2018 NFL Draft: Week 3 Prospect Stock Report
Stock Up: Defense
Duke Dawson (CB – Florida): Duke Dawson had to wait for his chance at Florida as he sat behind Teez Tabor and Quincy Wilson on the depth chart. Now that he’s a starter, Dawson has taken advantage of his increased playing time. In the win over Tennessee in week three, Dawson proved why he’s worth a pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The senior cornerback tied a career high with six tackles against the Volunteers, but it was one drive that left an indelible mark with scouts. Early in the third quarter, Tennessee has a first-and-goal at the Florida one. On first down, Dawson broke up a pass. After a penalty on the Gators gave Tennessee another first down, Dawson broke up another pass, sniffed out and stopped a screen pass for a loss and intercepted the ball on three consecutive plays.
Dawson did suffer a head injury late in the game and is questionable for the Gators next contest against Kentucky. Even if he misses the game, Dawson will have plenty of opportunities to enhance his 2018 NFL Draft stock against some of the top receivers in the SEC.
Malik Jefferson (LB – Texas): Now that Malik Jefferson is at weakside linebacker, he’s been able to showcase a new set of skills. Against a high-powered USC offense, Jefferson showed he possesses the play speed necessary to succeed at the next level.
Jefferson recorded 11 tackles in the overtime loss, including two for a loss. Both of his stops in the backfield came in the fourth quarter when the Longhorns needed him the most. After two seasons in which he struggled at times, Jefferson is finally in the role he’s best suited for. He’s on pace for about 100 tackles this season, which would easily surpass his career high of 62.
Jefferson entered this season as a fringe first-round pick for the 2018 NFL Draft, and has done nothing but improve his stock. Combine testing will play a large role in exactly how high he’ll be selected, but a few more weeks like the one he had against the Trojans should cement his spot as a top-50 pick.