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2015 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects Who Raised Their Stock In College Football’s Week 14

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By @Spencer_NFL

2015 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects Who Raised Their Stock In College Football's Week 14

Amari Cooper Iron Bowl
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The regular season is now complete for seven of the 10 FBS conferences. For prospects on teams that won't make a bowl game, the focus turns to all-star games and training for the combine. These five players are among those who improved their draft stock with strong performances in their regular season finales.

5. Carl Davis (DT-Iowa)

Carl Davis Iowa
Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

5. Carl Davis (DT-Iowa)

Carl Davis Iowa
Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

After being double-teamed all season, Nebraska thought it would be a good idea to use one lineman to block Carl Davis. That decision almost cost Nebraska the game. While Davis has spent most of the season taking on two blockers to allow his teammates to make plays, he finally had a chance to shine. He finished with three tackles, including two for a loss and a blocked field goal. Don't let his stats fool you, Davis is a Round 2 pick.

4. Jay Ajayi (RB-Boise State)

Jay Ajayi Boise State
Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jay Ajayi (RB-Boise State)

Jay Ajayi Boise State
Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports

After a roller coaster start to 2014, Jay Ajayi finished the regular season as one of the most consistent backs in the nation. Ajayi ran for over 100 yards and scored at least two touchdowns in Boise State's last seven games. He saved his best work for the finale as he torched Utah State, the best run defense in the Mountain West, for 229 yards and five touchdowns. He's also improved as a receiver this season. He's a solid Round 3 option.

3. Cody Kessler (QB-USC)

Cody Kessler USC
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3. Cody Kessler (QB-USC)

Cody Kessler USC
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Notre Dame has a long football history, but Cody Kessler is the first QB ever to throw six touchdown passes against the Irish. In addition, Kessler was 32-for-40 for 372 yards. He's quietly been one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. He's the only QB ranked in the top-six in completion percentage, passing yards, touchdowns and passer rating. His 9-to-1 TD to INT ratio will appeal to teams in the middle rounds if Kessler declares.

2. La'el Collins (OT-LSU)

La'el Collins LSU
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2. La'el Collins (OT-LSU)

La'el Collins LSU
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Thanksgiving night cemented La'el Collins as a first-round pick. His play against star freshman Myles Garrett of Texas A&M was the best performance from an offensive tackle all season. Garrett finished the game with only one solo tackle. Collins was physically dominant and countered every move Garrett made. His unsportsmanlike conduct penalty showed off his aggressiveness and mean streak that scouts love to see in a franchise left tackle.

1. Amari Cooper (WR-Alabama)

Amari Cooper Iron Bowl
Getty Images

1. Amari Cooper (WR-Alabama)

Amari Cooper Iron Bowl
Getty Images

Amari Cooper lands the No. 1 spot this week after his historic Iron Bowl performance. The stats (13 receptions, 224 yards and three touchdowns) are impressive, but it's the numerous ways he beat the Auburn secondary that will help his draft stock. Cooper outran, outjumped and outsmarted the defense on his way to setting the Iron Bowl record for receiving yards. He still isn't a lock to be the first WR drafted, but he will be a first-round pick.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Related: 

Evaluating Shawn Oakman’s NFL Draft Stock
 Evaluating Leonard Williams’ NFL Draft Stock

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