2011 NFL Draft Stock Watch: Who's Up, Who's Down Through Week 10
Week 10 of the season came and went and left us with a much clearer National Title picture and a good look at some NFL prospects.
With limited time left on the field it is important to keep an eye on which players close the season hot and consequently ride their momentum into the Draft process.
Big and small names alike are making moves and the last few weeks of the season should prove to be a good sample of overall ability.
Stock Up 1: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
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The junior defensive tackle from LSU has been one of the most disruptive forces in all of college football this season.
A stout 6'1, 295 pounds, Nevis possesses a quick first step, good initial burst, and dominating hands.
In LSU's monster win over 'Bama, Nevis continued to generate penetration into the backfield and disrupt plays as he has all season long.
He leads the Tigers defense with 12.5 tackles for a loss and six sacks. He also has 47 total tackles, one interception, three forced fumbles, and one safety.
LSU is home for a matchup with Louisiana-Monroe.
Stock Up 2: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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While Alabama had any hope of getting back to the National Title dashed by LSU last Saturday, wide receiver Julio Jones made the most of his matchup with the nation's top cornerback.
Watching Patrick Peterson and Jones go at it was an NFL battle on a NCAA field. Both players made plays, both players showcased why they deserve the reputation they have, and while Peterson's stock is as high as any cornerback's can possibly be, Jones was, and still is, chasing A.J. Green.
The junior receiver has shown improved route running all season long. His production (highest its ever been) is a testament to an increase in consistency and focus throughout the game.
Jones is a bigger, more physical specimen and this will bode well for him in the battle versus the more sleek and agile A.J. Green in draft rooms, dependent upon what teams will be looking for.
The Crimson Tide will play host to a No. 19 ranked Mississippi State team that will surely test their mettle after last week's loss.
Stock Up 3: Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
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The Horned Frogs probably set themselves up for a chance at the National Title if one of the two big guns slips up before season's end.
With that, and the demolition of Utah, quarterback Andy Dalton deserves some credit as a potential NFL quarterback.
Albeit undersized and with a few limitations on his arm, Dalton has showcased the ability to make a good amount of NFL throws with a good amount of zip on his ball. He has worked on protecting the football and has not forced as many throws.
Dalton is always cool under the gun and possesses enough athleticism to tuck and run as well as extend a play behind the line of scrimmage.
Something about Andy Dalton is very reminiscent of former LSU Tiger and now Green Bay Packer backup Matt Flynn.
TCU will take on San Diego State at home this weekend.
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Stock Up 4: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
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The senior pass rush demon looked healthier than he has all season and absolutely dominated his way into the Oklahoma backfield this past weekend.
Eight total tackles (3.5 for loss) and 1.5 sacks helped the Aggies stuff the Sooners on two drives into the red-zone late in the game.
Miller has been bothered by injury and slow to return to form, but can get after the passer as good as anyone in the nation.
Former Aggie and College Football Hall of Fame inductee Ray Childress talked about his ability in an interview with NFL Draft Bible; "There have got to be NFL teams drooling to get their hands on him. I think he’s the best pure pass rusher in college football. He’s remarkable; it breaks my heart when I see him drop back in pass coverage. The guy will literally excel and be great in the NFL because of the way he can move."
The Aggies look to continue their three game win streak as they travel to Baylor this weekend before closing the season with Nebraska and Texas.
Stock Down 1: Niles Paul, WR, Nebraska
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With so many talented receivers possibly entering the NFL Draft this year, Paul has done little to truly separate himself in any way.
Consistently inconsistent, Paul has had multiple games with a serious lack of production and despite inconsistent balls from freshman quarterback Taylor Martinez, a player with his rep has to be more productive and catch the football when it comes to him.
With so many other prospects doing their part to up their draft stock, Paul is definitely on the downswing.
Nebraska will host Kansas this week.
Stock Down 2: Chris Culliver, CB, South Carolina
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The Gamecock defense has given up over 300 yards passing five times this season and their three leading tacklers all reside in the secondary—and even more unfortunate—Culliver isn't one of them.
The senior has the size and ability to be a potential player, is South Carolina's all-time leading return man, but has battled an injury and a has not adapted well with his move from safety to corner.
If he does not return to the field this season he will need to do some work in the Draft process.
Stock Down 3: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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The Heisman front-runner can escape defenders on the field but seems to have trouble avoiding allegations of any sort off it.
Newton's abilities still leave question of whether or not he can produce at the next level and he is only a junior—but amidst all the swirling accusations regarding his recruitment we have no clue what his senior year may hold.
There will be no speculation here. This whole situation is just insane. But it seems to be a common theme that where this kid goes, rumors fly too.
NFL organizations do not want trouble in the press and while Auburn has mostly been kept out of this, you have to wonder if it will have any affect on the team as whole.
Newton may be cleared of these allegations, but as this is not the first time off-field situations have followed him, it is something that could hurt his potential at the next level.
Wesley O'Donnell covers the NFL, NCAA, and NFL Draft year round. He is a contributing writer to NFL Draft Bible and can be followed on twitter @wesodonnell.
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