Hot Stocks - Jan 2010

For those of you who are new to football futures, this Hot Stocks section is where we review the 25 hottest players around the country. These players rated by me, EZ, are the players who should be the most valued by NFL teams currently. As with stocks, value fluctuates, so check back monthly and see how your favorite players are moving around the board.

These ratings are following the bowl games, but before any post-season games like the East West Shrine Game, or the Senior Bowl.

1. Ndmukong Suh, DT, Nebraska (Even)
This kid flat out has game changing ability. D-tackles with this type of upside are a very rare breed.


2. Eric Berry, S, Tennessee (Even)
Safeties usually don't work their way up the board to these high ratings.  When your closest NFL comparison is Ed Reed though, it seems warranted. 

3. Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma (Even)
Because of the press surrounding Suh, McCoy has been looked at recently as a consolation prize.  Boy is that a mistake.  This guy is a legit stud.

4. Joe Haden, CB, Florida (+1)
Haden is a stud, but his value is getting a boost because of how he is outperforming the rest of his industry (other players at his position).  Clearly the top cornerback in the nation currently.

5. Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State (-1)
Okung's slight fall has more to do with Haden than his own performance.  Despite the depth of the tackle position this year, Okung has remained the best of the class all season long, and his consistency has to make investors (NFL Teams) excited.

6. Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech (Even)
Morgan is the best edge rusher in this class.  At the next level, his game is the most polished of this year's crop as well.

7. Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State (Even)
Bryant has risen back from a strong decline earlier this season.  There is no denying his talent, but there are character questions in play here.

8. Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama (+2)
McClain proved why he is a special player in the National Championship game.  His stock rises as a result.

9. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame (-1)
Clausen his still holding position over Bradford, but the question is for how long?  The knowledge that Jimmy played his senior season suffering from Lis Franc Foot improves his toughness score, and has to make teams wonder what he could do when healthy.

10. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma (-1)
Bradford has seen better days (ie #1 overall last year) and his decline is a result of his injury.  Once the full extent of his injury and recovery time are known, his stock will fluctuate accordingly.


11. Jason Pierre Paul, DE, South Florida (+2)
JPP continues to climb these rankings.  He is very raw, but has unbelievable upside.  Investors have to be willing to be patient with him, but could maximize their ROI with his addition.


12. Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma (-1)
Trent is a powerful lineman who is a beast at the point of attack.  He can stand to improve his footwork a little bit though. 

13. Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas (-1)
Kindle is another player who had a nice showing during the National Championship game.  He showed a great motor, and a nice burst off the line.

14. Earl Thomas, S, Texas (+1)
Following a strong season, Thomas has now unseated Mays as the number two safety on the watch board.  Because of his position however, he could experience some more fluctuation before the draft.

15. Navarro Bowman, LB, Penn St (-1)
The most recent product of Linebacker U has a lot of talent, but still needs some time to develop.  He has great upside though, so many teams will maintain interest.

16. Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers (+1)
Davis has been steadily rising up the watch board all season long.  This update proves no different.  His potential continues to soar, and this will remain very attractive to potential buyers (teams).

17. Taylor Mays, S, USC (-1)
Mays continues to slide down the board.  The one time top 5 stock, has fallen due to an inconsistent performance this season.


18. Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa (Even)
Bulaga is an interesting prospect, and I continue to like him the more I see of him.  I think he could be on the rise in future months if his performance in Indy is what i expect of him.

19. Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida (Even)
Dunlap's slide down the board seems to have come to a halt, holding stead at 19 the last two months.  His character questions which lead to this fall will continue to haunt him unless his interviews in Indy are outstanding.

20. CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson (+1)
Spiller continues his slow move up our board because of the versatility he shows on the field.  His multidimensional talents compare to those of Saints back Reggie Bush.  The fact that no one is quite sure of how to turn this tremendous talent into tremendous production will continue to hurt him. 

21. Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland (+1)
Campbell is confounding.  Sometimes I think he is on the verge of a soaring rise towards the top of the board.  Other times however, I think he could be preparing to free fall. Until he becomes more consistent, this volatility will continue. 

22. Brian Price, DT, UCLA (+2)
A large riser this week, Price continues to impress with his determination, and his production.  If this trend continues, Price will solidify himself as a round 1 selection in April.

23. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma (-3)
Gresham has a tremendous upside but his injuries combined with the rising of Florida's Aaron Hernandez has the value proposition on Gresham continuing to fall.

24. Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida (-1)
Spikes has a great nose for the ball, and is a great leader both on and off the field.  His measurables however, are hurting him.  Spikes needs a good post-season to stop his slow slide.

25. Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois (+1)
Benn breaks into the top 25 this month, after barely missing it during our last update.  He, along with fellow wide out Damian Williams from USC have leaped former top 25 presence Golden Tate. A strong post-season will continue to move him up these rankings.