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2017 NFL Draft: Week 8 Prospect Stock Report

By Shawn Spencer

Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) before a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) before a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NFL Draft Takkarist McKinley
October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) brings down Arizona Wildcats quarterback Khalil Tate (14) during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Up: Defense

Takkarist McKinley (DE – UCLA): As a unit, the UCLA defense was dreadful in the 52-45 loss to Utah over the weekend. This was especially true against the run, as the Bruins allowed 360 yards on the ground. The one player who did his job was defensive end Takkarist McKinley.

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Five of McKinley’s six tackles occurred in the backfield. He also recorded three sacks and forced two fumbles. McKinley did a very good job of generating production while playing disciplined football. The junior college transfer has been a slow-rising prospect throughout the season, but his performance against Utah will force NFL clubs to take a closer look.

Over the past two seasons at UCLA, McKinley has been overshadowed by more well-known players like Myles Jack. Even on the defensive line, Kenny Clark and Eddie Vanderdoes are considered better prospects. He’s likely to end up as a pass-rushing outside linebacker in the NFL, but regardless of his future position, McKinley’s 2017 NFL Draft stock is about to rise quickly.

Jaleel Johnson (DT – Iowa): The Iowa defense kept the game close against Wisconsin, but just didn’t have the firepower on offense to pull out the victory. The school’s top prospect, cornerback Desmond King, played well as usual, but it was the play of another defender who should have caught the attention of NFL scouts.

Oct 17, 2015; Evanston, IL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson (67) celebrates after a fumble recovery during the second half of the game at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Evanston, IL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson (67) celebrates after a fumble recovery during the second half of the game at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

Senior defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson was a force in the trenches, preventing Corey Clement and the Badgers running game to rush up the middle. It wasn’t just the run game in which Johnson made an impact either. He finished off the third quarter with back-to-back sacks to prevent Wisconsin from taking a two-score lead.

Johnson already has set career highs in sacks and tackles for a loss this season. He won’t be in the first-round discussion like King, however Johnson is the second best 2017 NFL Draft prospect on the Iowa roster.

Jonathan Allen (DE – Alabama): Jonathan Allen would have been a first-round pick if he entered the draft last season and he’ll be a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Just when you think he can’t improve his stock any further, he goes and does something like this.

This sack came on Texas A&M’s first offensive drive of the game and set the tone for the rest of the contest. Allen continued to create havoc in the Aggies backfield, as he landed three additional hits on quarterback Trevor Knight later in the game.

Allen does offer scheme versatility as he can play inside in a 4-3 defense or outside in a 3-4. He has more potential as a defensive tackle, but shouldn’t be taken off any team’s 2017 NFL Draft board. He’s a top-10 talent who could be taken higher depending on how the top of the draft shakes up.

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