NFL Draft 2018: Ranking the top 32 prospects entering Week 6
There’s a new leader at the top of the 2018 NFL Draft rankings as Week 6 arrives. How have the best players in college football fared thus far?
Week 6 of the college football season is upon us and the Heisman race is on. As many teams near their halfway mark on the year, the NFL draft stock is rising for several players as they try to impress. The best players have established themselves from the rest.
Those that were expected to be at or near the top have scuffled a bit. Surprise faces have made their presence felt, while others have failed to appear at all. Nonetheless, there is still plenty of time for everyone to raise their stock further.
With conference play underway, there is no better time for these players to step up. Big games always offer extra incentive and some take things to another level when the spotlight is on. Here are the draft rankings leading into Week 6.
Mason Rudolph
QB, Oklahoma State
Mason Rudolph continues to impress during a time when some of the other top quarterback prospects aren’t exactly lighting it up. Simply put, he’s taking advantage of what is in front of him and is improving his draft stock.
He was once again dynamic this week in a huge win against Texas Tech. Any game against the Red Raiders is going to require big offensive numbers and Rudolph put the ball over the field effectively in the win.
Rudolph finished the night with 378 yards on 27/38 passing to go with three touchdowns. He did have one interception, but he also showed off his legs by rushing for 50 yards and two touchdowns.
This has been a big year for him thus far and the Cowboys have the potential to have a really big year. It starts with their quarterback and thus far he has put the team on his back with his huge stat lines.
Jaire Alexander
CB, Louisville
After a loss to Clemson at home, Louisville responded with two straight wins over schools they needed to beat. They have also had to weather the storm without some key players as they get ready to play conference football again this week.
One of those players that could finally be back this week is Jaire Alexander. The cornerback was injured the opening week against Purdue and his presence has been missed ever since. He’s one of the best cover corners in the country and has a great ability to find the football.
Against N.C. State, Alexander will prove to be vital. It will be interesting to see how many snaps he plays, but the program has been very cautious with bringing him back so that he can be full steam ahead when he does return.
One of his specialties is the punt return game and that is also something else to factor in here. If the program deems him healthy enough to return punts, it should be a great sign of where his recovery is really at. Taking the field is a win in itself for him.