft experts have a low opinion of Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty. They feel he’s nothing more than a product of a proven offensive system and doesn’t have the “it” factor to become a top pick next April. Petty sent them a loud and clear response, leading the Bears in a 21-point comeback with under 11 minutes left in the game to knock off TCU 61-58. He wound up with over 500 passing yards and six touchdown passes.
Sammie Coates – WR – Auburn – Stock: Down
More than a few scouts have held Auburn wide receiver Sammie Coates in high regard as a future top draft pick. He’s big, fast and seems to boast plenty of versatility as a pass catcher and return man. Unfortunately he hasn’t been showing it and never was that clearer than in the Tigers’ crushing loss to Mississippi State. Coates caught just three passes for 22 yards and was never really a factor on offense. Auburn finished with just 23 points.
Frankie Sutera – S – Utah State – Stock: Up
Defensive backs are at a premium more than ever in pro football, so scouts are always on the lookout at smaller programs for possible talent. One is most definitely emerging for the Utah State Aggies. Senior safetey Frankie Sutera seems to have the NFL dimension at 6’1″ but what will draw scouts to him is his developing nose for the football. With this past week, Sutera jumped into the top ten among defensive backs with four interceptions on the season.
Shane Ray – DE – Missouri – Stock: Down
Conversely, after a very strong start to the college football season the stock for Missouri defensive end Shane Ray is beginning to sag as his team continues to lose. It may have bottomed out against Georgia. Not only were they demolished 34-0, it seemed like Ray wasn’t even on the field. He failed to register a sack or even a tackle, never mind his inadequacies defending the run given the questions about his size.