NFL Draft: Saturday Bowl Preview

Welcome to College Football Bowl Season! Dozens of games will be happening over the next few weeks that feature match ups across conferences which will serve as a great challenge to a lot of draft prospects. Today’s slate features five bowl games and each one has at least a player worth keeping an eye on.

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, Troy v. North Texas, 1 PM ET on ESPN

• Jordan Chunn, Running Back, Troy: Troy has battled their way to an impressive 10-2 this season, including a major upset win over LSU a few weeks ago. Fair to say their season wouldn't be possible without Jordan Chunn serving as the engine to their offense. The 6’1”, 235 pound senior is a strong, bruising back with impressive quickness for his size. Chunn has been productive over the course of his whole career at Troy and the senior is looking to go out on a high note and get Troy their 11th win on the season.
• Blace Brown, Cornerback, Troy: Another playmaker who has been integral to Troy’s success this year; Blace Brown has picked off five passes this season and 11 passes since the beginning of the 2016 season. He is a lanky six foot and 186 pounds, but he uses his frame wen to find the ball in the air and make a play. While Brown is only a junior; his productivity over the last two seasons could push him to consider early draft declaration.

Autonation Cure Bowl, Western Kentucky v. Georgia State, 2:30 PM ET on CBS

• Mike White, Quarterback, Western Kentucky: The Hilltoppers have lost a lot of talent over the last few years, but Mike White remains a steady producer on their offense. The 6’5”, 230 pound signal caller has a strong, accurate arm downfield and is tough in the pocket. He is not the greatest athlete and his decision making can flounder sometimes, but he is a worthwhile quarterback prospect who could warrant mid-round consideration for teams looking for a young back up.
• Bryan Williams, Safety, Georgia State: Georgia State’s fifth year senior is a massive safety prospect; standing 6’3” at 215 pounds. Williams’ career has been mired by injuries, but he turned in a strong senior season and led the Panthers in interceptions. Williams’ size and range is worth a look as a developmental prospect who could play safety or even cornerback.

Las Vegas Bowl, #25 Boise State v. Oregon, 3:30 PM ET on ABC

• Tyrell Crosby, Tackle, Oregon: Arguably the best prospect in this game; Tyrell Crosby returns to his home town for his last game of college football. At 6’5” and 320 pounds, Crosby has ideal size for the tackle position and he is a fantastic athlete to boot. He is a technically sound player as well; making him a strong prospect who will warrant first round consideration. Mauling a tough Boise State defense to get a win today will probably go a long way for his draft stock.
• Charles Nelson, Wide Receiver, Oregon: While Charles Nelson has never been a great producer; the 5-8, 170 pound senior is an electric player with the ball in his hands. During his time in Eugene; he has made an impact as a receiver, runner, returner and even a defender. While Nelson’s NFL prospects aren’t definite; he is no doubt a great physical talent who could make a big pay at any moment.
• Arrion Springs, Cornerback, Oregon: In the last three seasons; Arrion Springs has broken up 41 passes! The six foot defender is incredibly physical and aware and while he will not create a lot of interceptions; he is a steady defender who will give his all on every play. Boise State has a strong passing offense and Springs will be tested in his final game before he goes pro.
• Cedrick Wilson, Wide Receiver, Boise State: Cedrick Wilson has been a playmaker ever since he stepped into the starting line up for the Broncos. The 6’3”, 190 pound senior has over 2,400 receiving yards in the last two years and 17 touchdowns through the air. He is a big bodied deep threat who has excellent ball skills to make tough catches down field. He will be facing an underrated secondary against Oregon and a big game will help keep his name fresh in the minds of draft analysts everywhere.

Gildan New Mexico Bowl, Marshall v. Colorado State, 4:30 PM ET on ESPN

• Dalyn Dawkins, Running Back, Colorado State: The Rams run a balanced offense that benefitted their senior running back, Dalyn Dawkins, this season. The 5’9, 190 pound runner doesn't have prototypical size but he is a quick footed scat back who can create plays as a runner or in the passing game. While he is not among the many top tiered backs in this upcoming class; Dawkins is a late round runner who will make an impact in the league.
• Michael Gallup, Wide Receiver, Colorado State: Michael Gallup is one of the best receivers in the country, and has been for the last two years. Gallup isa well built 6’1” and 200 pounds and he has caught 21 touchdowns since 2016 and pick up over 2,600 yards through the air. Gallup isn't an overwhelming athlete; but he is a consistent technician who plays with a “my ball” mentality. He is a tough, consistent player and a big game from him today would hardly be surprise.

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl, Middle Tennessee v. Arkansas State, 8 PM ET on ESPN

• Richie James, Wide Receiver, Middle Tennessee: Richie James was an offensive monster his first two years in college football but his junior season has been derailed by multiple injuries. He is questionable to play today with a collar bone injury, but if he is in and healthy; there are few players more electric with the ball in their hands.
• Ja’Von Rolland Jones, Defensive End, Arkansas State: Playing at Arkansas State can obscure a player’s success a bit; but Ja’Van Rolland Jones has been one of the most productive players in the country since he started for the Red Wolves. With 43.5 sacks and 64 TFLs in the last four years (not to mention 10 forced fumbles in that time), Rolland Jones is the second most productive defensive lineman in NCAA history. If Rolland Jones gets a sack tonight; he will break Terrell Suggs’ record and become the most productive college pass rusher of all time. Rolland Jones is a smaller 6’2” and 244 pounds, but he is highly physical and a high effort player. Tonight will be the cherry on top of an incredible college career and he will no doubt make an impact at the next level.