cowboyjoe
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Prospect Stock Watch
By: Robert Davis
http://footballsfuture.com/2011/stockwatch.html
Rising
Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn
Is there any wonder Auburn is slated to play in the title game at the moment, with two of college football’s best continuing to play at an elite level? Like Fairley, Newton was an afterthought in terms of underclassmen considering the 2011 draft in September. He was a big recruit, but hadn’t done much in terms of actual playing time and production. It’s amazing how much can change in three months. Newton may be the leading contender for the Heisman Trophy at the moment, and has probably pushed his stock into the first round of the draft. Newton has thrown for over 2,200 yards and 24 scores with just six interceptions, while adding over 1,300 yards and 18 scores on the ground. Newton has fantastic size for the QB position, but is a phenomenal athlete and playmaker to go along with it. He has the arm to make any throw on the field, and has shown the ability and poise to step up when his team needs him. Newton may have some off-field question marks that will be hashed out in the months leading up to the draft, but as of right now, he’s one of four QB’s that could go in the first round of the draft.
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
Fairley has been a steady riser since the beginning of the season. Just a junior, Fairley wasn’t one of the early junior to really watch for the 2011, but with five sacks in the first three games, he quickly made himself one to watch. He has been dominant all season long, and is coming off a two sack performance in Auburn’s comeback victory over rival Alabama. Through 12 games, Fairley has 20 tackles for loss, with 9.5 sacks. He has used his combination of size, power, and quickness to dominate all year long, and at this point, may be considered the top defensive lineman available for the draft. His talent could fit in any scheme and his stock has risen so much, he’s running out of room to rise further.
Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
Miller was on the falling side of things in the last edition, in large part due to injuries that took it’s toll on his physical skills. Finally healthy, Miller is wreaking havoc on opposing offenses, and pushing his status back to the level it was at the start of the year. In September, Miller was considered one of the best pass rushers in the draft, and a potential top 20 selection for teams in need of help at outside linebacker. His performance in the first half of the season probably pushed him down around the 50th overall range. He has closed strong with 30 tackles and seven sacks in four November games, including two sacks against Texas this past weekend. Miller has re-established himself as a feared pass rusher, and is back in first round territory as a prospect.
Mikel LeShoure, RB, Illinois
The third underclassmen on this list, LeShoure put on a show two weeks against Northwestern at Wrigley Field. He ran for 330 yards and two scores on 33 carries to lead the Illini to a 48-27 victory. LeShoure is not just a one game wonder, as he had already topped the 1,000 yard mark before that game. That game put him on the national map, and in a weak crop of running backs, has really moved up draft boards. He has surprising feet and speed in the open field for a 225lb pounder, and really should consider his draft options this year. Another junior, Mark Ingram may be the top back on most boards, but the backs after him may not project as consistent threats between the tackles. LeShoure definitely does. His stock could be as high as the second round right now, and could be even higher depending on what other backs declare for the 2011 draft.
By: Robert Davis
http://footballsfuture.com/2011/stockwatch.html
Rising
Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn
Is there any wonder Auburn is slated to play in the title game at the moment, with two of college football’s best continuing to play at an elite level? Like Fairley, Newton was an afterthought in terms of underclassmen considering the 2011 draft in September. He was a big recruit, but hadn’t done much in terms of actual playing time and production. It’s amazing how much can change in three months. Newton may be the leading contender for the Heisman Trophy at the moment, and has probably pushed his stock into the first round of the draft. Newton has thrown for over 2,200 yards and 24 scores with just six interceptions, while adding over 1,300 yards and 18 scores on the ground. Newton has fantastic size for the QB position, but is a phenomenal athlete and playmaker to go along with it. He has the arm to make any throw on the field, and has shown the ability and poise to step up when his team needs him. Newton may have some off-field question marks that will be hashed out in the months leading up to the draft, but as of right now, he’s one of four QB’s that could go in the first round of the draft.
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
Fairley has been a steady riser since the beginning of the season. Just a junior, Fairley wasn’t one of the early junior to really watch for the 2011, but with five sacks in the first three games, he quickly made himself one to watch. He has been dominant all season long, and is coming off a two sack performance in Auburn’s comeback victory over rival Alabama. Through 12 games, Fairley has 20 tackles for loss, with 9.5 sacks. He has used his combination of size, power, and quickness to dominate all year long, and at this point, may be considered the top defensive lineman available for the draft. His talent could fit in any scheme and his stock has risen so much, he’s running out of room to rise further.
Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
Miller was on the falling side of things in the last edition, in large part due to injuries that took it’s toll on his physical skills. Finally healthy, Miller is wreaking havoc on opposing offenses, and pushing his status back to the level it was at the start of the year. In September, Miller was considered one of the best pass rushers in the draft, and a potential top 20 selection for teams in need of help at outside linebacker. His performance in the first half of the season probably pushed him down around the 50th overall range. He has closed strong with 30 tackles and seven sacks in four November games, including two sacks against Texas this past weekend. Miller has re-established himself as a feared pass rusher, and is back in first round territory as a prospect.
Mikel LeShoure, RB, Illinois
The third underclassmen on this list, LeShoure put on a show two weeks against Northwestern at Wrigley Field. He ran for 330 yards and two scores on 33 carries to lead the Illini to a 48-27 victory. LeShoure is not just a one game wonder, as he had already topped the 1,000 yard mark before that game. That game put him on the national map, and in a weak crop of running backs, has really moved up draft boards. He has surprising feet and speed in the open field for a 225lb pounder, and really should consider his draft options this year. Another junior, Mark Ingram may be the top back on most boards, but the backs after him may not project as consistent threats between the tackles. LeShoure definitely does. His stock could be as high as the second round right now, and could be even higher depending on what other backs declare for the 2011 draft.