NFL Draft: Week 5 Prospect Stock Report

Oct 3, 2015; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Anthony Walker (18) returns a fumble for a touchdown during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

Draft Stock Up: Defense

Anthony Walker (ILB – Northwestern)

Five games into the season and Northwestern sits atop the Big Ten West. The Wildcats have been winning with defense, a unit led by inside linebacker Anthony Walker.

Walker is only a sophomore, but he’s been out of high school for three years so he is eligible for the 2016 NFL Draft. He currently leads the team in tackles (44), tackles for a loss (8.5) and fumble recoveries (2). He stepped up once again in a shutout of Minnesota by returning a fumble for a touchdown. Walker has very impressive awareness, especially for a sophomore, which allows him to track down plays most middle linebackers can’t.

There’s generally a handful of redshirt sophomores who enter the draft every year. Last year for example, there were seven. Walker could very well be on that list this year.

Brandon Facyson (CB – Virginia Tech)

After losing Kendall Fuller for the season, Virginia Tech needed Brandon Facyson to step up. His first task as the number one cornerback would be slowing down Pittsburgh’s Tyler Boyd. Although the Hokies lost the game, Facyson was better than expected.

For the game, Boyd caught just five passes for 48 yards. His longest gain was just 11 yards. Facyson had tight coverage on Boyd when the two were matched up. In addition, Facyson had a huge pass breakup on third down on a pass intended for Boyd. The ensuing field goal attempt was blocked, giving Virginia Tech an opportunity to win the game late in the fourth quarter.

Like Anthony Walker, Facyson is a redshirt sophomore who could potentially declare for the 2016 NFL Draft. Listed at 6-foot-2, his size alone will intrigue teams at the next level.

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Jarran Reed (DT – Alabama)

There were several Alabama defenders who played well in the team’s win over Georgia, but defensive tackle Jarran Reed was the most consistent. He’s typically overshadowed by teammate A’Shawn Robinson on the Alabama defensive line, but Reed showed why he’s considered a day two pick.

Alabama did a great job limiting Georgia RB Nick Chubb. He broke off an 83-yard touchdown run late, but gained only 63 yards on his other 19 carries. Reed was the biggest reason why Chubb couldn’t get going. The 313-pound DT led Alabama with eight tackles in the game. Seven of his tackles occurred on runs by Chubb, including three straight stops to end the first quarter.

Reed and a defense full of NFL Draft prospects made a statement by slowing Chubb, and will need to do the same later in the season when both Jalen Hurd of Tennessee and Leonard Fournette of LSU come to Tuscaloosa.

Antonio Morrison (ILB – Florida)

From one top SEC defender to another. All the hype going into this game surrounded Laquon Treadwell and Vernon Hargreaves III. It was supposed to be a battle between a first-round wide receiver and a first-round cornerback. Alas, the matchup didn’t come to fruition as the two played on opposite sides of the field on just about every play.

Instead, inside linebacker Antonio Morrison made the biggest impact on the game among Gators’ defenders as he compiled 16 total tackles, including 3.5 for a loss. Morrison had a tough time against Tennessee the previous week as he took several poor angles and didn’t appear to be moving at full speed. While it’s possible his two offseason knee surgeries had something to do with that, he looked 100 percent against Ole Miss.

Clemson Prospects

After watching interviews with Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, it’s easy to understand why the program recruits so well. His recruiting efforts have paid off this season as the Tigers are 5-0 after defeating Notre Dame on Saturday night. Several of those recruits, now highly-regarded NFL Draft prospects, had very impressive showings against the Irish.

Here’s just a quick review of how well the Clemson defense played. Defensive end Shaq Lawson finished with seven tackles, 3.5 for a loss. He’s the first player all season to cause Notre Dame star left tackle Ronnie Stanley fits. Lawson showed great explosion and power off the snap. Strong safety Jayron Kearse is a force as both a run defender and pass defender. He had six tackles in this game in addition to a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Mackensie Alexander (another redshirt sophomore) held Notre Dame’s top WR, Will Fuller, to just two receptions for 37 yards.

It was a great night to be a Clemson draft prospect. That list doesn’t even include DE Kevin Dodd and LB B.J. Goodson, who were named ACC Players of the Week following the game.

Next: Draft Stock Down: Offense