2017 NFL Draft: Week 5 Prospect Stock Report

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Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) high five fans as they beat the Vanderbilt Commodores at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Up: Defense

Jarrad Davis (ILB – Florida): Despite losing Vernon Hargreaves III, Keanu Neal and Jonathan Bullard to the NFL, the Florida defense is still among the best in the SEC. One reason is the presence of middle linebacker Jarrad Davis.

Now that Antonio Morrison, another draft pick from a year ago, has moved on, Davis transitioned into the middle linebacker role. Last season, he played outside in Florida’s 4-3 front. That versatility will appeal to NFL teams when the 2017 NFL Draft rolls around.

Davis finished the game against Vanderbilt with 15 tackles, more than twice as many as anyone else on the Gators. He also broke up a team-high three passes, one of which came on the game-clinching interception with less than a minute left in the game.

Davis has been a force against both the pass and run this season and has a chance to improve his stock as the Gators work their way through the SEC. He’s a projected second day pick who could be a surprise first rounder if an NFL team running a 4-3 defense is especially high on him.

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Derek Barnett (DE – Tennessee): The Hail Mary at the end of the game is what the win over Georgia will be known for, but it never would have gotten to that point if not for the play of Derek Barnett.

From his right defensive end position, Barnett accounted for five tackles and two sacks. He also made the defensive play of the game when he sacked Georgia quarterback Jacob Eason in the endzone, forcing a fumble which Tennessee recovered for a touchdown.

Georgia tried to slow Barnett by placing a tight end beside the left tackle, but it failed to pay off. Barnett utilized his speed and power to find his way into the backfield and make plays. If Barnett declares for the 2017 NFL Draft, he’ll likely be a first-round pick.

Ifeadi Odenigbo (DE – Northwestern): Ifeadi Odenigbo was as productive as any defensive lineman in college football in week five. Against an Iowa offensive line that allowed just eight sacks in the first four games of the season combined, Northwestern registered six. Four of those came courtesy of Odenigbo.

As a pass-rush specialist only, Odenigbo doesn’t start for the Wildcats. He did officially earn a start in the first two games of the season, but is now back to his role as a reserve. Much like Tim Williams of Alabama last season, he’s in the game for one reason; to pressure the quarterback. He did exactly that this past weekend against what is typically one of the best offensive lines in college football.

A redshirt senior, Odenigbo now has 18.5 sacks in his career. He’s a projected late-round pick or priority free agent, but playing well against Iowa as an edge rusher can certainly help his draft stock. Just ask Yannick Ngakoue, who was a third-round pick in 2016.

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