Five players improving their NFL Draft stock
JEREMIAH SMITH | WR | OHIO STATE
How does your stock rise when you’re already the best player on the board?
I don’t know—but good Lord, Jeremiah Smith keeps finding a way.
Smith entered the season as the likely No. 1 overall prospect, and everything he has done since has strengthened that position. He’s an extraordinary talent who makes the spectacular look routine.
At this rate, Smith won’t merely be the first player selected in the NFL Draft. He’s going to find himself in New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony.
JADEN BAUGH | RB | FLORIDA
Jaden Baugh has moved all the way to No. 1 on my running back board.
We all know how hesitant NFL franchises have become about spending early draft capital on a running back. But every so often, a player comes along who is worth breaking that rule for.
Baugh is becoming that kind of player.
He combines power, vision, balance and explosiveness—and he has played his way into the Heisman conversation while dramatically raising his NFL value.
COLE SIMMONS | EDGE | OLE MISS
Cole Simmons is on fire.
He has put himself in position to chase the single-season sack record, and opposing offenses still haven’t figured out how to slow him down. His burst, motor and ability to consistently disrupt the quarterback are forcing NFL evaluators to take notice.
If Simmons continues at this pace, he won’t just climb draft boards. He should receive an invitation to New York for the Heisman ceremony.
That’s rare territory for a defensive player, but his production demands that kind of recognition.
TY PENNINGTON | QB | Northern Arizona
Now for my sleeper stock of the week: Ty Pennington.
Pennington isn’t receiving the national attention of the quarterbacks playing at major programs, but NFL scouts aren’t going to care about the logo on his helmet if he continues putting quality football on tape.
He plays with confidence, understands the position and continues to produce.
If Pennington maintains this level of play, he could quietly work his way into the top 12 quarterbacks in this draft class.
Remember the name. Ty Pennington is becoming one of the most intriguing sleeper quarterbacks in the country.
FIFTH STOCK: TO BE ADDED
Those are four names moving rapidly up my board. Who deserves the fifth spot in this week’s Stock Report?
