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2015 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects Who Hurt Their Stock In Conference Championship Games

2015 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects Who Hurt Their Stock In Conference Championship Games

Melvin Gordon Big Ten Championship
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

With conference championships on the line, Week 15 was the final opportunity for prospects to make an impression before bowl season. In most cases, the prospects who struggled not only hurt their draft stock, but also contributed to their teams losing.

5. Jamal Golden (FS-Georgia Tech)

Jamal Golden Georgia Tech
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5. Jamal Golden (FS-Georgia Tech)

Jamal Golden Georgia Tech
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In a game in which the majority of the Georgia Tech defense struggled, Jamal Golden's play stood out. He struggled as the Yellow Jackets played much more man defense than usual. Florida State receivers consistently beat the coverage, leading to easy receptions. Golden played well against the run and is a solid tackler, but the Seminoles were able to expose his poor coverage skills. Golden is projected to be taken in Round 5 if he declares early.

4. Mario Edwards, Jr. (DE-Florida State)

Mario Edwards Florida State
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

4. Mario Edwards, Jr. (DE-Florida State)

Mario Edwards Florida State
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Mario Edwards may have struggled more than anyone in Week 15, but he lands at No. 4 due to the offense he faced. Edwards looked lost against the triple option and Georgia Tech took advantage. While the QB is supposed to read the DE before deciding what to do, Edwards made the decision easy by committing immediately one way or the other. Fortunately for him, the triple option isn't run in the NFL.

3. Mickey Baucus (OT-Arizona)

Mickey Baucus Arizona
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3. Mickey Baucus (OT-Arizona)

Mickey Baucus Arizona
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Mickey Baucus, who has played well enough to earn an East-West Shrine Game invite, was dominated by Oregon defenders. Both DE DeForest Buckner and OLB Tony Washington won their matchups against Baucus. The Arizona OT was beaten with speed and power as the Ducks amassed seven tackles for a loss en route to the Pac-12 championship. Baucus will need strong performances in the Fiesta Bowl and Shrine Game in order to be drafted.

2. Shane Ray (DE-Missouri)

Shane Ray Missouri
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2. Shane Ray (DE-Missouri)

Shane Ray Missouri
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The scoring play in which Shane Ray was ejected for targeting Alabama QB Blake Sims gave Alabama a 14-0 lead, but more importantly took away the Tigers' best pass rusher. The hit itself won't hurt Ray's draft stock. What will hurt his stock is his limited number of snaps against a solid left tackle. Ray was playing well against LT Cam Robinson, and four quarters of solid play would have secured his spot in the top half of Round 1.

1. Melvin Gordon (RB-Wisconsin)

Melvin Gordon Wisconsin
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

1. Melvin Gordon (RB-Wisconsin)

Melvin Gordon Wisconsin
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Ohio State entered Indianapolis on a mission and Melvin Gordon didn't have a chance. Gordon's 2.9 YPC was his lowest against an FBS team in over two years. He finished the game with only 76 yards. Three other draft-eligible backs in the Big Ten (Jeremy Langford, David Cobb and Tevin Coleman) all gained at least 137 yards and scored three touchdowns against the Buckeyes. Auburn's 46th-ranked run defense is up next for Gordon.

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: 

2015 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects Who Raised Their Stock In Conference Championship Games
2015 NFL Draft Guide To Conference Championship Games

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