2019 NFL Draft stock watch: Running backs on then rise, D.K. Metcalf stock dips after injury

It happened, the upset weekend in college football took place on Saturday. Here is how some of the NFL Draft’s prospects fared in their games.

The NFL Draft is about more than scouting box scores. Players on losing teams can still be considered a great prospect and players on great teams may not have what it takes to make it in the NFL. That kind of stuff happens every year. 2019 is going to be no different. However, what 2019 is starting to look like is a defensive heavy draft with a weak quarterback group. That was clear across the college football landscape.

This list will dive into players that helped and hurt their stock over the weekend.

Devin White, LB, LSU – Stock up

The LSU Tigers are off to a fantastic start to their season and the defense is loaded with NFL talent. Two likely first round picks lead the way in corner Greedy Williams and linebacker Devin White. It was White who gets the nod for increasing his stock in LSU’s big win over the second-ranked Georgia Bulldogs. White was everywhere for the Tigers and helped stifle Georgia’s run game. He finished the game with a team high 13 tackles and a fumble recovery. The biggest improvement from White from last season are his instincts. He is trusting his keys, reading and reacting at an extraordinary level. Couple that with his high level athleticism and there are makings of a first round linebacker.

Noah Fant, TE, Iowa – Stock up

Jon Ledyard over at The Draft Network wrote in depth about the tight end draft class after this last weekend. In that breakdown he mentions Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson. Reading that breakdown though you notice he glanced over the possible first tight end taken in the NFL draft, Noah Fant. The big receiving threat for the Hawkeyes finished with over 100 yards on four catches and found the end zone. Both tight ends were huge in a beat down of Indiana. Fant checks the boxes for the modern tight end with his size and speed combination. Coming from Iowa, you’d expect him to be a better blocker but that has proven to be a depreciating skill set for tight ends in the NFL. Expect to hear Fant’s name called early next April especially with more performances like this.

Mixed bag for Penn State offense

Trace McSorley, QB – Stock down

The Penn State signal caller was getting comparisons, albeit wrong ones, to the first overall pick Baker Mayfield earlier this season. Those can now be thrown out the window after McSorley’s performance against Michigan State. Leading the Nittany Lions is one thing, and he does it well, but McSorley is not a high level NFL prospect. It showed when he was asked to make throws in tight windows and face pressure. His stat line was bad and his draft stock is eroding with each passing week.

Miles Sanders, RB – Stock up

Meanwhile McSorley’s backfield mate, Miles Sanders showed why he should be on NFL Draft radars. He did everything he could totaling 162 yards on 17 carries, including a 78 yard run, but it was not enough. Sanders is doing his best Saquon Barkley impression every week on the ground and garnering draft buzz. Sanders will not be near the top of boards like his predecessor but there is an NFL future for this kid. He runs hard, has decent vision and showed some break away speed this weekend. Keep an eye for him to continue to rise with big performances in Big Ten play.

David Montgomery, RB, Iowa – Stock up

With Rodney Anderson out with an injury and Bryce Love struggling, the door for the top running back in the NFL draft is wide open. Some believe that guy may come in Iowa State’s David Montgomery. His performance against West Virginia will help carry that conversation. Montgomery was the key for the Cyclones upset win over the Mountaineers. West Virginia came in as a strong rush defense, giving up less than 3.5 yards per carry. Montgomery changed that with 189 yards and almost seven yards per carry. That success kept the Mountaineers high-powered offense off the field and helped seal the victory for ISU. Testing will be big for Montgomery but his play style and ability to grind out games speaks well for his ability in the next level.

D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss – Stock down

If you are a regular reader of this weekly article, you know how exciting this wide receiver class is shaping up to be. Three of the top guys may all play for the same school down at Ole Miss. Unfortunately it looks like we will be without one of them, and possibly the best of the bunch in D.K. Metcalf. A favorite for WR1 talks, Metcalf will miss the rest of the season with a neck injury. The good news is that it likely will not derail his career like Miami’s Ahmmon Richards. Metcalf will still be in the discussion for WR1 but will need to get healthy come combine time for that to happen.