2017 NFL Draft: Week 1 Prospect Stock Report

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Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs for a touchdown against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the fourth quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Up: Offense

Nick Chubb (RB – Georgia): Before suffering a season-ending knee injury last October, Georgia running back Nick Chubb had rushed for at least 100 yards in each of his last 13 games. While that streak came to an end against Tennessee when he was hurt on his first carry of the game, Chubb returned to form Saturday night against North Carolina.

There was no easing Chubb back into the game as new head coach Kirby Smart handed the ball to his star RB 32 times in the win. Chubb rewarded his coach and teammates by rushing for 222 yards and two scores in the tightly-contested game. His 32 carries were the most he’s had in a single game since the 2014 Belk Bowl.

While the junior looked to be back to full strength, NFL doctors will be sure to closely examine his knee at the Scouting Combine should Chubb declare for the 2017 NFL Draft. If all goes well, Chubb will likely be a second-round pick.

Mike Williams (WR – Clemson): Another prospect returning from a significant injury is Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams. The junior was lost for the year in 2015 after hitting the goalpost in the season opener and breaking his neck. He returned against Auburn and immediately went back to his role as Deshaun Watson’s favorite target. Williams finished the game with nine receptions for 174 yards.

Those 174 yards were a career high for Williams, eclipsing the 155 yards he accumulated against North Carolina State back in 2014. 105 of those yards came before halftime as it didn’t take long for Williams to get into the flow of the game.

Like Chubb, the medical check on Williams is going to be a significant factor in his final grade. He has first-round talent, but a broken neck could scare some teams away.

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Tyler Jones (QB – Texas State): Not many college football fans, have had the opportunity to watch Texas State over the past few years. Defenders Craig Mager and David Mayo were selected in the 2015 draft, but no one from the offensive side of the ball has been drafted out of Texas State since 2000.

That offensive player was none other than quarterback Spergeon Wynn, the 183rd selection of the 2000 draft. His NFL career never panned out and he’s most known for being the sixth and final QB drafted ahead of Tom Brady in the 2000 draft. Tyler Jones has a chance to break that 16-year drought, and started off on the right foot against Ohio. Despite being more than a 20-point underdog, the dual-threat QB led his team to a 56-54 win in triple overtime.

Jones finished the game 40-of-55 passing (72 percent completion rate) for 418 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for a score and caught a touchdown pass. If Jones has any shot to be drafted, he’s going to have to prove his worth over the next two games as the Bobcats will face Arkansas and Houston.

Cooper Kupp (WR – Eastern Washington): Washington State may not have the best pass defense in the country, but Eastern Washington’s Cooper Kupp showed once again why he’s the best 2017 NFL Draft prospect from the FCS.

The senior receiver caught 12 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns against the Cougars. He’s now the all-time leader in FCS history with 59 receiving scores. In four career games versus Pac-12 opponents, Kupp has 40 receptions for 716 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Over the past four years, he’s proven that Vernon Adams and red turf aren’t the only things Eastern Washington football should be known for. He doesn’t have to face anymore FBS teams in his college career, but will face plenty of big-name cornerbacks in January when he’s inevitably invited to the Senior Bowl.

DeShone Kizer (QB – Notre Dame): 15 months ago, DeShone Kizer was buried on the Notre Dame depth chart behind Everett Golson and Malik Zaire. After it was apparent that Zaire would be the starter in 2015, Golson transferred to Florida State to finish his college career. Kizer became the primary backup and was only one play away from seeing the field.

That one play came against Virginia when Zaire broke his ankle. Kizer would come into the game and win it with a late fourth quarter touchdown pass. After playing well for the rest of the 2015 season, Kizer earned the starting role to begin the 2016 campaign.

Despite head coach Brian Kelly playing musical chairs with his quarterbacks, Kizer played extremely well against Texas. He completed 15 of his 24 passes for 215 yards and five touchdowns. He also added a score on the ground.

Kizer has a strong arm and showed it off on multiple occasions. He displayed a very good ability to add velocity to his throws when required, and maintained solid ball placement when doing so. He’s only a redshirt sophomore, but don’t be surprised if Kizer enters the 2017 NFL Draft if he continues to play well. He’s a future first-round pick.

Next: Stock Up: Defense

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