2021 NFL Draft Weekly Risers: Week 13 Edition

1. Demetric Felton, RB/WR UCLA

Folks, it is time to get very familiar with Demetric Felton. A running back/wide receiver for UCLA, Felton will be attending the Senior Bowl this year. Get on the hype train now before everyone else does in Mobile. The Senior gashed the Arizona defense this past week for 206 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Felton is an electric playmaker that can break a big gain both as a running back and in the slot. He has game-changing speed and will be a popular sleeper candidate to rise up draft charts at Mobile and at the combine. Buy stock now before everyone else does in Demetric Felton.

2. D’Wayne Eskridge, WR Western Michigan

Sticking with the Senior Bowl theme we have the best big-play threat that you haven’t heard of yet. D’Wayne Eskridge has terrified the MAC so far this season. He leads the NCAA in Yards Per Reception with 28.1. Pretty much any time the ball is in Eskridge’s hands, it’s a big play. The 5th year senior had another big day this past weekend, with 134 receiving yards and a kick return touchdown. Eskridge may be a small receiver at 5’9, but he has been a big-time player this year.

3. Rashad Weaver, DL Pittsburgh

With the way Rashad Weaver has played this year, he might be rising up draft boards. Games like the past week against Clemson further prove his case as a top round pick. He sacked the quarterback twice, had two tackles for loss, and forced a fumble against the Tigers. There is a lot to like about Weaver. He has NFL size at 6’5 270. He is very active with his hands, he doesn’t just run into offensive linemen he has actual pass rush moves. His senior year has been very productive too, as he is 2nd in the NCAA in tackles for loss, as well as tied for 6 with 7.5 sacks. After his big game against Clemson, Weaver is certainly one to watch.

4. Patrick Jones II, EDGE Pittsburgh

You almost can’t talk about one Pittsburgh star defensive linemen, without talking about the other. Patrick Jones also had quite a game against Clemson, with two tackles for loss and a sack. Patrick Jones has been quickly rising up draft boards this season with a combination of scary physical traits alongside top tier production. Currently, Patrick Jones leads the NCAA in sacks with 9. He also has 13 tackles for loss this season. Jones is a very exciting player to watch. He’s such an athletic lineman for his size. He’s explosive, has length, has power, and is a fluid athlete. Despite playing for a team not as nationally recognized as Pittsburgh, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jones rise into an early day 2, possibly day 1 pick.

5. Mac Jones, QB Alabama

It’s hard to express just how good Mac Jones has been this season. Alabama lost their Heisman candidate quarterback and recent 5th overall pick Tua Tagovaiola. Wide receivers Henry Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy were both first-round picks this past year, and yet Alabama currently leads all Power 5 Conferences in points per game with 48.5. The offense has not missed a beat with Mac Jones under center, with Jones having another Heisman level performance against Auburn. Jones threw for 302 yards and 5 touchdowns, all while boasting a 69% completion percentage and not turning over the ball once. Mac Jones has been nothing short of phenomenal this season and has to be in serious Heisman consideration. He has some physical limitations, but for the right team, Mac Jones could lead a franchise to great places.

Honorable Mention: Jaret Patterson, RB Buffalo

With so many notable performances this week, I didn’t want to take another spot in the countdown with last week’s featured riser. How could I not at least give a mention to Patterson, who rushed for 409 yards and 8 touchdowns against Kent State? He tied Howard Griffith’s 1990 record for touchdowns in a game. It was an insane performance by Patterson that surely will move him up more draft boards.

Stats from SportsReference/CFB

Writer

-By: Jacob Keppen