NFL Draft 2018 player rankings – Saquon Barkley worthy of top pick?
Stock is rising and falling for many of the NFL Draft prospects in college football. Here is how they stack up leading into Week 5.
As we enter Week 5 of the college football season, the stretch run is getting underway with conference play beginning. Through four weeks of action, several players have made a statement with their play thus far while others haven’t had the start that they hoped for.
On Saturday, there were plenty of incredible performances by those hoping to catch the eyes of scouts and general managers from the pros. Some players in particular continued to bolster their early Heisman Trophy case.
As conference play really hits its stride, the top players in the country will get their chance to shine in the biggest battles of the season. Here’s the NFL Draft big board for college football’s best prospects leading into this week.
Mason Rudolph
QB, Oklahoma State
In a quarterback class with plenty of talent, Mason Rudolph is right there on the verge of being one of those quarterbacks that makes the big jump and perhaps a potential first-round pick. With the way teams go after quarterbacks, it’s a very real possibility.
Thus far through 2017, Rudolph is off to a huge start with 1,533 yards to go with 13 touchdowns and three interceptions. To begin conference play, Rudolph and Oklahoma State suffered a tough loss to TCU.
As a team that many see as a potential conference favorite, it wasn’t the result they were certainly hoping for. Rudolph did have two interceptions on the day, but he also had plenty of good moments as well.
He finished the afternoon with 398 yards and two touchdowns to go with a 53.7 completion percentage. With Josh Allen off to a slow start on the year, Rudolph could be one of those guys that jumps up. The nature of his position alone is going to give him every opportunity in the world.
Marcus Allen
S, Penn State
Marcus Allen continues to be a big difference maker for Penn State at the safety position. A week after showing he can make some plays in coverage, Allen showed off what he does best against Iowa.
In a tough Big Ten conference battle that had everyone on the edge of their seat, Allen finished the game with five tackles and a sack. His physicality was needed in a game where the Nittany Lions had to fight to the final second.
It’s the same type of performance that everyone has come to expect from him. He buckled down and didn’t give an inch in the run game or coverage. He also made an assist that led to his team forcing a fumble on the play.
He cut down the runner, who would eventually fumble. It’s the little things that don’t show up on the stat sheet that also help define his game. This game showed how valuable he really is to Penn State.