With six games on Saturday, plenty of players had a chance to improve their NFL Draft stock. However, only a few truly stood out.
Perhaps the top player of the day was TCU linebacker Tank Carder. Coming from the TCU 4-2-5, Carder projects as a weak-side linebacker in a 4-3. Against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl, Carder had six tackles, three tackles for a loss and a sack. It wasn't necessarily his stats that were impressive. Throughout the game, Carder was near the ball making plays. None were bigger than a batted pass on a two-point conversion attempt late in the game. There are questions about the junior's size and how he'll translate to the NFL. He showed Saturday that he has the headiness and athleticism for the NFL.
The versatility Wisconsin defensive lineman J.J. Watt showed against TCU will make him a much more attractive draft prospect. Several times he lined up outside the tackle and inside the guard. He's one of the more versatile power linemen in the draft. End in a 3-4 might be his best spot and New England, Cleveland, Denver, San Francisco, Kansas City and Houston all have a need at that spot. It may be hard for Watt to turn down the NFL if he's a late-first or early second-round pick.
Four draft prospects that helped their stock Saturday
If it wasn’t evident before, Oklahoma junior wide receiver
is ready for the NFL. He had his 10th game of more than 100 yards receiving with 13 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown against Connecticut. The argument could be made that the Huskies didn’t have a corner to cover Broyles, but the junior made several tough catches over the middle. Stats shouldn’t be an overriding factor, but it’s hard to not be impressed by Broyles’ 131 receptions for 1,622 yards and 14 touchdowns on the season. He might not have the size or athletic upside of other wide receivers likely to be in the 2011 draft, but he might have the best hands.
Quickly, who isn’t impressed by Oklahoma sophomore quarterback
? He should go into next season as highly rated as the likes of USC’s
or Missouri’s
(if he returns to school).
Florida safety
ended his college career with perhaps his best game of the season. He had two game-changing interceptions against Penn State and broke up two other passes. He’s clearly a playmaker in the back of the defensive, but safety might not be his best spot. Don’t be surprised if a team moves Black back to cornerback.
