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NFL draft: Prospects you need to know from the Dec. 23-29 bowl games
Settling in for some college football bowl game action this week? Even if your favorite NFL prospect is not playing?
Don’t worry, we have you covered. We are taking a look at the bowl games from Dec. 23-29 and highlighting the players you might want to keep an eye on as draft season draws closer.
In the case of underclassmen, we’re tending to focus more on senior players who already have declared or those widely speculated to be declaring.
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Dec. 23 games
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl
Eastern Michigan vs. Old Dominion
Prospects to watch:
Old Dominion WR Zach Pascal — The 6-2, 213-pound Pascal has steadily improved over his career and has a nice size-speed combination to attract NFL teams. His big game against NC State earlier this season (104 yards, two TDs) got him some attention.
Eastern Michigan DE Pat O’Connor — He fits the Rob Ninkovich mold of rusher: a hot motor, underrated athleticism and good football smarts. The 6-4, 265-pound O’Connor came back from a season-ending injury to shine as a senior despite not having much pass-rush talent around him.
When and where: 1 p.m., ESPN
Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, Nassau, Bahamas
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Louisiana Tech vs. Navy
Prospects to watch:
Louisiana Tech WR Trent Taylor — The Senior Bowl invitee has questions to answer about his size (5-8, 178 pounds), and he turns 23 right after the draft. But he was incredibly productive in college, catching everything in sight in a 103-catch, 10-TD season with eight straight 100-yard games. His future most definitely is in the slot, but the dude makes people miss with regularity.
Louisiana Tech DB Xavier Woods — Perhaps the best safety in Conference-USA, but also size-challenged for the position at 5-11, 187 pounds. Still, Woods will knock your face off as a hitter and carries a special-teamer’s mentality. He also led the team in passes defended (11) and interceptions (five) and could be a zone corner in the NFL.
When and where: 4:30 p.m., ESPN
Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas
Dollar General Bowl
Ohio vs. Troy
Prospects to watch:
Ohio DE Tarell Basham — There will be a terrific head-to-head battle between two Senior Bowl invitees … in the bowl game played in the very same stadium as the Senior Bowl is played. How about that? Basham has been a dominant pass rusher in the MAC — he is the Bobcats’ all-time leader in the statistic — and carries a middle-to-late-round grade. The 6-4, 260-pounder is ferocious rushing off both sides, but when he lines up on the defense’s right side, he will have his hands full matching up with …
Troy OT Antonio Garcia — The All-Sun Belt performer has 41 career starts at left tackle and is a Day 2 or 3 NFL draft prospect. He’s long and lean at 6-7 and 303 pounds and really has stood out as a senior. We can’t wait to see these two lock horns in this game — selfishly, we wish it was every play — and then a month from now on the same field for the Senior Bowl.
When and where: 8 p.m., ESPN
Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Ala.
Dec. 24 games
Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii vs. Middle Tennessee
Prospects to watch:
Middle Tennessee State CB Jeremy Cutrer — A big fish in a small pond, Cutrer was a former four-star recruit who originally committed to LSU before landing in junior college and then MTSU. The 6-2 corner carries a very lean build at 170 pounds but has flashed playmaking ability the past two seasons with 30 pass breakups and three blocked kicks.
Middle Tennessee State RB I’Tavius Mathers — The Ole Miss transfer is a redshirt junior who was an absolute beast in the upset of Mizzou, with 263 yards from scrimmage and two TDs on 36 touches. The 5-11, 192-pound Mathers had a monster season and really stepped up when star QB Brent Stockstill went down with injury, and Mathers could declare early given his age (he turns 24 next November) and a heavy workload.
When and where: 8 p.m., ESPN
Aloha Stadium, Honolulu
Dec. 26 games
St. Petersburg Bowl
Miami (Ohio) vs. Mississippi State
Prospects to watch:
Mississippi State WR Fred Ross — The Bulldogs’ all-time leading receiver did not come back down to earth with the graduation of Dak Prescott, leading the SEC with 12 touchdown receptions this season. At 6-2 and 205 pounds, Ross is more of a glider than a speed demon, and despite Prescott leaving Ross made a wise choice returning to school after a groin injury in the spring. He has stepped up and improved this season.
Mississippi State DE Jonathan Calvin — One of the surprise standouts on the Bulldogs’ defense, this first-time starter pairs with another good end in A.J. Jefferson in what looks like a tasty matchup. RedHawks OT Collin Buchanan is solid, but the rest of the O-line looks sub-par vs. an SEC rush. The 6-3, 263-pound Calvin has been an eye-opener as a wide-technique rusher for coordinator (and former NFL linebacker) Peter Sirmon’s unit.
When and where: 11 a.m., ESPN
Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Quick Lane Bowl
Maryland vs. Boston College
Prospects to watch:
Boston College DE Harold Landry — With an NCAA-best 15 sacks, the 6-3, 249-pound Landry has sought an evaluation from the NFL Draft Advisory Board and could be tempted to come out early (even in a year with a glut of pass-rush talent) if he projects to be a top-50 selection. His speed and athleticism reminds us a bit of Denver Broncos OLB Shane Ray, and this game will be a good test for Landry’s run-stopping ability against the Terps’ good ground game.
Boston College S John Johnson — He’s a team captain, the Eagles’ second tackler and has three interceptions in each of the past two seasons for a very good defense. The 6-foot, 202-pound Johnson also has played corner and safety in the past and is very much on NFL teams’ radars for that versatility as a mid- or late-round prospect. A nice little player who will find his way onto an NFL roster next season, we believe.
When and where: 2:30 p.m., ESPN
Ford Field, Detroit
Camping World Independence Bowl
NC State vs. Vanderbilt
Prospects to watch:
Vanderbilt LB Zach Cunningham — Come and see the show in what we believe will be the 6-3, 236-pound Cunningham’s final college game, even though the junior has another year of eligibility. Currently projected as a first-round talent, Cunningham has elite range, a shredded physique, good take-on strength and strong instincts and is our second-favorite off-ball LB prospect in this year’s class right now after Alabama’s Reuben Foster. It would be hard for Cunningham to top his performance against Auburn, when he blocked a field goal, forced a fumble and made nine tackles, but we have a feeling Cunningham could take over this game.
NC State RB Matthew Dayes — We considered mentioning 6-7 Vandy OT Will Holden here, but we’re intrigued by the 5-9 Dayes, who became the Wolfpack’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2002. He’s a jack of all trades, and perhaps a master of none, but running against the Commodores and Cunningham will be an excellent test prior to Dayes working at the Senior Bowl. Dayes has saved some of his best work for last, with six touchdowns in the final three games.
When and where: 5 p.m., ESPN2
Independence Stadium, Shreveport, La.
Dec. 27
(Note: No legitimate 2017 NFL prospects for the Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl — Army vs. North Texas)
Military Bowl
Temple vs. Wake Forest
Prospects to watch:
Temple OT Dion Dawkins — A three-year starter at left tackle, the athletic Dawkins carries his 315 pounds well on a 6-5 frame and is a top-notch run blocker who really could emerge in what appears to be a weak crop of tackles in the 2017 class. The former zero-star recruit will be one of the more intriguing players to watch at the Senior Bowl as a possible top-100 pick, and he has a chance to put up a big final performance against this Wake front that lacks depth.
Temple OLB Haason Reddick — The undersized, electric Reddick could have a field day against a Deacons team that has its share of distractions and features a weak offensive line. Reddick is Temple’s all-time leader in tackles for loss and led FBS schools with 21.5 of them this season. He has size concerns (6-1, 230) and an ankle injury held him back down the stretch, but we love Reddick’s intensity and nose for the ball. He could end up a pass-rush specialist and/or a special-teams standout in the NFL.
Where and when: 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Md.
National Funding Holiday Bowl
Minnesota vs. Washington State
Prospects to watch:
Washington State WR Gabe Marks — In this game featuring two potential NFL quarterbacks, we focus in on one of the top targets for Washington State QB Luke Falk (whom we believe will return to school in 2017). The Pac-12’s career receptions leader, Marks — along with fellow Cougars WR River Cracraft — certainly benefits from Mike Leach’s “Air Raid” offense, carries a lean frame and has had a few lower-body injuries that NFL scouts have taken note of. Marks is highly productive, fun to watch and could get open against a Gophers secondary that has been gutted by suspension, although CB Jalen Myrick will be playing and has talent.
Minnesota QB Mitch Leidner — What an enigma. Leidner looks the part certainly, and he started to receive unrealistic hype heading into this season that quickly crashed down. Last we saw him, Leidner was throwing four picks (a few of them awful) in the second half alone against Wisconsin. Some NFL team is likely to give the 6-4, 237-pound QB a chance, and he could shred up this Washington State defense that allows nearly 13 yards per completion. But we are very much skeptical of Leidner’s makeup overall as a pro prospect.
When and where: 7 p.m., ESPN Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego Motel 6 Cactus Bowl Boise State vs. Baylor 10:15 p.m., ESPN Chase Field, Phoenix
Dec. 28 games
New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Pittsburgh vs. Northwestern
Prospects to watch:
Pitt QB Nathan Peterman — The Pirates have some legit NFL talent on offense, including OT Adam Bisnowaty, OG Dorian Johnson, RB James Connor and TE Scott Orndoff. But we’re fascinated to watch Peterman, who will play at the Senior Bowl, in his final college game after a wild, circuitous route to this point. The graduate transfer from Tennessee transfer took advantage of his one season at Pitt by displaying care for the ball (six INTs on 288 attempts) and good athleticism behind a good line. Keep an eye on Peterman, who is just now earning longer NFL looks.
Northwestern LB Anthony Walker — The redshirt junior who had a breakout year in 2015 is said to be considering declaring early, and he has really gotten back on track after an injury slowed him. The most eye-opening performance was a 19-tackle game against Duke, but he also was terrific in a 14-tackle, 3.5-TFL game against Illinois. Watching Walker try to take down the power of Connor, the elusiveness of Peterman and the raw speed of RB Quadree Henderson all game should be fantastic.
When and where: 2 p.m., ESPN
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, N.Y.
Russell Athletic Bowl
West Virginia vs. Miami (Fla.)
Prospects to watch:
Miami (Fla.) CB Corn Elder — We’re assuming for now that QB Brad Kaaya will return to school after a solid but relatively unspectacular season (although things could change quickly with his intentions). But humor us here and keep an eye on No. 29, Elder, who is a very good football player in a smallish frame. The team captain might only stand 5-10 and 185 pounds, but he’s a standout who can defend the run (63 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss), blitz (three sacks) and play the pass as a very good zone prospect (team-best 11 pass breakups). The former national basketball recruit is a fascinating prospect despite his size limitations, and he’ll have a good test against the Mountaineers’ passing game and the running ability of QB Skyler Howard.
West Virginia C Tyler Orlosky — One of the better centers in the country, Orlosky might not have the most bulk or elite athleticism but he’s a tremendous competitor and tone-setter up front. He’s smart, tough and a good zone-blocker who could be a Day 2 pick and an NFL starter in time. We will enjoy watching the 6-3, 295-pound Orlosky work against the Canes’ young defensive interior.
When and where: 5:30 p.m., ESPN
Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Fla.
Foster Farms Bowl
Indiana vs. Utah
Prospects to watch:
Indiana OG Dan Feeney — It has been an interesting final season for Feeney, a four-year starter at right guard who earned an All-American mention. But he did so despite missing time with a concussion and also having to shift over to right tackle this season. We might not see Feeney lock horns too many times with the Utes’ standout defensive tackle, Lowell Lotulelei, but we’re curious to see how he holds up against this stout front overall. Feeney could be a top-50 pick (and perhaps a late first-rounder) when it’s all said and done. This man is a battler and an exceptional technician as a pass blocker.
Utah DB Marcus Williams — A versatile defensive back who carries a lot of responsibilities on the Utes’ defense, Williams will be tested against the Hoosiers’ wide-open style. He missed time this season because of an undisclosed injury but was playing at a very high level before and after that. This is an interesting battle against Indiana’s variety of receiving targets and run game.
When and where: 8:30 p.m., Fox
Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl
Texas A&M vs. Kansas State
Prospects to watch:
Texas A&M pass rusher Myles Garrett — This is our top player available for 2017, even though this elite pass rusher hasn’t officially declared yet. At this point, that appears to be a foregone conclusion and this could be a good test for him if it’s his final college game. The Wildcats are a run-based team, and we came away highly impressed with Garrett’s run-stopping ability, leverage and diagnostic skills when we watched him earlier this season in some high-profile matchups. Cleveland Browns fans, this could be your first overall pick in the spring.
Texas A&M S Justin Evans — The former junior-college transfer has been insanely productive this season with 85 tackles, five tackles for loss and four interceptions. But what makes him fun to watch is his hitting ability, which should be on full display up in the box against the K-State ground game. Evans has good size, and if he tests well he could be a second-round pick.
When and where: 9 p.m., ESPN
NRG Stadium, Houston
Dec. 29
Birmingham Bowl
South Florida vs. South Carolina
Prospects to watch:
South Florida RB Marlon Mack — Few things were more sure in college football this season than Mack scoring touchdowns, which he did in every game this season. The highly talented back has good top-end speed, is elusive, catches the ball well and understands pass protection well. Although he has a year of eligibility remaining, Mack could opt to turn pro now that there has been a coaching change. Aiming to slow Mack down is Gamecocks coach Will Muschamp, who once recruited him at Florida as a safety.
South Carolina DE Marquavious Lewis — Lewis’ hype as a former top-five junior-college transfer hasn’t translated to his tape fully, but he’s a surprisingly good run defender and will get a full test here from Mack and elusive South Florida QB Quinton Flowers. Setting a hard edge will be key, so even if Lewis isn’t making all the stops, he at least needs to funnel Mack and Flowers inside and keep from them making splash plays outside the numbers. Lewis has a good frame and will be worth a late-round flier, we believe.
When and where: 2 p.m., ESPN
Legion Field, Birmingham, Ala.
Belk Bowl
Arkansas vs. Virginia Tech
Prospects to watch:
Virginia Tech TE Bucky Hodges — In what could be a banner year for tight ends in the draft, this matchup will feature two intriguing ones in Hodges and Arkansas’ Jeremy Sprinkle. But we believe Hodges is the better prospect with his ability to split the seam as a sort of oversized receiver. There have been comparisons of Hodges to Carolina Panthers All-Pro Greg Olsen, and though we’ll pump the brakes on that just a bit, we do like his freakish qualities at 6-foot-7 and 249 pounds to be a mismatch piece at the next level.
Arkansas OT Dan Skipper — Of the handful of OT prospects over the past few generations taller than 6-foot-8, few have been able to prove they can play low enough and generate enough power to make it in the NFL. A notable example has been the San Diego Chargers’ King Dunlap, who has carved out a nice NFL career even if it took time to acclimate to the pros. This is the challenge for Skipper, who is listed at a whopping 6-foot-10 — the NFL combine measurement for him will be fascinating. But his play this season has been strong all things considered, which included a switch from left tackle to right tackle in the summer. Although LSU’s Arden Key undressed Skipper, he turned in a nice game against an Alabama team laden with front-seven talent. Skipper could have a chance for a nice outing here in a game many scouts are expected to attend.
When and where: 5:30 p.m., ESPN
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.
Valero Alamo Bowl
Oklahoma State vs. Colorado
Prospects to watch:
Oklahoma State WR James Washington — These teams are loaded with Day 2 and 3 talent, and gifted Cowboys QB Mason Rudolph might even be a first-round talent when it’s all settled. But don’t snooze on Washington and the great group of receivers going against a Colorado secondary that might the most talented in the country. This should be one of the better unit-vs.-unit matchups you’ll see this bowl season. Washington is a burner who averaged nearly 20 yards a pop this season, and how he fares against Buffaloes CBs Ahkello Witherspoon and Chidobe Awuzie will go a long way toward making an impression on scouts.
Colorado QB Sefo Liufau — It was a disastrous Pac-12 title game for the talented and athletic Liufau, who turned into a pick machine in the loss to Washington while playing hurt. Healthy now, Liufau can regain some of the intrigue he built this season as a dual threat as a passer and runner. Style-wise, he’s a poor man’s Dak Prescott — or perhaps more like what most people expected Prescott to be coming into the NFL as a developmental QB in need of refinement. So much for that, eh? Liufau won’t be the next Prescott as a rookie, but he can buttress a strong performance here against a so-so OSU defense and a good week at the Senior Bowl into buffing up his draft stock once more.
When and where: 9 p.m., ESPN
Alamodome, San Antonio
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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!
