NFL Draft Stock Watch: Week 8 Risers and Fallers

Rising

Lamarcus Joyner (S, FSU): A lot of people question what Joyner can bring to the next level due to size constraints, but he showed against saturday why he is as good a safety as anyone in this year’s class. With an aggressive style reminiscent of current Arizona Cardinal and former LSU defensive back, Tyrann Mathieu. Against Clemson, Joyner was all over the field, making plays in coverage, against the run and was, as he has been this season, a phenomenal blitzer. Most importantly, Joyner was able to be involved in multiple turnovers. He may not be the biggest safety, but his on field tenacity and “Playmaking Ability” will be coveted by NFL teams on draft team.

Antonio Richardson (OT, Tennessee): When blocking Jadaveon Clowney, there is all but no hope in stopping him, one’s only hope is to slow him down just a bit. Clowney, more than once, was able to get the best of Richardson. However, the battle was not a definitive win by Clowney. Richardson, presumably after calming down, was able to use his strength and anchor to limit Clowney from getting into the backfield consistently and was even able to push him around on a few snaps. Now, this is not Richardson’s greatest performance, but his exhibition of his power as a blocker could make him a very good looking tackle prospect.

Eric Ebron (TE, UNC): Somehow, Miami was able to hold onto a win against UNC, but the real winner was Ebron. He single handedly tore through the Miami defense. His blend of size, strength and speed was too much for Miami as he racked up almost 200 receiving yards. His improved catching ability mixed with his mind blowing athletic ability may push him into the Top 15 on some team’s big board.

Falling

Bishop Sankey (RB, Washington): Sankey is definitely in the conversation for one of the best backs in this year’s class, but his down to down consistency is questionable. The past two weeks, while occasionally coming up with the big play, too often is he caught dancing behind the line. While he has the potential to be a great back, he needs to be more decisive if he wants to be an every down back in the NFL.

Vic Beasley (DE, Clemson): TO begin the season, Beasley was on an absolute tear, making plays behind the line and making quarterbacks watch out for him on every play. Against FSU, it was a different story. Cam Irving, who deserves a hell of a lot of credit on his own, just shut Beasley out of the game. Irving’s strength and power were way too much for Beasley who was a non factor during the game. If Beasley wants to prove himself as an every down defender, he cannot get washed out of a game like that.

Zach Mettenberger (QB, LSU): Mettenberger was previously regarded as one of the most improved players in the country from last year. Unfortunately, his old self bled through against Ole Miss this past weekend. Too often he looked uncomfortable in the pocket and that led to poor decisions and turnovers. No doubt that he is talented, but consistency is a huge part of being an NFL QB and he needs to show it.