NFL Draft: Week Three Prospect Stock Report

Sep 5, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) runs with the ball after an interception against the New Mexico State Aggies during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Draft Stock Up: Defense

Vernon Hargreaves III (CB – Florida)

After sitting out a game because of a leg injury, Vernon Hargreaves III returned to the Florida defense and made an immediate impact. On Kentucky’s second pass play of the game he picked off QB Patrick Towles and returned the ball into the red zone.

Hargreaves is the top-rated cornerback on my board and should be an early first-round pick. In two games played this season he already has two interceptions. Some teams, especially those employing a 3-4 defense, may not rate him so highly because of his size, but he plays much taller and is more physical than the average 5-foot-10 CB. His awareness and ball skills should also end any questions regarding his size.

As the Gators continue their SEC schedule, Hargreaves will face a wide variety of receivers. From physical receivers like Laquon Treadwell (Ole Miss), to deep-threat Travin Dural (LSU) and the versatile Pharoh Cooper (South Carolina), Hargreaves will be tested all season. A strong 2015 campaign will lock the Florida CB into the first round.

Reggie Ragland (ILB – Alabama) 

Sep 19, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) blocks the pass of Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10)at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

One bright spot in Alabama’s loss to Ole Miss was one of the school’s top defensive prospects, Reggie Ragland. The inside linebacker led the team with nine tackles. While his run defense is what will net him a high draft pick, it was his pass defense that places him on this list.

When in coverage, Ragland often found himself matched up against Evan Engram, one of the better tight ends in college football. While the Rebels found success throwing the football, gaining 341 yards, Engram only accounted for 22 of those yards. Ragland showed an impressive ability to stay with the TE on various routes and even broke up a pass intended for Engram. Even very good inside linebackers aren’t always first-round picks, so it will take an elite season from Ragland to be selected on Day 1 of the draft.

Desmond King (CB – Iowa)

Prior to the start of the season, defensive end Drew Ott and free safety Jordan Lomax were the Iowa defenders receiving the most draft buzz. However three games into the season, it’s been cornerback Desmond King generating the buzz.

As our own Sayre Bedinger pointed out, King had a tremendous game against Pittsburgh. He was a factor in the run game as usual, attacking the line of scrimmage and protecting the edge. What was even more impressive was his ability to stay with Pittsburgh’s star wideout Tyler Boyd. Boyd still had a solid game, but King prevented him from having an even bigger one. Both of his interceptions occurred while matched up with Boyd.

One reason Desmond King was lacking buzz this offseason is the fact that he’s only a junior. His size and speed have also been questioned so a move to safety is likely in his future. He’s not a prospect with outstanding measureables or someone who will improve his stock at the Combine, but his play this season could elevate his stock to the middle rounds.

RobertNkemdiche (DT – Ole Miss)

More from College Football

• 2024 NFL Mock Draft Journal: Cardinals, Falcons tank for USC QB Caleb Williams
• NFL preseason Week 3: Notre Dame’s Mayer, Foskey with something to prove
• 2024 NFL Draft: Caelen Carson Is Name To Watch At Cornerback
• 2024 NFL Draft: Is This QB Class Worth The Hype?
• 17 Breakout Players From The 2024 NFL Draft

Robert Nkemdiche got off to a slow start this season (one tackle for loss in two games), but his performance in the Rebels’ upset win over Alabama may have secured a top 10 draft selection.

Nkemdiche can line up all over the defensive line and was unstoppable in the first half. He was slowed in the second half as he dealt with cramps, but still finished the game with six tackles, 2.5 for a loss. Inconsistent play has plagued Nkemdiche throughout his college career, but it’s performances like this one that will place him near the top of every draft board across the country.

Su’a Cravens (OLB/SS – USC)

Whether he’s lining up at strong safety or outside linebacker, Su’a Cravens is the best draft prospect on the USC defense. In the loss to Stanford, he led the team with 13 tackles and a sack.

While Cravens has the ability to cover opposing tight ends, he’s much better against the run. He can create havoc in an opponent’s backfield from the safety or linebacker position and has the finishing ability to bring down the ball carrier. Much like Shaq Thompson, a 2015 first-round pick of the Carolina Panthers, some teams may target Cravens as an OLB while others may look at him as a SS.

Next: Draft Stock Down: Offense