NFL Draft 2016: Updated Prospect Radar, Post-Preseason
The college football season is underway and so are preparations for the 2016 NFL draft. While players and teams attempted to win their season-opening games this weekend, scouts across the country focused on the nation's best seniors, such as Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner, and others who could declare for the draft after this season, such as Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg.
No one's draft stock is determined in the initial week of the college football season, but there were certainly some players who raised their profiles—and others who failed to meet expectations—in the first games of the year.
Which players put their professional-quality skill sets on display in Week 1, and which prominent names had flaws in their games exposed? The following slides include a look at some of the week's most noteworthy studs and duds among players who are eligible to go pro in 2016.
Stock Up: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
1 of 10
This Week: Three quarterback hurries, one blocked field goal and a 31-yard touchdown reception in the first half.
Opponent: UT Martin
One of the best defensive tackle prospects in the country was also able to show his chops as a fullback in Week 1. Ole Miss' Robert Nkemdiche logged his first career reception against UT Martin. The play action allowed Nkemdiche to release freely into the flat, and his ridiculous athleticism did the rest of the work.
The 6'4", 296-pound defensive tackle could have been confused for a tight end. He was actually pulling away from the UT Martin defenders who were in pursuit. There simply aren't many near-300-pound tackles who have the lower-body explosion Nkemdiche displayed on that score.
More important than the catch, though, was Nkemdiche's defensive performance. He was listed at 270 pounds last season but is now 296, according to CBS Sports. The new bulk didn't impede his disruptiveness as Nkemdiche logged those three quarterback hurries in the first half alone, according to the Sporting News.
Yes, the competition level was low, but Nkemdiche's flashes last year didn't equate to enough production. This season, he looks ready to take the step from occasional disruptor to dangerous finisher.
Current Draft Projection: First round
Stock Down: Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
2 of 10
This Week: 11-of-25 for 103 yards and one interception
Opponent: Temple
After a mostly disastrous 2014 season in which Christian Hackenberg had more interceptions than touchdowns, he had the chance to capitalize on a blank slate. Now a true junior, what Hackenberg puts on tape this year will matter more than anything prior. NFL scouts want to see whether he can excel in a difficult situation.
Unfortunately, Hackenberg's struggles continued against Temple. He was inaccurate and indecisive throughout the game as he completed less than 50 percent of his passes and threw for only 103 yards.
Hackenberg also took 10 sacks against a mediocre opponent. Not all of the sacks were his fault, as the Penn State offensive line continues to be inept. But his lack of pocket presence and slow decision-making allowed defenders to bring him down far too easily.
It's a tough situation for Hackenberg, as the Nittany Lions clearly lack even average talent along the offensive line. He thrived under former head coach Bill O'Brien, but his struggles without O'Brien designing the offense may illustrate that he is a lesser quarterback prospect than we thought. On the other hand, O'Brien's coaching ability looks even more impressive.
The book isn't closed on Hackenberg's NFL future. But the first week was not a step in the right direction. His confidence and consistency must improve quickly.
Current Draft Projection: Late first round
Stock Up: Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
3 of 10
This Week: Seven tackles and one sack
Opponent: Texas
One of the hottest names of the 2016 NFL draft is Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith. Smith has the ideal size, speed and instincts for the middle linebacker position. At 6'2", 240 pounds, he was flying around the field making plays against Texas on Saturday.
The Fighting Irish demolished a struggling program, and Smith's impact couldn't have been bigger. It's hard to find game-changing linebackers who must be located pre-snap at the college level. But Smith is that rare playmaker because of his elite athleticism.
The NFL doesn't have many impact middle linebackers. There are the obvious ones like NaVorro Bowman, Bobby Wagner and Luke Kuechly, but a vast majority of teams would love to upgrade the position. Smith will be a high-end commodity in the NFL if he continues to play like this.
If there were any doubts about Smith's talent level, they should have been squashed with this performance. He has the chance to pick up even more momentum throughout the season and secure a spot as a top-10 value in the 2016 draft. So far, so good for Jaylon Smith.
Current Draft Projection: Early first round
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Stock Up: Skai Moore, LB, South Carolina
4 of 10
This Week: 10 tackles and two interceptions
Opponent: North Carolina
The opening game of Week 1 featured several notable NFL prospects, but the cream of the crop was South Carolina linebacker Skai Moore. The 6'2", 218-pounder notched two interceptions in the end zone to help save the Gamecocks' 17-13 victory against North Carolina. He was also able to rack up 10 tackles, setting the tone for a physical defensive performance.
Moore is just a true junior, but it's clear he is the defensive leader for South Carolina. He is also tops among active players in the SEC with nine career picks. His coverage talent is a major positive for his NFL stock.
One area that Moore must improve, however, is on the scales. At his size, he's more fit to play safety than linebacker. Realistically, he'll want to get up to 230 pounds so he can man either the weakside or the middle. That should be possible by the time he reaches the NFL.
Moore's rare coverage talent alone should propel him into the draft's Day 2 discussion. Of course, he'll have to continue his high level of play before that's the reality come April. But the first week was a great indicator of his talent.
Current Draft Projection: Second round
Stock Down: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
5 of 10
This Week: One tackle and one sack
Opponent: Western Michigan
A highly touted prospect for the last two seasons, Michigan State defensive end Shilique Calhoun has yet to impress aside from his physique. At 6'5", 250 pounds, he has NFL size, which should allow him to play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 front. He's also strong at the point of attack, especially against the run.
But Calhoun's game tape is underwhelming for someone of his stature and notoriety in college football. He's not a great athlete, which showed against Western Michigan. Calhoun should have dominated against an inferior opponent, but instead he had just one sack on the Broncos' second to last drive, when the game was all but over.
That's not the impact a first-round pick makes on a weekly basis. For Calhoun to really earn first-round merit, he must be more dominant. He cannot disappear for three quarters.
Calhoun has a great body and is a good run defender. His pass-rush prowess is lacking right now, but he has rotational value as a late Day 2 selection in the 2016 draft. We'll see if he can increase his stock against a much more formidable opponent, Oregon, in Week 2.
Current Draft Projection: Third round
Stock Up: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
6 of 10
This Week: 10 receptions, 154 yards and one touchdown
Opponent: Michigan State
The best player on the field in the Michigan State-Western Michigan game was actually on the latter's roster. It's not often that statement is true, but Broncos receiver Corey Davis proved that he is a tremendous playmaker in Week 1 against a talented Spartans defense.
What made Davis so impressive was his agility. It's one thing to see a 5'10", 180-pound receiver streaking downfield on a go route, but it is an entirely more exciting sight when the receiver is 6'3" and 205 pounds. Davis created space on a variety of routes despite being much bigger than the cornerbacks covering him.
Davis' breakout came at a great time. He torched Michigan State and will face Ohio State in late September. If he can repeat this performance, he'll improve his draft status. His impressive 2014 resume hints that we haven't heard the last from Davis: He had over 1,400 yards on 78 receptions.
Current Draft Projection: Second round
Stock Up: Montravius Adams, DT, Auburn
7 of 10
This Week: Seven tackles and one sack
Opponent: Louisville
Some things in college football don't seem to change. For the last decade or so, the SEC has produced extremely talented pass-rushers. Auburn has an extraordinarily disruptive duo that lined up next to each other in Week 1.
Defensive tackle Montravius Adams and defensive end Carl Lawson put on a clinic against Louisville. Adams was especially terrific, as the 6'4", 296-pounder was able to blow up run and pass plays all game long. The Cardinals offense was limited to 10 points through three quarters due in large part to Adams' play.
Pass-rushers continue to come at a premium in the NFL, and Adams has the size and burst to make an early impact in the league. He was a solid starter last season, but he looked much more well-rounded in Week 1. This strong start to his junior season is encouraging as Adams may have taken the next step in his development.
Right now, we'll peg his value in the second round. A few more dominant games against top competition will change that.
Current Draft Projection: Second round
Stock Down: Devonte Fields, OLB, Louisville
8 of 10
This Week: One solo tackle
Opponent: Auburn
It had been nearly two years since Devonte Fields played on the FBS level. The 5-star recruit had once been a star for TCU, but he was dismissed from the school and had to transfer to Trinity Valley Community College. Hopes were high that Fields would show out against Auburn in Week 1.
The opposite happened, though. Fields turned in a forgettable performance, logging just one solo tackle. The first positive play he was a part of came at the end of the third quarter, when he helped make a tackle for loss on a read option.
Fields was once an incredible pass-rusher, but he seemed rusty at his new position, strongside linebacker. Perhaps he can rebound and become more comfortable and impactful.
But for now, Fields looks like a developmental player with off-field baggage, though a misdemeanor assault charge against him was dropped last July.
Current Draft Projection: Third round
Stock Down: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
9 of 10
This Week: Two catches, 20 yards and one touchdown
Opponent: Wofford
Unfortunately for Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams, his season may be over as soon as it began. This is heartbreaking news for Williams, who entered the year with first-round hype. The 6'4", 220-pound receiver is an excellent vertical playmaker, and his rare size and speed combination only increase his NFL potential.
Williams is out for an unknown amount of time after fracturing his neck. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said the injury is not career-threatening, but he won't rush Williams back on the field. Williams' collision with the goalpost, however, was a scary reminder that things change quickly.
It's impossible to peg Williams' stock right now, but the uncertainty of when he will play next is a negative. Hopes are that he can take to the field again this season, or else he may be forced to come back in 2016 to play his senior season. The true junior was set for a breakout year, and he could recover his stock if he can return at some point in 2015.
Current Draft Projection: Third round
Stock Up: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
10 of 10
This Week: Eight receptions, 74 yards and one touchdown
Opponent: Minnesota
Despite facing a talented Minnesota secondary, TCU wide receiver Josh Doctson was almost unstoppable whenever he was given the chance to make a play. Doctson couldn't produce on poor throws from quarterback Trevone Boykin, but if the ball was in his area, he finished plays with his usual flourish.
Doctson has solid speed and great height for an NFL prospect. At 6'3" and 195 pounds, he's somewhat thin, but he's shown the ability to make difficult contested catches. That's a trait that translates well to the NFL, where passing windows are smaller than they are in college.
The Horned Frogs will continue to feed Doctson as many passes as he can handle this season. Expect to hear his name often as the draft nears. The senior won't face many secondaries as talented as Minnesota's, so he's sure to produce eye-popping numbers throughout 2015.
Current Draft Projection: Second round
All stats are from ESPN.com.
Ian Wharton is an NFL featured columnist for Bleacher Report.
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