5 Defensive NFL Draft Risers From Week 9

There were many defensive prospects who became big NFL Draft risers in Week 9 with great performances. Here are five NFL Draft risers who boosted their draft stock in Week 9 of college football.

Top Defensive NFL Draft Risers In Week 9 of College Football

Edge Quincy Rhodes Jr., Arkansas

Quincy Rhodes Jr. had two sacks in a game for the third time this season against Auburn, and the first time he has done it against an SEC opponent this season. Rhodes is a pass rusher with long arms and good play strength. His seven sacks this season rank second most in the SEC and seventh most in the nation through the first nine weeks. With his strong play this season, Rhodes has a chance to be a top 50 pick in the draft.

LB Desmond Purnell, Kansas State

Desmond Purnell is a big-time playmaker for the Kansas State defense. He had yet another game where he was all over the field for the Wildcats in Week 9. In a rivalry game against Kansas, Purnell had nine total tackles, one sack, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection. Purnell is great in pass coverage, and this is the second game in a row he has made a ton of big plays, as he had one sack, two pass deflections, two interceptions, and a pick-six against TCU in Week 7.

LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama

Deontae Lawson was the hero of the game for Alabama. With South Carolina marching down the field in a tied game with less than two minutes left, Lawson stripped the ball away from quarterback LaNorris Sellers to set up Alabama’s offense with great field position for the win late in the game. Outside of the highlight play of the game, Lawson also had seven total tackles and a pass deflection in the game. Lawson is a smart linebacker with great instincts and athletic ability. He has a good chance to be taken by the end of Day 2 of the NFL Draft.

CB T.J. Hall, Iowa

T.J. Hall has been one of the top performers on Iowa’s great defense this season. He once again was a standout in an elite Iowa defensive performance where the Hawkeyes held Minnesota to just three points in the game. Hall played incredible coverage throughout the entire game and had his first interception of the season. He currently leads the Big Ten in pass deflections and ranks sixth nationally with eight pass deflections on the season.

S Bray Hubbard, Alabama

Bray Hubbard had eight tackles and two pass deflections in Alabama’s 29-22 win over South Carolina. Hubbard is a smart player with great instincts and tremendous ball skills. He has three interceptions and four pass deflections in eight games this season. Along with his coverage skills, Hubbard is also a hard-hitting safety who plays with a high motor. He is currently projected to be an early Day 3 draft pick if he declares for the draft, with room to improve his draft stock even further with continued great play this season.