NFL Draft: Week Three Prospect Stock Report

Sep 7, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones (12) on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Draft Stock Down: Offense

Quarterbacks From the State of Ohio

There are eight FBS programs that call the state of Ohio home. Quarterbacks from those eight schools threw a combined 15 touchdown passes in Week 3. The state’s two top QB prospects, Gunner Kiel (Cincinnati) and Cardale Jones (Ohio State), were responsible for just one of those 15 scores.

Kiel’s declining stock doesn’t have as much to do with his performance as it does with him once again being knocked out of a game. The Cincinnati QB suffered a concussion after taking a late hit from Bryson Albright of Miami University. This comes after a season in which he was unable to finish several games in 2014 because of injuries. With a Thursday night game this week against Memphis, it’s unknown whether or not Kiel will be able to play. He has more than enough arm talent to succeed in the NFL, but his durability will concern teams looking to invest a high draft pick in a quarterback.

Cardale Jones’ struggles continued this past weekend. After leading Ohio State to victories over Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon last season, his stock has taken a serious hit after disappointing performances against Virginia Tech, Hawaii and Northern Illinois. He’s been extremely inaccurate and has made a few poor decisions in each game. With J.T. Barrett potentially taking over the starting role, Jones’ stock may continue to plummet.

D’haquille Williams (WR – Auburn)

With Sammie Coates no longer at Auburn, D’haquille Williams was supposed to be the team’s top playmaker. After three games, that’s been far from the case.

QB Jeremy Johnson has been dreadful this season, but Williams has done very little on his end. He’s rarely able to separate from a defender, leaving Johnson no choice but to target other receivers. Williams has just seven receptions for 81 yards receiving this season. After being disciplined this offseason for behavioral issues, Williams has failed to live up to expectations.

Germain Ifedi (OT – Texas A&M)

A Texas A&M offensive tackle has been selected in the first round of the draft in three straight years. Many believed Germain Ifedi would extend that streak to four years, but a poor performance against Nevada could put an end to those projections.

Ifedi was beaten with both speed and power in the Aggies’ win. Officially, Ifedi allowed one sack in the game. In reality, QB Kyle Allen saved his right tackle from being responsible for two or three more. With Texas A&M beginning their SEC schedule this weekend, Ifedi must have a quick turnaround. His lack of quickness will force him to move inside to guard at the next level, but Ifedi must find a way to survive the rest of this season at tackle.

Next: Draft Stock Down: Defense