2017 NFL Draft: Week 12 Prospect Stock Report
Stock Up: Offense
Corey Davis (WR – Western Michigan) and Zay Jones (WR – East Carolina): Corey Davis and Zay Jones have had two extremely productive college careers. Both have also seen their 2017 NFL Draft stock rise this season as they’ve showcased next-level skills while playing in mid-major conferences. In week 12, Jones broke an FBS record, while Davis closed in on one of his own.
Against Navy, Jones caught 12 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns. Those 12 receptions bring his career total to 392, which is five more than the previous record held by Justin Hardy, a former East Carolina wideout. The record-breaking reception came on a flawlessly run corner route in which Jones finds the soft spot in the Navy zone and gives his quarterback a large window in which to place the football.
While Jones set the new career reception mark, Davis is well on his way to becoming the new record holder for career receiving yards. With College Gameday’s appearance bringing extra attention to Kalamazoo, Davis and the Broncos shined in a 38-0 win over Buffalo.
Davis caught 13 passes in the game, tying his career high. He also added 173 yards and two touchdowns. He’s now surpassed 1,200 receiving yards in each of the last three seasons and is only 19 yards away from breaking the all-time FBS record of 5,005 set by Trevor Insley of Nevada in 1999.
At this point, it’s a matter of how far out of reach will Davis put the record. Western Michigan will host Toledo on Friday with a spot in the Mid-American Conference championship game on the line. A win for Davis and company guarantees the Broncos will have two games remaining after the week 13 contest. Even if his production is just average in the final three games, Davis should eclipse 5,300 yards for his career.
Of the two, Davis is the better 2017 NFL Draft prospect and someone who should be a first-round pick. Jones on the other hand, will likely hear his name called on day two of the draft.
De’Veon Smith (RB – Michigan): Playing in poor weather conditions with a backup quarterback, Michigan had no choice but to rely on the running game to knock off Indiana. Not fooling anybody, the Wolverines ran the ball 50 times in the 20-10 victory. 23 of those carries came from De’Veon Smith, who rewarded Jim Harbaugh with 158 yards and both Michigan touchdowns on the ground.
The Michigan offensive line opened up huge running lanes against the Hoosiers, but it was Smith’s ability to beat the second level of the defense that was most impressive. He showed off solid athletic ability in the open field to elude linebackers and defensive backs, while also demonstrating the power that he’s been running with for much of this season.
In a loaded running back class, Smith won’t be selected until late in the draft, but he’s someone who can be brought in to keep the chains moving and milk the clock late in games. With a matchup against Ohio State this weekend, Smith will have a chance to showcase his skills against a unit with NFL-level talent on all three levels.
Jonnu Smith (TE – Florida International): In last week’s contest against Marshall, Jonnu Smith caught one pass for 15 yards. Despite the lack of production, Smith saw his 2017 NFL Draft stock rise just for being on the field.
Less than three weeks ago, it was announced that Smith would miss the rest of the season after his girlfriend allegedly scalded him with boiling water. Despite being severely burned, the senior tight end missed just one game. His return to the field for the final home game of his career clearly inspired his teammates, as the Golden Panthers beat Marshall 31-14.
Smith’s return to the field also opens up the possibility he could participate in a postseason all-star game. He’s a potential candidate for the Senior Bowl, however Evan Engram and Gerald Everett have already accepted invitations with O.J. Howard, Jake Butt, Jordan Leggett and Jeremy Sprinkle likely to round out the six open slots. More likely, he’ll be invited to the East-West Shrine Game or NFLPA Bowl.