Scout’s Notes: Prince Amukamara Prime Example to Beware of “Draft Stock”

At this point in the draft season, rumors and speculation are running wild with people saying “Team one LOVES this guy”, which others saying “Team two WON’T take him”.

First and foremost, don’t take these reports as fact. This is because teams send out smokescreens on who they’ll take or won’t take, causing teams to trade above them  to get the rumored “hot prospect”. Also, the reported “heavy interest” from some sources means that 5-6 teams really like one player, even though the other 26-27 teams may not be that high on him.

One player that has been, for whatever reason, fluctuating on draft boards is Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara. In the pre-season, Amukamara was viewed as a Top 10 pick. During the season, he was only passed by eventual Jim Thorpe winner and elite prospect Patrick Peterson, but both were viewed as Top 10 picks.

 Then shortly after the season, he somehow “fell out of the Top 10.” Some people had him projected going as low as #13. While it’s not a huge fall, from the scout’s that I’ve spoken with, he has the talent to be a Top 10 player.

Not trying to make my own argument and say that he’s a lock, but when scout’s told me about his talents, it sure sounded like a Top 10 pick. In particular, I heard from a Cowboys scout who was positive that he’ll be on their board, so I don’t buy those reports that he’s off their board what such ever. If Patrick Peterson is off the board by the first three picks, which I’m fairly confident he will be, Amukamara will be considered for picks #4, #6, #7, and #9, and I wouldn’t rule out a team like the Texans or Lions trying to trade up into the Top 10 to get him.

So when people make claims about JJ Watt, Muhammad Wilkerson, Jake Locker, and Prince Amukamara’s stock, just keep in mind what people said DURING the season, not in the rumor mill-filled post-season. Watt is a mid to late first rounder. Wilkerson is a fringe 1st rounder. Locker will be a first rounder. And Amukamara will be taken someplace in the Top 10 picks, barring a crazy set of picks in the Top 10.