NFL Draft Stock Report Week 3

Stock Up

RB Rashaad Penny, San Diego State

The Aztecs had the major task this season of replacing historic running back Donnell Pumphrey, I say had because they certainly have found a suitable replacement for Pumphrey, the all-time rushing yards leader in Rashaad Penny. As a junior Penny was quite productive as a change of pace back behind Pumphrey running for over 1,000 yards last season. Now the feature back Penny has already run for 588 yards including 175 in an upset over a Stanford team loaded with future NFL defenders. Averaging over 8 yards per carry Penny shows the same homerun ability as Pumphrey did but with a much sturdier 220 pound frame. In an already loaded running back class expect Penny to run his way up draft boards.

RB John Kelly, Tennessee
Tennessee also had the task of replacing a productive running back after Alvin Kamara was drafted by the New Orleans Saints. Junior John Kelly has stepped up for the Volunteers and looks to make a similar jump to the NFL as Kamara. Kelly did more than his fair share in a heart breaking loss to rival Florida last weekend. Kelly ran for 141 yards and a touchdown while adding another 96 yards receiving in a losing effort. Kelly, much like Kamara last year brings strong pass catching ability to his game and could see a similar rise up draft boards.

WR Darren Carrington, III Utah
A familiar name in a new place Carrington found a landing spot with the Utah Utes after his dismissal this offseason from Oregon. Having always possessed explosive talent Carrington was productive but never a featured weapon on Oregon’s crowded offense. At Utah Carrington has blossomed into a true go-to guy. Against San Jose State Carrington caught nine passes for 153 yards and three touchdowns as he consistently torched the Spartan defense. He has posted an impressive 26/409/6 through three games and is on pace for easily his most productive season. It looks like Carrington’s on field performance will erase most of the off-field concerns surrounding his DUI related dismissal.

DE Austin Bryant, Clemson
Playing on the same defensive line as two big time NFL prospects Clelin Ferrell and Christian Wilkins it was easy to overlook the junior defensive end Austin Bryant entering the college football season. Bryant who has been a contributor since his freshman season has upped his play to a new level highlighted by a four sack performance against a pretty stout Auburn offensive line. Bryant has taken full advantage of teams keying in on his teammates and is making a name for himself as yet another draftable Clemson Tiger defensive lineman.

Stock DOWN

QB Josh Allen, Wyoming
Making his second appearance on the “stock down” list Allen had another poor showing against a power five team in Wyoming’s blowout loss to Oregon. Allen’s stat line was a brutal 9/24 for 64 yards and one interception. While he has not gotten much help from his teammates this season Allen did nothing to help himself as he again made several head scratching decisions against what is quite frankly a very average Duck’s defense. Against power five opponents (Nebraska, Iowa, Oregon) Allen has completed 50% of his passes for a total of 427 yards, one touchdown and eight interceptions. Questions about his level of competition have become more than warranted and Allen looks more like developmental project than an NFL ready quarterback. Staying in school for his junior season may be his best option.

OT Connor Williams, Texas
Coming into this season Connor Williams was seen by many as a potential number one overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Drawing high praise and comparisons to future NFL Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, Williams seemingly needed to come out of this season unscathed before being an early first round pick next spring. Things have taken a bit of a detour with Williams spraining both his MCL and PCL in his left knee and will undergo arthroscopic surgery which will lead Williams out indefinitely. While Williams on field play has been steady questions about his recovery and the stigma of having a significant knee injury could potentially derail his draft stock some.