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2017 NFL Draft: Week 3 Prospect Stock Report

By Shawn Spencer

Sep 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball in the second quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball in the second quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive linesmen Malik McDowell (4) during the third quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Michigan State defeated Penn State 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Nov 29, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive linesmen Malik McDowell (4) during the third quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Michigan State defeated Penn State 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /

Stock Up: Defense

Malik McDowell (DL – Michigan State): Malik McDowell needed a good game to help the Spartans defeat Notre Dame, and the projected first-round pick delivered. Whether he was lining up at nose tackle or defensive end, McDowell caused problems for the Fighting Irish offense all game long.

Lining up all over the defensive line, McDowell helped stuff the Notre Dame rushing attack. The Irish gained just 57 yards on 25 attempts on the ground. Here’s an example of McDowell creating havoc in the backfield against the run.

When DeShone Kizer dropped back to pass, McDowell was in his face forcing errant throws. Even against the highly-sought of left tackle Mike McGlinchey, McDowell was able to get around the edge.

Without Shilique Calhoun in the lineup, Michigan State has relied on McDowell to slow both the opponent’s rushing and passing attacks. So far, McDowell has answered the call and played his way into the top half of the first round.

Devonte Fields (OLB – Louisville): Like McDowell, Devonte Fields had a profound impact on one of the top games of the week. His contributions for Louisville helped the Cardinal knock off the second-ranked Florida State Seminoles.

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    • Another aspect of his performance that was similar to McDowell’s was his solid play against one of the top left tackles in the nation. Florida State’s Roderick Johnson didn’t have an answer for Fields, who beat him inside and around the edge in Louisville’s blowout win.

    Fields may not be putting up the astronomical sack numbers he did at the end of last season, however he does have two through three games; one coming against Florida State.

    His off-field issues may cause his stock to drop, however Fields is a top-50 talent for the 2017 NFL Draft. Whether he’s selected that early will be based off his interviews with NFL teams, as well as his play down the stretch.

    Jabrill Peppers (ATH – Michigan): If a defensive player is going to win the Heisman Trophy this season, it’s going to be Jabrill Peppers. Like Charles Woodson, the last defender to win the award, Peppers is an electrifying return man in addition to his stellar play on defense.

    Against Colorado, Peppers accumulated 204 all-purpose yards as a returner and running back. On defense, he recorded nine tackles, 3.5 for a loss and a sack. If he continues his torrid pace, Peppers will join Louisville’s Lamar Jackson and Christian McCaffrey of Stanford as Heisman favorites.

    While Peppers is a virtual lock to be a top-15 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, his eventual position at the next level is still to be determined. His best position appears to be as a hybrid safety/linebacker, but he’s been all over the field for the Wolverines.

    Peppers has lined up in every linebacker and defensive back role on defense. Regardless of where he lines up, Peppers has been a solid contributor and finds a way to make plays despite the opponent’s attempts to keep the ball away from him.

    Jonathan Allen (DE – Alabama): Allowing 43 points certainly wasn’t the plan for the Alabama defense against Ole Miss, however that side of the ball played just well enough to win the game. While there were a few prospects for the Crimson Tide who struggled, Jonathan Allen was not one of them.

    Allen very likely would have been a first-round pick had he declared for last year’s draft, however he’s working his way up the board even more as the 2017 NFL Draft approaches. His performance against the Rebels is one that certainly won’t be forgotten in NFL circles.

    The senior defensive end led the way with seven pressures for Alabama in addition to his four tackles. The play he’ll be known for however was a 75-yard fumble return for a touchdown which gave Alabama a three possession lead in the fourth quarter.

    Allen had little to gain and a lot to lose by staying in school for another season, however through three games, he’s improved his stock for the 2017 NFL Draft.

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