2017 NFL Draft: Week 2 Prospect Stock Report

By Shawn Spencer | Sep 14, 2016

Sep 10, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Kalen Ballage (7) crosses the goal line to score a touchdown against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 10, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) talks with an official during the second half against the Troy Trojans at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Tigers won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 10, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) talks with an official during the second half against the Troy Trojans at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Tigers won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Down: Offense

Deshaun Watson (QB – Clemson): Deshaun Watson’s struggles in the season opener against Auburn were initially chalked up to rust and the fact that he was facing an SEC defense. His performance in Week 2 however, was simply poor play.

Facing Troy, Clemson was expected to get out to a big lead early with the arm and legs of Watson providing a first-half cushion. That big lead never came as Watson made multiple poor decisions and errant passes throughout the game.

For a quarterback in contention to be the first-overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, Watson needs to improve quickly. Facing South Carolina State this weekend should help his confidence, however the same could have been said about Troy. With a showdown against Louisville looming on October 1, Watson needs to be at his best.

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Dan Skipper (LT – Arkansas): Dan Skipper may have saved the game by blocking a field goal, however his play at left tackle exasperated concerns scouts already had.

TCU defensive end Josh Carraway provided a tough test for Skipper. The speed of Carraway caused problems for the 6-foot-9 Skipper, whose foot speed just isn’t what it needs to be for a blindside tackle in the NFL. As a right side only tackle, it’s likely Skipper’s stock will fall to the second day of the NFL Draft.

J.T. Barrett (QB – Ohio State): Despite another blowout victory, J.T. Barrett did not play like an NFL prospect. The Ohio State defense bailed him out, but Barrett needs to step up his play in order for the Buckeyes to make a playoff run.

Barrett finished the game 14-of-22 passing for 149 yards. He failed to throw a touchdown pass in the game, and the offense failed to reach the end zone until midway through the third quarter. The issue was sustaining drives as Barrett threw the ball nine times on third down, yet converted on just one of those attempts. Throw in a lost fumble and this tape is one Barrett will want to forget.

Teammates and former quarterbacks Braxton Miller and Cardale Jones were selected in the 2016 NFL Draft, however it’s far from a lock that Barrett hears his name called in the draft. He could wait until 2018, but a position change may be in order if Barrett wants to make an NFL roster.

Next: Stock Down: Defense