NFL Draft: Week 5 Prospect Stock Report

Oct 4, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) reacts with linebacker Amarlo Herrera (52) after a sack against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Vanderbilt 44-17. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Draft Stock Down: Defense

Leonard Floyd (OLB – Georgia)

Leonard Floyd is a projected first-round pick in the NFL Draft, but his performance against Alabama was very disappointing. The talented edge rusher clearly needs to add to his 231-pound frame.

Alabama’s Derrick Henry was barely slowed by Floyd, as the RB ran over and stiff-armed the OLB on more than one occasion during the Crimson Tide’s win. NFL.com reported that representatives from 10 teams were on hand at this game, in which Floyd finished with just four tackles. There’s no doubt Floyd has the explosiveness to rush off the edge at the next level, he just needs to improve his power.

Eli Apple (CB – Ohio State)

Eli Apple was one of the top corners in all of college football in the month of September, but his October got off to a rocky start.

Apple allowed his first reception of the season in a win over Indiana, in addition to being flagged for pass interference twice in the game. One of those flags was on second-and-19 during the Hoosiers’ final drive.

Apple is only a redshirt sophomore, but whether he declares for the 2016 NFL Draft, or waits until 2017 or even 2018, he’s on his way to becoming a first-round pick.

Daryl Worley (CB – West Virginia)

Led by Karl Joseph and Daryl Worley, West Virginia has a very talented secondary. That’s a rarity in the Big 12, but they still weren’t enough to slow down the Oklahoma offense.

Sooners’ QB Baker Mayfield threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns in the win. While Joseph was able to hold his own, and even intercept a pass, Worley struggled. Oklahoma WR Dede Westbrook lined up across from Worley for much of the game and was able to create separation throughout. Westbrook gained over 100 yards in the game.

It won’t get any easier for Worley as the Big 12 is full of aerial attacks. West Virginia’s next four games are against Oklahoma State, Baylor, TCU and Texas Tech; four schools that love to throw the football.

Next: 2016 NFL Draft: Biggest Defensive Sleepers By Position