NFL Draft: Week Three Prospect Stock Report
Sep 4, 2015; Kalamazoo, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) attempts to throw the ball against the Western Michigan Broncos prior to a game at Waldo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Has it been three weeks already? The college football season is flying by and there’s finally a little variety in the rankings. The first three Associated Press polls of the season saw just 12 different schools crack the top 10 and the same five schools (Ohio State, TCU, Alabama, Baylor and Michigan State) make up the top five.
After a week full of upsets and incredible individual performances, the rankings have undergone a makeover. Not only have team rankings been altered, but draft boards have been as well. Here’s a look at which NFL Draft prospects saw their stocks rise or fall after an exciting week three.
Draft Stock Up: Offense
Connor Cook and Aaron Burbridge (QB/WR – Michigan State)
Connor Cook is one of several quarterback prospects fighting for a spot in the first round of the 2016 draft. He certainly helped his case on Saturday against Air Force as he threw for 247 yards and four touchdowns. While Cook generally had a clean pocket to throw from, he also showed improved accuracy when on the move. That was the biggest knock on Cook entering the season, so if he can continue to display good accuracy and touch from outside the pocket, his stock will rise rapidly.
Aaron Burbridge was on the receiving end of three of Cook’s touchdown passes, including a 28-yard score which will go down as one of the most impressive catches of the season. For the game, Burbridge caught eight passes for 156 yards. He’s clearly Cook’s favorite receiver and should continue to make an impact. He won’t face a true test until the Spartans head to Ann Arbor to take on a solid Michigan secondary on October 17th. Burbridge is now a potential late-round pick.
Jared Goff (QB – California)
Like Cook, Jared Goff entered the season as a potential first-round pick. Through three games, he’s certainly looked the part.
In a rare national television appearance for the Golden Bears, Goff picked apart the Texas Longhorns’ defense, throwing for 268 yards and three touchdowns. More importantly, he led his team to victory. Cal scored 45 points in the first three quarters of the game before being shutout in the fourth when the passing game was abandoned.
It’s important to note that Goff played incredibly well early last season as well, before struggling down the stretch. Goff had an average QB Rating of 191 in the first five games of 2014, before finishing with a 123 average over the final seven games. If he can maintain his early-season success in conference play, there’s no question Goff will be in the first-round conversation.
Kevin Hogan (QB – Stanford)
For the first time in his career, Kevin Hogan beat Cody Kessler and the USC Trojans. This wasn’t the typical ground-and-pound Stanford offense that we’ve seen over the last few years either. This game was won by Hogan through the air.
The senior completed 18-of-23 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns. Kessler may be the best decision-maker in all of college football, but it was Hogan who made all the right calls Saturday night. In what was a close game throughout, Hogan prevailed in the end by attacking the middle of the field and converting third downs.
Consistent footwork is key for the Stanford QB as he tends to point his toes away from his intended target when he’s struggling. This wasn’t an issue against USC, but is something to watch if he’s having an off day.
Next: Draft Stock Up: Offense Continued