The first week of college football is complete, and it’s never too soon to start looking at who helped themselves in regard to their NFL Draft stock. The NFL is already evaluating players (four general managers were at the Virginia Tech/Georgia Tech game last night), so we’re taking notes too. Here are six players who helped their draft stock this week. Tomorrow, some who hurt themselves.
2013 NFL Draft stock up spotlight
Presswire
Andre Elllington, RB, Clemson
No one ran for yards in the first week of college football than Ellington, who had 231 against Auburn. Throughout the game, Ellington showed great balance to keep the play going and showed nice power. Ellington already runs with good lean upon contact, and it really showed against Auburn.
Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Dre Kirkpatrick and DeQuan Menzie may be off to the NFL, but no matter. Milliner stepped into the boundary corner position and looked excellent against Michigan. On the game, Milliner had an interception and four pass break ups. The junior has the combination of size and athleticism that could help him develop into a high first-round pick.
Le'Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State
Who knew Bell was quite that nimble? Bell’s size and leaping runs quickly earned him comparisons to LeGarrette Blount. To me, he’s a little more like Chris Wells of the Cardinals. Bell initiates contact, uses a good stiff arm and is fairly elusive. He may not get 50 touches again this season, but he certainly maximized his touches against Boise State.
Barrett Jones, C, Alabama
I had questions about Jones, who has moved from guard, to tackle to now center. But he was proficient against Michigan making the line calls and expertly working combo blocks. Jones’ NFL position isn’t set, but is versatility may be attractive.
Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Sure, it was only against Marshall, but anytime a quarterback can complete almost 90 percent of his passes it’s impressive. Smith still has his flaws, but he couldn’t have started the season much better. Pump the brakes, a little, though. Lets see how he does against Texas and Oklahoma later this season.
Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn
In the first half of the Auburn/Clemson game, Lemonier looked like a star. He was firing off the snap really well and showing good agility in pursuit. His future is clearly as a linebacker. He slowed in the second half, maybe due to an early injury, but that first half showed why Lemonier will be attractive to 3-4 teams.And now this:
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