Big Ten: NFL Draft prospect watch -- Week 5

Johnathan Hankins and Kawann Short each boosted their stock with big impacts on their respective games but a scary moment from Michigan State's game jeopardized the health of William Gholston.

By Mike Singer

Oct 2, 2012 at 11:34 am ET • 3 min read

Purdue DT Kawann Short had three tackles for loss, a forced fumble and blocked a field goal in Saturday's win over Marshall. (US Presswire)

1. DT Johnathan Hankins, 6-3, 317, Ohio State

Why he has the top spot: No one was more responsible for limiting Michigan State’s Le'Veon Bell to just 45 yards on 17 carries than “Big Hank” on Saturday. Hankins’ numbers from Ohio State’s visit to East Lansing won’t stand out (three tackles), but that’s only because his 10 tackles in each of the past two games represent unbelievable production from the tackle position. He blew up numerous rushing plays in the backfield and opened up gaps for other rushers.

Season stats: 28 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack.

Player ranking: Hankins is ranked as the third-best player in the draft class and the best DT in the country, according to CBSSports.com’s player rankings.

Up next: The Buckeyes host Nebraska and its three-headed running attack of Taylor Martinez, Rex Burkhead and Ameer Abdullah. Hankins will be at the heart of the scrum once again, trying to contain Martinez in the pocket and attempting to force him to put the ball in the air.

2. DT Kawann Short, 6-3, 315, Purdue

Why he has the second spot: Kawann Short’s stock is soaring following his all-around performance in Saturday’s win over Marshall. The senior tackle blocked a 34-yard field goal attempt, caused a fumble and had three tackles for loss, including a sack. It’s already Short’s second blocked field goal this season and the fifth of his career.

“A lot of people depend on me,” he said to Jeff Washburn of the Journal and Courier. “When I get a block, everybody feeds off that and we get momentum. With Bruce Gaston in there, I know I can get a push and just stick my paw back there and something will happen.” Even Marshall coach Doc Holliday was impressed. “That’s why he’s going to be playing on Sundays,” he said.

Season stats: 9 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 blocked field goals.

Player ranking: Short is the 30th-ranked player in the draft class and the fifth-best tackle, according to CBSSports.com’s player rankings.

Next up: The Boilermakers host Michigan on Saturday and should Short have a big game against the Wolverines’ offensive line which features 6-7 T Taylor Lewan, it will undoubtedly vault him into the national spotlight.

3. DE William Gholston, 6-7, 278, Michigan State

Why he has the third spot: Forget about draft stock for a moment. Gholston was involved in perhaps the scariest moment of the entire weekend when Michigan State S Isaiah Lewis torpedoed into a pile of players trying to tackle Braxton Miller and inadvertently nailed Gholston in the head. The 6-7 defensive end lay motionless on top of Miller for 30 seconds before wobbling off the field with assistance from the training staff. It appeared like he was knocked unconscious but a report from ESPN’s Heather Cox, citing the Michigan State training staff, said he only had the wind knocked out of him. He was back in the game a few plays later and finished with four tackles on the day but wasn’t nearly as assertive as in past games.

Season stats: 18 tackles and 1 sack.

Player ranking: Gholston is ranked as the 39th-best overall player and the sixth-best defensive end in the class, according to CBSSports.com’s player rankings.

Next up: Michigan State travels to Indiana as it tries to get back on track in the Legends Division race. Indiana is extremely young and the veteran Gholston could have a huge game against the Hoosiers' offensive line.

Keep an eye on: LT Taylor Lewan, 6-7, 310, Michigan

Why you should watch him: Because he’s integral to whatever offensive success Michigan has. He blocks Denard Robinson’s blindside, creates huge holes for Fitz Toussaint, and buys time for Robinson in the pocket. Lewan won’t be going directly against Short but he’ll still have to deal with the Boilermakers’ other outstanding rusher, Ryan Russell.

Season stats: N/A

Player ranking: Lewan is listed as the 18th-best player overall and the second-best offensive linemen, according to CBSSports.com’s player rankings.

Next up: The Wolverines travel to West Lafayette to take on the upstart Boilermakers. Coming off a bye week, the Wolverines will be rested but a win for Purdue could kick start their conference schedule.

For more Big Ten coverage, follow Mike Singer and Dave Carey @CBSSportsBigTen.