Draft Headquarters Week Three Stock Watch

With one of the top games of the season taking place between Oklahoma and Florida State, as well as several other key matchups spread throughout the weekend, there was plenty of activity with players moving up and down draft boards. Here's the latest:

Rising

Morris Claiborne CB LSU - One of my favorite defensive players eligible for the 2012 NFL Draft, Morris Claiborne had his national coming-out party last Thursday night when he shutdown the Mississippi State Bullldog passing game. In addition to recording two interceptions, Claiborne paired with talented sophomore Tyrann Mathieu (another Draft Headquarters favorite) to hold the Bulldogs to just 141 passing yards, no touchdowns, and the two interceptions. In my opinion, Claiborne ranks just behind Dre Kirkpatrick as the No. 2 cornerback prospect in next year's draft; although Janoris Jenkins and Alfonzo Dennard should give him a push, Claiborne is carving out a spot for himself in the first round if he continues to play this way.

Brandon Thompson DT Clemson - Another player who is looking like he'll be a legitimate first round pick in April is Clemson defensive tackle Brandon Thompson. Thick and stocky with the explosion and get-off you desire from a defensive tackle prospect, Thompson projects well inside as a three-or-one technique in the 4-3 defense and I could also see him playing the five-technique in the 3-4 defense, similar to what his former teammate Jarvis Jenkins was being asked to do with the Washington Redskins before suffering season-ending injury. Thompson's consistent ability to control the line of scrimmage up front is what scouts like about this talented player.

Riley Reiff OT Iowa - In the Hawkeyes comeback win over Pittsburgh last weekend, one of the under-the-radar performances came from offensive tackle, who did a terrific job shutting down one of the nation's top pass rushers in Brandon Lindsey (held to five tackles, zero tackles for loss, zero sacks). While Reiff has mentioned that he plans on playing at Iowa past this season, it is still possible that he could be swayed to declare for the 2012 Draft if he's told that he's likely to be a lock for the first round if he declares. While not quite on the level of Matt Kalil of USC, Reiff has the makings of a legitimate blindside protector at the next level and would warrant being taken with a Top 25 pick if he were to enter the draft.

Luke Kuechly LB Boston College - The first repeat player on the Draft Headquarters Stock Watch, Luke Kuechly is having a tremendous junior season despite Boston College's poor start to the season. Recording 58 TACKLES through just three games, Kuechly is on pace for 232 tackles this season if he were to continue this trend through the rest of the season. By far one of the most instinctive linebackers I have ever scouted, I have Kuechly graded as a Top 15 draft choice and a player that could step into a starting lineup immediately at the next level and produce. If you have the opportunity to watch Boston College this fall, keep an eye on Kuechly.

Leonard Johnson CB Iowa State - While not a high-profile prospect, Leonard Johnson is winning over scouts this season with his ability to shutdown opposing receivers. A key player in Iowa State's 3-0 start to the season, Johnson has displayed the type of instinctive coverage ability that will allow for him to continue to climb up draft boards as we head towards next spring. While shorter than you'd prefer at 5'10, 202 lbs, Johnson displays the fluidity as well as the quickness to lock up with most top receivers around the country. Although he likely won't be drafted at the top of the draft, Johnson is giving scouts reason to take notice in Ames, Iowa this season.

Zach Brown LB North Carolina - The leader of the North Carolina defense, athletic linebacker Zach Brown leads the team in tackles (24), tackles for loss (four), and sacks (2.5) through the first three weeks of the season. Versatile, having the ability to play a number of linebacker positions that project to the next level, Brown's stock continues to climb this season as he puts together another elite season. With a very good chance to go in the first round, Brown has the type of experience and tools that could allow for him to continue to climb during offseason workouts.

Robert Blanton CB Notre Dame - While not highly ranked entering the 2011 season, Notre Dame's Robert Blanton has consistently been one of the most productive defensive backs in the country through the first three weeks of the season. Polished technically with the physical mentality to develop quickly at the next level, Blanton has recorded 16 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, and two interceptions in Notre Dame's first three games. Blanton has the type of size (6'1, 200) that scouts covet at the cornerback position. He could continue to rise as the season progresses.

Falling

Landry Jones QB Oklahoma - Despite winning one of the season's biggest games thus far against No. 5 Florida State, Oklahoma's Landry Jones did not have the type of performance that could have established himself as an elite quarterback prospect. A system quarterback with enough tools to develop quickly at the next level, Jones struggled all night against the speed and physicality that the Seminoles played with. Playing with a fantastic supporting cast, it's worrisome that Jones was only able to throw for just 199 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions with a 66.7% completion percentage (18-27). While some scouts will say that this is only one game and a player's overall evaluation can't be determined by just one game, this was an opportunity for Jones to stand out as an elite quarterback, and he failed to capitalize on that chance.

Vontaze Burfict LB Arizona State  - While it is not time to panic for those on the Vontaze Burfict bandwagon, there is some concern so far this season. The extremely talented linebacker, though making four sacks so far this year (three against UC Davis), has not displayed the same type of playmaking ability that scouts hoped they'd see from the athletic stud. Burfict's intensity and attitude has been well documented, and is something that I love about his game, however he also has played wildly and with a lack of discipline. He consistently has over-run plays and is beginning to worry scouts that further coaching, developing, and maturing will be required with Burfict once he reaches the next level. He still has a legitimate chance to be a first round pick in April, however scouts are concerned that the weaknesses in Vontaze's game are popping up far sooner than most had hoped.

Jared Crick DT Nebraska - Like with Burfict, Jared Crick is not at risk of dropping out of the first round yet. However, I have more concern with Crick in the fact that his play has seemed to drop off from last season. Totaling 19 sacks and 27 tackles for loss the last two years, Crick has managed to record just one sack and two tackles for loss so far this season. When watching film on Crick, the biggest thing that appears to be missing is his explosion and get off when the ball is snapped. His pass rush repertoire is still not where it needs to be at, and his lack of an ability to consistently penetrate with his raw strength and bull rush makes me think that he is destined more for the type of career that former Husker Adam Carriker is having than the one Ndamukong Suh is enjoying.