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2017 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: Dec. 17-24 Bowls
Sep 17, 2016; Mount Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Cooper Rush (10) throws the ball during the second quarter against the UNLV Rebels at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Bowl season is finally here. The college football regular season is in the rear view mirror and 80 schools from the FBS level will be playing in their final game of the 2016 season. While many of these programs will look to carry momentum into next season with a win, many 2017 NFL Draft prospects will look to carry momentum into draft season.
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This will be the final opportunity for prospects entering the 2017 NFL Draft to improve their film score. It’s also the last chance for many seniors to earn a spot in a postseason all-star game or earn an invitation to the combine.
Whatever the reason is, there’s plenty of factors to motivate players this bowl season. Even the early bowl games, which typically feature a lot of mid-major programs, will have prospects looking to improve their stock. Here’s a look at those 13 early games, taking place from December 17th-24th, and which 2017 NFL Draft prospects scouts will be watching closely.
Sep 3, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners running back Jarveon Williams (2) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Arizona won 42-32. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
New Mexico Bowl: Jarveon Williams (RB – Texas-San Antonio)
New Mexico opens up the bowl season playing a virtual home game against the Roadrunners of Texas-San Antonio. The Lobos are the number one rushing team in the FBS, but it’s a running back from Texas-San Antonio that NFL scouts will be watching closely.
New Mexico will look to grind out a win by wearing down the Texas-San Antonio defense with their rushing attack. In order to give their defense a rest, the Roadrunners must also find success on the ground. That’s where Jarveon Williams comes in. The senior back has led his school in rushing each of the past two seasons. While his 2016 campaign has fallen short of expectations after a stellar junior season, Williams is still the team’s top offensive weapon.
With this being Texas-San Antonio’s first ever bowl game, there’s a concern that the team will just be happy to be there. The senior class, especially Williams will have to prevent the team from becoming complacent, not only to make this game competitive, but to help his 2017 NFL Draft stock as well. At this time, he’s projected to be an undrafted free agent who could earn a camp invite based on his ability to make plays out of the backfield both as a runner and as a receiver.
Sep 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars linebacker Steven Taylor (41) reacts after a play during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Las Vegas Bowl: Steven Taylor (OLB – Houston)
In what may be the most anticipated bowl game of the week, Houston and San Diego State faceoff in Las Vegas. This game features the nation’s seventh-best rushing attack, led by San Diego State star Donnel Pumphrey against the number three rush defense in the FBS. In order for Houston to prevent Pumphrey from lighting up the stat sheet, linebacker Steven Taylor will need to come up big.
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Taylor is not only the top 2017 NFL Draft prospect on the Houston roster, he’s also the heart and soul of the Cougars defense. After losing William Jackson III and Elandon Roberts from last year’s squad, the pressure was on Taylor to keep Houston among the elite Group of Five programs. He’s delivered ever since the season opening win over Oklahoma and will look to close out his college career with another strong performance.
The only rushing attack ranked higher than the Aztecs that Houston faced this season was Navy. The Midshipmen ran for over 300 yards in that game while handing the Cougars their first loss of the season. That was also the only game this season that Taylor did not play in. Houston’s leading tackler will be on the field this time around as he looks to cement his place as a day two selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Dec 19, 2015; Montgomery, AL, USA; Appalachian State Mountaineers celebrate after winning the 2015 Camellia Bowl at Cramton Bowl. The Mountaineers defeated the Bobcats 31-29. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Camellia Bowl: John Law (ILB – Appalachian State)
Appalachian State returns to Montgomery, Alabama to defend their Camellia Bowl crown. Standing in the Mountaineers way is Toledo’s balanced offensive attack led by quarterback Logan Woodside and running back Kareem Hunt. One 2017 NFL Draft prospect on the Appalachian State defense who can slow down the Rockets is inside linebacker John Law.
Law isn’t the greatest athlete and his statistics won’t blow anyone away, but he plays his best football when the spotlight is on. He recorded 46 tackles, one sack and one interception on the season, however nine of those tackles, half a sack and the interception came against ranked opponents Tennessee and Miami. Against the Volunteers, Law was tasked with slowing down Joshua Dobbs and Jalen Hurd in the run game and he did very well.
Against Miami, he displayed good awareness in the passing game. In the play below, he reads the play the entire way and picks off the Brad Kaaya pass on fourth-and-goal.
Law’s adequate athletic ability will hurt his 2017 NFL Draft stock come pro day, however he’s a prospect teams will look to find a role for once they view his tape.
Oct 3, 2015; Jonesboro, AR, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves defensive back Money Hunter (27) defends a pass intended for Idaho Vandals wide receiver Dezmon Epps (1) during the fourth quarter at Centennial Bank Stadium. Arkansas State defeated Idaho 49-35. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Cure Bowl: Money Hunter (FS – Arkansas State)
The top 2017 NFL Draft prospects on both teams playing in this year’s Cure Bowl reside in the secondary. For Central Florida, Drico Johnson and Shaquill Griffin are the playmakers. For Arkansas State, it’s first-team All-Sun Belt safety Money Hunter.
Although not as well known as his father (former Minnesota Twins outfielder Torii Hunter) or brother (Notre Dame wide receiver Torii Hunter, Jr.), Money Hunter has been making an impact for the Red Wolves since he started five games as a true freshman. Like the rest of his family, Hunter excels in open space. He’s recorded six interceptions in his career and returned a Sun Belt Conference record four for a touchdown.
This season, Hunter raised his level of play. He’s no longer just a center fielder waiting for the quarterback to make a mistake. He’s now a ball hawk against both the pass and the run. He finished the regular season third on the team with 73 tackles and recovered two fumbles. If he gets his hands on a McKenzie Milton pass, the Golden Knights offense better be ready to tackle.
Sep 5, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns running back Elijah McGuire (15) runs the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats in the first half at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Bowl: Elijah McGuire (RB – Louisiana-Lafayette)
Despite having a down season by his standards, Elijah McGuire is still one of the most productive and well-rounded running backs in college football. The senior has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark on the ground for the third consecutive season and will look to close out his college career with a win over Southern Mississippi in the New Orleans Bowl.
McGuire has gained over 5,500 yards of total offense and scored 52 touchdowns since arriving on campus. While his 822 combined rushes and receptions have put some wear on his tires, he’s still the workhorse in the Ragin’ Cajuns backfield. Louisiana-Lafayette has leaned heavily on McGuire in the season’s biggest games, and the New Orleans Bowl shouldn’t be any different.
The 5-foot-10, 208-pound running back is currently projected to be a late-round pick, however he should have multiple opportunities to improve his 2017 NFL Draft stock. Although he hasn’t been announced as an official participant yet, it would be a surprise if McGuire isn’t invited to the Senior Bowl. He’ll likely get another opportunity to impress NFL teams at the Scouting Combine and his school’s pro day.
Sep 3, 2015; Mount Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Cooper Rush (10) looks to sidelines during the second half against Oklahoma State at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. OSU won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Beach Bowl: Cooper Rush (QB – Central Michigan)
There aren’t many quarterbacks in the nation who had a more disappointing season than Central Michigan’s Cooper Rush. After being stamped with a mid-round grade entering the season, he’s in danger of not being selected at all by the time the 2017 NFL Draft rolls around in April.
Poor decision making has been a huge part of Rush’s struggles this season. Whether it’s trying to do too much or simply misreading the defense, Rush has had his fair share of head-scratching moments this year.
Third down has been another issue for Rush and once again it comes down to decision making. While he’s been overaggressive on first and second downs, he all of a sudden becomes conservative on third down. The Chippewas signal caller has completed over 59 percent of his passes on third down this season, however only 41 percent resulted in a first down. Too often he made the mistake of throwing into tight coverage short of the sticks. If the receiver has room to run that’s one thing, however Rush has consistently placed the ball in a spot where his receiver can’t turn up field in time to gain yards after the catch.
Rush did get off to a solid start this season, as he averaged 340 passing yards per game and threw 13 touchdowns to only four interceptions in non-conference play. The issues arose when he took on MAC opponents that were familiar with him. In eight conference games, he averaged just 242 yards per game and threw 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The defenses adjusted, but Rush failed to do so.
Against Tulsa, Rush will have one final opportunity on the field before the East-West Shrine Game to prove he’s worth a selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Dec 22, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Memphis Tigers place kicker Jake Elliott (46) kicked an extra point against Brigham Young Cougars during the third quarter in the Miami Beach Bowl at Marlins Park. Memphis won 55-48 in a double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Boca Raton Bowl: Jake Elliott (K – Memphis)
In what should be a high-scoring affair, the Boca Raton Bowl could come down to the kicking game. If that’s the case, the advantage is clearly with Memphis.
Western Kentucky’s kicker Skyler Simcox has played very well this season, but Jake Elliott may be the best kicker in college football. Elliott is a four-year starter and has led the Tigers in scoring all four seasons. During that time, he’s broken many school records previously held by Super Bowl champion Stephen Gostkowski. He enters the final game of his college career a perfect 198-for-198 on extra points and has connected on 12 of his 14 field goal attempts from 40-plus yards this season.
Kickers aren’t often coveted in the draft, however there are two prospects at the position worth watching on draft day. Both Elliott and Zane Gonzalez of Arizona State are expected to be selected in the late-rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft. With those two separating themselves from the field, once one comes off the board, the other shouldn’t be far behind.
Nov 21, 2015; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Kai Nacua (12) runs after an interception in the fourth quarter past Fresno State Bulldogs wide receiver Justin Johnson (81) at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Poinsettia Bowl: Kai Nacua (FS – BYU)
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Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen has burst onto the scene this season and caught the attention of many draft analysts. Although he’s only a redshirt sophomore and likely to return to school next season, Allen is a potential early-round choice in 2018. Trying to put a halt to Allen’s rise will be the BYU defense led by free safety Kai Nacua.
Nacua is one of the best in the nation when it comes to reading the opposing quarterback. He diagnoses plays quickly and finds his way to the football. The senior has 11 interceptions over the past two seasons and will look to add to that total in his final collegiate game. He isn’t just a spy either. Nacua is also an enforcer who will punish receivers for going over the middle of the field.
Despite the interceptions and hard hits, Nacua has been undervalued by next-level scouts. As of this writing, Nacua has yet to accept an invitation to any of the three major postseason all-star games. That could all change with a solid performance against the highly-touted Wyoming passing attack.
Nov 12, 2016; Colorado Springs, CO, USA; Colorado State Rams punter Hayden Hunt (49) looks on from the sidelines in the third quarter against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Stadium. The Falcons won 49-46. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Potato Bowl: Punters Hayden Hunt (Colorado State) and Austin Rehkow (Idaho)
With two teams lacking star power taking the field in the Potato Bowl, the game could come down to field position. Both schools have major weapons at the punter position, but which one excels in this game will determine the winner.
The two punters have had very similar seasons punting the football, but Hayden Hunt has been slightly better. He’s averaged 44.3 yards per punt with a net of 40.9 yards, which is best in the Mountain West Conference. He’s pinned the opponent inside the 20-yard line 22 times with only two touchbacks.
Rehkow only the other hand, is averaging 42.6 yards per punt, which is more than three yards below his career average. His net of 40 yards ranks just outside the top 10 in the FBS. 23 of his punts have landed inside the 20 with just three resulting in touchbacks.
The one major difference between the two is on the field goal unit. Hunt holds for the Rams, while Rehkow doubles as the Vandals field goal kicker. He’s connected on 90% of his field goal attempts and made all 39 of his extra points. Whichever way this game goes, the two punters will play a major role. Both could potentially land with a team after the 2017 NFL Draft, so how they perform in a bowl setting will be what scouts are watching.
Sep 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Old Dominion Monarchs wide receiver Zach Pascal (6) scores a touchdown during the second half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter Finley Stadium. The Wolfpack won 49-22. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Bahamas Bowl: Zach Pascal (WR – Old Dominion)
The third-annual Bahamas Bowl will once again feature teams from the Mid-American Conference and Conference USA. The two leagues split the first two matchups, so this one will determine which conference takes the lead in the overall standings. In a bowl which has averaged over 86 points per game, expect Old Dominion and Eastern Michigan to continue the tradition of this being a high-scoring affair.
With offense traditionally dominating this bowl, look for Old Dominion wide receiver Zach Pascal to have a big game. The 6-foot-2 senior displays solid speed and can beat defenders in the short, intermediate and deep areas of the field. He’s hauled in eight touchdowns this season and has a total of 63 receptions for 893 yards. Pascal is just six catches and 82 yards away from last season’s totals.
Neither program has a prospect that is currently projected to be selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, but Pascal is the one player who could work his way into the final round. Speed will be a big factor, but he has an opportunity to grab the attention of scouts with a strong performance in the Bahamas.
Dec 26, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defensive back Xavier Woods (7) returns an interception for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Heart of Dallas Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Armed Forces Bowl: Xavier Woods (SS – Louisiana Tech)
The Armed Forces Bowl is all about contrasting offenses. Navy relies heavily on the ground game with the triple-option offense, while Louisiana Tech is the third most productive passing attack in the nation. As a result, Navy should control the ball for much of this game, forcing Louisiana Tech defenders to stay on the field for long periods of time.
If the Bulldogs are going to survive the onslaught of rushing plays, the secondary is going to have to prevent the big play. Xavier Woods, who had one of his worst games of the season in the Conference USA title game, will have to step up. The strong safety was guilty of taking poor angles to the football in the loss to Western Kentucky, and will have to remain disciplined against the Navy rushing attack.
Woods is the only senior on either side with a draftable grade, however his stock is going in the wrong direction. If he wants to remain a potential pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, he’ll have to prove himself against the run and not be fooled by play action when the Midshipmen do put the ball in the air.
Sep 10, 2016; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks punter Cole Moos (36) is tackled by Ohio Bobcats defensive lineman Tarell Basham (93) on a muffed punt in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Ohio won 37-21. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Dollar General Bowl: Tarell Basham (DE – Ohio)
While Woods struggled in his conference championship game, Ohio’s Tarell Basham was the star of his. The senior defensive end had success against Western Michigan’s right tackle Taylor Moton (a potential mid-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft) and left tackle Chukwuma Okorafor (who could be selected even higher next year). He’ll look to carry that momentum into the bowl game.
Troy does have two seniors on the bookends of the offensive line. Left tackle Antonio Garcia and right tackle Tyler Lassiter have played in a combined 88 games over their college careers and will be tasked with slowing down Basham. If those two can hold their ground, the Trojans should win this game. If Basham is able to generate pressure and force Troy quarterback Brandon Silvers into poor decisions, Ohio will have a chance to pull off the upset.
Basham is already on the radar of the NFL, as his play this season has earned him a trip to the Senior Bowl. While currently a late-round prospect, he can greatly improve his 2017 NFL Draft stock with a stellar postseason.
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Oct 22, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders cornerback Jeremy Cutrer (8) breaks up a pass intended for Missouri Tigers wide receiver J
Hawaii Bowl: Jeremy Cutrer (CB – Middle Tennessee)
With quarterback Brent Stockstill out for the season, Middle Tennessee running back I’Tavius Mathers would be the obvious choice here. However, it’s on the other side of the ball where we find the prospect to watch for. Jeremy Cutrer is a potential late-round choice in the 2017 NFL Draft and has a golden opportunity to improve his stock in what amounts to a road game against Hawaii.
The days of throwing the football on every play with Timmy Chang and Colt Brennan at QB may be over, but the Rainbow Warriors aren’t afraid to put the ball in the air. Especially since sophomore Dru Brown took over the starting role, Hawaii has relied more and more on the passing game. As a result, the Blue Raiders secondary needs to be ready.
Jeremy Cutrer, a former four-star recruit who originally committed to LSU, has lived up to the hype during his two seasons at Middle Tennessee. Since the start of the 2015 season, Cutrer has registered six interceptions and 23 pass breakups. The 6-foot-2 cornerback from New Orleans was named first-team All-Conference USA this season and has continued to grow as a prospect. An invitation to the Scouting Combine would do wonders for his stock as Cutrer possesses very good athletic ability and should test extremely well.
