This section highlights which players have improved or worsened their 2019 NFL Draft stock as the draft approaches.
By Charlie Campbell.
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2019 NFL Draft Stock Up
Ben Banogu, DE, TCU TCU edge defender Ben Banogu could be a mid-round prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft and is having his second straight productive season. The senior has 50 tackles with 16 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles this season. He recorded 8.5 sacks as a junior.
Sources say Banogu is a good athlete with a long linear body and passes the eye ball test. He has big arms, but could add more weight for the NFL in his chest and lower body. Banogu has some speed to go with athleticism and some natural ability to get after the quarterback. As a run defender though, Banogu is extremely soft. He is okay in pursuit, but he really struggles with downhill runs coming straight at him. As a result, Banogu is a developmental prospect with starter potential. and those guys end up going in the third or fourth round of drafts. In speaking to some team sources, Banogu received a fourth-round grade, but they would not be shocked if he went in the back half of Round 3 in the 2019 NFL Draft. One source said they could see Banogu being an edge rusher like Mario Addison, if Banogu pans out.
L.J. Collier, DE, TCU In speaking to team sources, they feel that Collier (6-4, 276) has some late-round developmental potential. They really like his run-defense skills as he is strong and demonstates tough play. He has an aggressive mentality and really beats up offensive linemen. Sources noted that his tape against Kansas State from earlier this season was very impressive. What makes Collier a late-rounder is a terrible, soft body that needs a lot of development for the NFL. Evaluators feel that he could be a backup left defensive end to battle right tackles in the NFL, but only if he is able to grow as a player and improve his body.
Chase Hansen, LB, Utah Hansen has had an impressive senior year after moving to linebacker. To this point in 2018, Hansen has 75 tackles, one interception, three passes broken up, 15.5 tackles for a loss, two interceptions and four sacks. Hansen possesses quality instincts alongside functional size at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds. Team sources have said they think Hansen could end up going in the mid-rounds if he tests well leading up to the draft, but he has helped himself this season and could end up playing in the Senior Bowl or East-West Shrine.
Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware Last week, sources noted that they liked Adderley and thought he could be a third- or forth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Adderley has 79 tackles with seven passes broken up and four interceptions in 2018. He also brings added value on special teams from having returned kickoffs during his collegiate career. Adderley was on NFL teams’ preseason watch lists for having potential for the first four rounds and has played well this season. Adderley could play at the East-West Shrine or Senior Bowl, and if he does well, his stock could really rise in the leadup to the 2019 NFL Draft.
Renell Wren, DT, Arizona State Wren has a good skill set with size, length, quickness and athleticism. In 2018, he has 25 tackles with 4.5 tackles for a loss, one sack and two passes batted. Sources say Wren is impressive physically and has strength, but he lacks instincts and range. Overall, they have been moderately disappointed in his play given his natural talent. Still, Wren (6-6, 297) has done enough as a senior that he could end up getting an invitation to the Senior Bowl and have a shot at being a mid-round pick.
Ryquell Armstead, FB, Temple Jim Nagy, the Executive Director of the Senior Bowl, was raving about Armstead, and he could be one of the few fullbacks who ends up being selectable in the 2019 NFL Draft. Armstead plays running back for Temple, but the tough runner could transition to fullback for the NFL. In 2018, he has run for 13 touchdowns with 1,042 yards. He would have the ability to contribute as a short-yardage runner and also could be a good candidate to be a core special teams player. Armstead has helped himself with a strong senior year.
Chris Slayton, DT, Syracuse In 2018, Slayton has 16 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He is playing well for Syracuse this season and will probably be playing in an all-star game in January. As a junior, Slayton recorded one sack and 28 tackles. He had four sacks as a sophomore. Slayton’s ability to get after the quarterback could cause him to rise if he has a strong performance at an all-star game.
Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt In speaking with team sources, they are intrigued by Williams. Some sources have said they graded Williams in the third/fourth round. The 6-foot-3, 208-pounder has excellent size to match up with big receivers and showed some impressive quickness to break on the ball while running with the Ole Miss big receivers of A.J. Brown and Damarkus Lodge. Against the Rebels, Williams came through with an interception late in the fourth quarter and a pass breakup on fourth down in overtime to clinch the win for Vanderbilt.
Big cornerbacks with the ability to run and prevent separation are always in demand in the NFL Draft. Williams is not a quick-twitch explosive corner, but in a Seattle-style press-man defense, Williams would be a good fit. If he enters the 2019 NFL Draft, Williams could rise, and I could easily see him being a third-round pick.
2019 NFL Draft Stock Down
Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State Arnette struggled against Maryland, giving up some big plays downfield that almost allowed the Terrapins to pull off a huge upset. Arnette has a good skill set with size and speed, but he is a massive underachiever who does not play up to his talent. On paper, he is an early-round talent, but his play is that of a third-day pick. Arnette could end up being a late-round developmental-type pick after this disappointing season.
Porter Gustin, DE, USC An injury has once again cut short an excellent season for Gustin. He went down with a broken ankle recently, and that ends his collegiate career. In 2018, Gustin totaled 28 tackles with seven sacks, 10 tackles for a loss and one pass broken up. Toe and biceps injuries caused Gustin miss a lot of his junior year, during which he totaled 16 tackles with three tackles for a loss and three sacks in 2017.
Gustin is a talented player with good feel as a pass-rusher, instincts, and quickness off the edge. His repeated injuries, however, put a serious red flag on his draft status, and his lack of durability is going to hurt his position on draft boards. It isn’t out of the question for him to have a big slide because of the medical concerns.
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