2013 NFL Draft stock report: Star Lotulelei, Jonathan Franklin trending upward

Differentiating between smoke screens and bumps in draft stock.

Apr 3, 2013, 3:00 PM UTC

Andrew Fielding-US PRESSWIRE

In April, does a prospect’s stock rise, or is it the media just catching up? Most will argue the latter, and while that’s probably the case, the fact remains that the closer we get to draft day, the more we learn about where prospects stand on NFL boards.

While smoke screens and misinformation dominate April, some useful information also makes its way to the forefront, and some players emerge as more highly regarded than initially thought.

We have our updated stock report with some players that are gaining positive momentum heading into the final month of the pre-draft process.

Star Lotulelei, Utah

Star Lotulelei's stock continues to rise. After being cleared to participate in last week's pro day, more and more reports are surfacing that the heart condition, which kept him out of the NFL Scouting Combine, is no longer of any concern to NFL teams. That's outstanding news for Lotulelei, and he should find a home in the top five picks at the end of the month.

Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Connecticut

Tony Pauline mentioned Blidi Wreh-Wilson as a player who is earning his way back into the good graces of scouts after a strong performance at his pro day. Wreh-Wilson is one of the five best cornerbacks in this draft, in my opinion. With his improvement in drills, Wreh-Wilson is starting to pick up steam. This cornerback class is strong, and a run can be expected in the late first round or early second round. Wreh-Wilson won’t fit every scheme, but he has an outside chance at sneaking into the first round.

Offensive tackles

It's no secret that the 2013 NFL Draft isn't loaded with big-time quarterbacks. As a result, teams have been addressing the position through trade and free agency. That means Geno Smith is likely the only quarterback with a shot at the top 10. Offensive tackles on the other hand are sure to dominate the first 10 picks. Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher and Lane Johnson all have a shot to come off the board early, and with the lack of quarterbacks, the door is open for all three to be gone before the Dolphins are on the clock at No. 12.

Jonathan Franklin, UCLA

Jonathan Franklin is rising up draft boards, and he has Eddie Lacy to thank. Lacy has continue to push back his workouts, and NFL scouts are starting to get annoyed, according to Tony Pauline. The running back class is muddled at the top and runs deep with talent, leaving the door open for Franklin to take the top spot. It's long been assumed that Lacy will be the first running back off the board, but his hamstring injury may hold him back. That's good news for Franklin.