2017 NFL Draft: Draft Radar Heading into NFL Week 8
LSU running back Leonard Fournette did not disappoint in his return, reminding everyone just who is the best offensive prospect in the country. Meanwhile, another (less popular) player returned to the college landscape, amassing an impressive 19 stops in the biggest upset win of the weekend.
In the NFL, the Cleveland Browns continued their surge for the first overall pick. The debate for what they will do with that pick will be fascinating, while the questions surrounding the top quarterback prospects are larger than ever.
The NFL draft is the best of both the college and pro football worlds. What college studs compare to current pro standouts? Let's break it all down in this week's draft radar.
Stock Up
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Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
No other draft-eligible player deserves to sit at the of top this list more than Fournette. He was brilliant in LSU’s win over Ole Miss, rushing for 284 yards on just 16 carries and taking three into the end zone.
The top running back for the 2017 draft class displayed how dangerous he is when given any momentum. His power and speed are top-notch, and he should have instant success for whoever drafts him next year.
Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
The 6’4", 215-pound Sutton was a key cog in SMU’s upset win over the Houston Cougars on Saturday. He hauled in seven of his 10 targets for 83 yards and a brilliant touchdown grab. Sutton is a master of high pointing the football, making him a dominant red zone threat. He’s had little help from the quarterback position, suggesting his best football might be ahead of him in the NFL.
Brandon Bell, LB, Penn State
A lot of people are wondering how the hell unranked Penn State beat the No. 2 team in the country in Ohio State. The return of senior linebacker Brandon Bell had a big hand in it, as he recorded 19 stops in his first game in five weeks.
The 6’1", 231-pound linebacker doesn’t pack the biggest punch in the size category, but he plays all over the field. On top of his 19 tackles, he had a sack and another quarterback hurry. Today’s NFL is always looking to land value linebackers that move well in space and can stay on the field against spread attacks. If Bell can stay healthy, he has the traits to mold into a late riser for the 2017 draft.
Stock Down
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Dawuane Smoot, EDGE, Illinois
Michigan kept Smoot in check, gashing his Illinois defense for 270 rushing yards and nearly 600 total yards of offense. While Smoot is an impressive edge-rusher, he struggles against the run.
The senior has potential be a high-end situational edge-rusher at the next level, but his inability to be a consistent three-down end might push him to Day 2 of the draft.
Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon
Royce Freeman had an awful showing in a shootout between Cal and Oregon. He couldn’t get anything going on the ground, compiling 15 rushing yards on 10 carries without finding the end zone. He also had a season-low of two missed tackles forced.
Noah Brown, WR, Ohio State
Make no mistake, Brown has had little help from quarterback J.T. Barrett recently. Brown is a target who wins down the field with his incredible size and strength. In Ohio State’s stunning loss on Saturday evening, he only had three catches on four targets for 45 yards (with one drop).
Brown has the talent to take over a game on his own, and the Alshon Jeffery comparisons are fair for his ability to win at the catch-point. Until he gets the opportunity to flourish in the offense, like he did in his four-touchdown performance against Oklahoma, he should stay in school a bit longer.
Shutdown-Corner Watch
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Cornerback is a premium position in the modern NFL—every team is looking to add the next great shutdown defensive back. The 2017 draft class could present a special group. While the fantastic Florida duo of Quincy Wilson and Jalen Tabor had a week off, plenty of other players took advantage of an opportunity to stand out.
Washington’s Sidney Jones hasn't seen many passes come his way. Over the weekend, Oregon State didn't throw a single pass at him. He’s now been targeted nine times in seven games this season, only allowing four catches for 20 yards and no touchdowns. It’s been an absurd, elite season for Jones.
Colorado’s Chidobe Awuzie continues to step up for an ascending defense. In his team's win over Stanford, he only allowed two catches on four targets for 41 yards. He broke up the other two passes that came his way.
Iowa continues to struggle, but cornerback Desmond King hasn't dropped off. He’s a physical player at 5’11", 200 pounds, and he's always involved in stopping the run on top of his pass-coverage duties. He hasn’t given up a touchdown this season, and he only allowed two catches on four targets for 56 yards against a tough Wisconsin team this weekend.
It’s a mystery if Alabama cornerback Marlon Humphrey will declare after this season, but his big-time 2016 campaign could very well lead to an early departure for the NFL. He shut down most of the action that came his way in a huge win over Texas A&M, only allowing three catches on five targets for 33 yards. He also had an interception and a pass defended.
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4 Layup Pro Comparisons
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Ryan Switzer, WR, UNC: Jamison Crowder, Washington Redskins
Crowder has been a breakout target for quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Redskins. Switzer's game is similar, as both wideouts know how to win over the middle of the field. Neither is a threat to get over the top of a defense, but they are both superb at 'paper cut'-style attacks. Not only do they have similar builds and tendencies at wide receiver, but they also feature great special teams ability.
Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama: Michael Bennett, Seattle Seahawks
Allen, a frequent sight on the draft radar due to his weekly dominance, is a complete defensive lineman—similar to Bennett. Both are disruptive as interior pass-rushers, and both have the versatility to attack from different alignments up front.
Tim Williams, EDGE, Alabama: Bruce Irvin, Oakland Raiders
Both are dynamite pass-rushers off the edge, but Williams will face the same questions Irvin did about becoming a three-down defender.
Jamaal Williams, RB, BYU: Matt Forte, New York Jets
Forte has lost a step, but Williams' ability to drive his legs is similar to what Forte showed in his prime. They are both taller running backs at 6'2", and Williams runs with power, superb vision and quick feet—like a younger Forte.
The Disruptors: Who's Making Noise Getting After the QB?
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Alabama’s Jonathan Allen continues to be the most consistent defensive line threat in the country. He registered a sack and eight total quarterback pressures against Ole Miss.
Auburn’s Carl Lawson doesn’t get the same love as Myles Garrett, but Lawson is proving himself to be another talented edge-rusher who should be in the 2017 draft. He was unblockable against Arkansas this weekend, tallying a sack, two quarterback hits and nine total pressures.
Another threat off the edge who continues to fly under the radar is Mizzou’s Charles Harris. After registering six total pressures this weekend, he now has 33 in just seven games.
In the Pac-12, UCLA’s Takkarist McKinley continued to put himself on the map with a three-sack performance against Utah. At 6’4", 230 pounds, McKinley is a lighter threat off the edge, but he has the length and explosiveness to make an impact. He’s on pace for double-digit sacks this season, and he could become an early selection on Day 2 of the draft.
The Spectrum: Is DeShone Kizer the Next Ben Roethlisberger or Josh Freeman?
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Each draft season, it's common to assess a prospect's floor and ceiling. An interesting way to frame those predictions is using pro comparisons, such as the ones above.
Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer has all of the physical tools to mold into an NFL franchise quarterback. He's big (6'4", 230 pounds) with a strong arm and above-average mobility. At times, he works through his reads, and he can thread a pass between defenders as good as anyone.
But he also commits frustrating turnovers and tends to hold onto the ball too long, leading to unnecessary sacks and negative yards.
Former first-round pick Josh Freeman's career was sky rocketing after he passed for 25 touchdowns and only six interceptions in his second NFL season. Unfortunately for him and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the mental side of football never caught up to his physical ability. Defenses recognized his tendencies, and he was no longer a starting NFL quarterback just two seasons after a stellar second year.
It's not fair to assume Kizer's career will have a similar path, but it will be interesting to predict his spectrum if he declares for the draft. Can a team develop him and help his physical tools blossom? His ability to take hits, extend plays and push the ball down the field has Ben Roethlisberger-potential.
How early is a team willing to gamble for a great reward? Kizer's final stretch of the 2016 season, starting with Miami on Saturday, will have a huge impact on his draft stock.
How High Can Jabrill Peppers Go?
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Michigan do-it-all standout Jabrill Peppers is one of the more polarizing prospects in the country. He's a fantastic defensive back and returner, and he's even dangerous on the offensive side of the ball. With all of that ability, how high could he be drafted?
The most common question surrounding Peppers is "where does he play?"
The answer is simpler than many are making it out to be: He's a safety.
While he could succeed at corner, his versatility and potential to play closer to the line make him a bigger threat at safety. He can move into the box as a "money 'backer" when necessary, but he can also move out to cover the slot. He's a skilled blitzer as well.
Peppers is an incredible football player who should be a top-15 selection in the spring. With the right staff, he will flourish on special teams and as an every-down defender. NFL defenses are desperate for playmakers, and it will be hard to find one as versatile as Peppers in the 2017 NFL draft.
All advanced statistics via Pro Football Focus unless otherwise noted.
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