Pauline NFL Draft risers, sliders: Week 14

[RS12]

Risers

Jonathan Franklin/RB/UCLA: Franklin capped off a career year with a dominant performance during the Bruins heartbreaking loss in the PAC 12 title game. The versatile ball carrier posted 194 yards rushing on 19 carries against a tough Stanford defense, averaging 10.1 yards per carry. His totals for the year include 1769 yards rushing with 13 rushing touchdowns as well as 32 receptions. Franklin entered the season with mid-round grades yet his play this season will likely push him into the third round. He lacks the great mesurables (5-feet, 10-inches, 205-pounds) teams desire in a feature runner yet his multi-dimensional game makes Franklin an attractive skill player.

Anthony Barr*/LB/UCLA: Barr, like his teammate, has played lights out this season. The former fullback transitioned to linebacker in 2012 and developed into one of the most feared defenders in the PAC 12. Barr finished the season with 20.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks as well as 74 tackles. He's an athletic linebacker with an NFL body and a large degree of upside to his game. Barr presently grades as a third round choice yet if the junior decides to return to Westwood for his senior season and completes his game, a first round grade in 2014 is a distinct possibility.

Jalen Saunders*/WR/Oklahoma: Saunders got a late start to the season as the Fresno State transfer sat out the initial four games of 2012 due to NCAA regulations. He looked ready for prime time once he stepped on the field in mid-October and shook off the rust. Saunders combined for 24 receptions, 393 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns during the season's final three games, leading the Sooners down the stretch. He's a terrific slot receiver prospect for the next level and offers potential as a return specialist. It would be a mild surprise if he exits for the 2013 NFL Draft but Saunders will be highly rated moving towards his senior campaign.

Quanterus Smith/DE-OLB/Western Kentucky: Scouts ranked Smith as a late round prospect entering the 2012 campaign yet the pass rushing specialist exceeded expectations as a senior. Smith finished the year with 18.5 tackles for loss as well as 12.5 sacks. He's a bit one-dimensional and best making plays up the field but teams are always looking for a disruptive pass rusher which could help push Smith into the middle rounds.


Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/201...#ixzz2E1d8Pvm5

[RS12]

• Often times there will be surprise decisions from underclassmen deciding to forego the NFL for another season on the college field. Andrew Luck did as much two years ago and word is a number of Cardinal prospects will follow suit and stay in Palo Alto for 2013. Sources say both of Stanford's talented junior tight ends, Zach Ertz and Levine Toilolo, are leaning towards staying in school. The word is linebacker Shayne Skov also hopes to return to Stanford next season if he's granted another year of eligibility by the NCAA. Skov entered the year with a top 75 grade despite missing all but three games in 2011 with a serious knee injury. He took a while to round into form this season and though effective on the field, insiders said Skov looked like he was playing with a "dead leg" at times this year, referencing the quickness he lost due to the knee injury.

[View Full Quote]• Besides being an entertaining game likely to go down as oneof the best SEC title contests of all time, the match-up between Alabama and Georgia was a scouts dream. The titanic battles on the line of scrimmage were as good as advertised and all the top prospects showed well at various points. I dislike determining a players draft grade based on a single performance but it's tough to deny that Crimson Tide center Barrett Jones may have played himself into the first round off this game. He threw several key blocks which sprung running back Eddie Lacey free for long runs and Jones got the better of Georgia defensive tackle John Jenkins, a first round pick who outsized him by some 60-pounds.

Ertz and Toilolo staying in school will make a very thin TE class.

[Gaede]

Franklin in the 3rd would be great

[xwalker]

I don't think Barr makes it to the 3rd round. He looks really good.

Quanterus Smith is an interesting prospect. He tore his ACL a few weeks ago making it even more difficult to project where he might get drafted.