National Football League

Best 2017 NFL Draft prospects from biggest Bowl Games

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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As we head into bowl season, here are the players who NFL scouts will be paying the most attention to in every game.

The college football season is winding down, but before it’s over, we still have a ton of bowl games to watch. Meanwhile, NFL scouts around the country will be traveling to watch NFL draft prospects in each of these contests.

A number of players, including LSU star running back Leonard Fournette and Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson, have already declared for the NFL draft. There will be plenty of NFL-caliber talent to keep an eye on, so here are the most talented draft prospects to keep an eye on in the biggest bowl games.

Nov 5, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) runs the ball against the Hawaii Warriors during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Las Vegas Bowl (Dec. 17, 3:30 pm ET on ABC): Houston vs San Diego State

Houston Cougars: Greg Ward Jr., QB

This year’s class of quarterbacks is less than stellar, and there’s a good chance that Greg Ward Jr.’s best chance of playing in the NFL is at another position. Ward is undersized for an NFL QB at 5’11” and 185 pounds, but he has the speed and elusiveness to potentially play WR at the next level if he’s willing to make the switch like Braxton Miller did.

Be sure to also keep an eye out for true freshman defensive lineman Ed Oliver, who could be an early first-round pick in a couple of years.

San Diego State Aztecs: Donnel Pumphrey, RB

Prior to bowl season, only two running backs in the FBS have run for over 2,000 yards. One of those is San Diego State running back Donnel Pumphrey.

Pumphrey isn’t getting the attention that guys like Leonard Fournette or Dalvin Cook are as NFL draft prospects, but the Aztecs star could have a bright future. He’s not going to be a workhorse back at 5’9” and 180 pounds, but his speed and ability to break off big plays in space will make plenty of teams in the middle rounds consider picking him up to be their third-down back.

Sep 17, 2016; Oxford, OH, USA; Miami (Oh) Redhawks defensive back Tony Reid (14) is stiff armed by Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Taywan Taylor (2) in the first half at Fred Yager Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Boca Raton Bowl (Dec. 20, 7 pm ET on ESPN): Memphis vs Western Kentucky

Memphis Tigers: Jake Elliott, K

Although the Memphis Tigers don’t have a ton of NFL-caliber talent on their roster, kicker Jake Elliott has shown some serious potential this season, which is rare to say for a college kicker.

In fact, Elliott has been reliable throughout his four years with Memphis. The senior has never missed an extra point in his 198 attempts. He’s also shown a solid leg by making 10 of his 16 attempts from 50 yards or long, including a career long of 56 yards.

That kind of reliability is rare to see from a college kicker, and a solid finish to his career could help him find a spot at least heading into NFL training camps next season.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: Taywan Taylor, WR

It’s going to be tough for a wide receiver from Western Kentucky to get drafted in this class that has plenty of solid prospects at the position. However, Taywan Taylor has the production for an NFL team to at least send someone out to watch him play in the Boca Raton Bowl.

Over the past two seasons, Taylor has caught 175 passes for 3,053 yards and 33 touchdowns. Taylor is overlooked because of his 6’1”, 195-pound frame, but he’s a quick-twitch athlete with a surprisingly large catch radius and soft hands. His solid footwork and vertical threat should make him a productive slot receiver at the next level.

Oct 14, 2016; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars running back Jamaal Williams (21) runs the ball in the third quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Poinsettia Bowl (Dec. 21, 9 pm ET on ESPN): BYU vs Wyoming

BYU Cougars: Jamaal Williams, RB

Earlier this season, I spoke with Jamaal Williams, who I believe is the most overlooked running back in college football. Although he’s missed a few games this year, his NFL-caliber talent has been on display multiple times.

At 6’2” and 220 pounds, Williams has great size for an NFL running back. He’s an excellent power back who does a great job of getting north-south instead of getting cute at the line of scrimmage. He’s not the fastest running back out there, but he could be a great change-of-pace back who could pick up tough yards in the NFL.

Wyoming Cowboys: Brian Hill, RB

This matchup between BYU and Wyoming will be a running back battle. Williams has been the star for BYU, but Wyoming’s Brian Hill has been a more productive player. This season, Hill has run for 1,767 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Cowboys.

Hill is a similar type of power running back like Williams, although he may have more consistent footwork and vision to make big plays. If he can show up with another big game against BYU, then there’s a chance that he could be an early Day 3 draft pick.

Nov 5, 2016; Denton, TX, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Carlos Henderson (1) caries the ball in the fourth quarter against the North Texas Mean Green at Apogee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sean Pokorny-USA TODAY Sports

Armed Forces Bowl (Dec. 23, 4:30 pm ET on ESPN): Louisiana Tech vs Navy

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: Carlos Henderson, WR and Xavier Woods, SS

You wouldn’t expect a smaller program like Louisiana Tech to have two legitimate NFL draft prospects, but Carlos Henderson and Xavier Woods could both be playing on Sundays in 2017.

Henderson has a solid 5’11” frame along with the explosiveness and footwork to make big plays, as made evident by his 72 receptions and 17 touchdowns this season. Meanwhile, Woods is a versatile safety capable of stopping the run or dropping back in coverage while being a vocal leader for the Bulldogs defense. Neither player is going to be a first-rounder, but don’t be surprised when you hear their names called as early as Day 2.

Navy Midshipmen: Jamir Tillman, WR

The Navy Midshipmen almost never produce NFL talent, but wide receiver Jamir Tillman might have a shot at going pro because of plays like this one.

Although Navy doesn’t throw the ball often in their offensive system, Tillman has been able to stand out when the ball is in his hands. He has great size at 6’4” and 212 pounds, and while it’s unlikely he’ll ever get a chance in the NFL because of his service requirements, NFL teams may still sniff around.

Nov 19, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores inside linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) is congratulated by teammates after a fumble recovery during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vanderbilt Stadium. Vanderbilt won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Independence Bowl (Dec. 26, 5 pm ET on ESPN2): NC State vs Vanderbilt

NC State Wolfpack: Matthew Dayes, RB

It’s going to be an uphill battle for NC State running back Matthew Dayes to get drafted considering the amount of talent at the position this year. However, it’s easy to see why the Wolfpack star has been such a productive player this season.

Dayes has been a workhorse this season, carrying the ball 240 times for 1,119 yards and 10 touchdowns on the year. He’s not the biggest guy at 5’9” and 203 pounds, but he has solid vision and balance to play in a power running scheme. His ability to make passes in the passing game as well could make him a suitable RB2 that an NFL team could be willing to take a chance on.

Vanderbilt Commodores: Zach Cunningham, ILB

Few NFL draft prospects have climbed up big boards as quickly as Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham this season. The Commodores linebacker has been in the middle of plays all year, racking up 119 total tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss on the year.

Cunningham has great awareness and does a good job of shedding blockers to get to the ball carrier. While he sometimes takes bad angles and misses too many tackles, he’s shown that he’s more than capable of either stopping the run or dropping back in pass coverage. I’m not as high on Cunningham as others are, but a big outing in the Independence Bowl could help him prove doubters like myself wrong.

Sep 26, 2015; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive back Brad Watson (25) knocks the ball away from Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Simmie Cobbs Jr. (1) during the second quarter at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Military Bowl (Dec. 27, 3:30 pm ET on ESPN): Temple vs Wake Forest

Temple Owls: Haason Reddick, DE/LB

Temple isn’t the biggest program, but they have a handful of intriguing draft prospects this year. Even linebacker Haason Reddick is starting to generate buzz as one of the better linebackers in this draft class.

Reddick has created plenty of problems in the backfield this season, racking up 21.5 tackles for loss in 13 games, including 9.5 sacks. He may be too small at 6’1” and 230 pounds to play on the defensive line, but he could wind up being a productive linebacker at the next level with the right coaching given his high motor and nose for the ball.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Brad Watson, CB

There isn’t a ton of NFL talent on the Wake Forest roster, but cornerback Brad Watson is a guy who possesses some serious potential as made evident by his two interceptions, six pass breakups and two forced fumbles this season.

Watson has the size at 6’0”, 200 pounds and long arms to be an NFL cornerback. Although he shows off solid ball skills, he does have some questionable footwork and some relatively stiff hips while struggling against the run. Still, there is a lot of potential in Watson’s game, and a big showing against Temple on a national stage could help his draft stock.

Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) throws a pass against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Huskies won 45-17. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Holiday Bowl (Dec. 27, 7 pm ET on ESPN): Minnesota vs Washington State

Minnesota Golden Gophers: Damarius Travis, S

As one of the more under-the-radar teams in the Big Ten, the Minnesota Golden Gophers don’t get a lot of chances to play on a national stage. Players like Damarius Travis could benefit from playing in the Military Bowl with a chance to prove their worth as NFL prospects.

At 6’2” and 215 pounds, Travis is a key piece to Minnesota’s secondary with the versatility to line up as a nickel corner or single-high safety. The right NFL team could use Travis in a hybrid role for their secondary, although he’s likely a late Day 3 prospect unless he can wow scouts with some big plays against Washington State.

Washington State Cougars: Luke Falk, QB

Washington State’s Luke Falk doesn’t get the NFL draft attention that other quarterbacks get, but he’s started to make enough buzz as a potential mid-round guy. Completing 71 percent of his passes for 4,204 yards, 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions has definitely helped his case.

Falk has nice size for an NFL quarterback at 6’4” and 216 pounds with room to grow. The Cougars QB has a solid delivery with nice touch on his passes, but he could help his draft stock in a big way by showing better decision making against an underrated Minnesota secondary in the Holiday Bowl.

Nov 4, 2016; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Jeremy McNichols (13) runs the ball during first half against the San Jose State Spartans at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports

Cactus Bowl (Dec. 27, 10:15 pm ET on ESPN): Boise State vs Baylor

Boise State Broncos: Jeremy McNichols, RB

There are a lot of talented running backs in college football this year, and Boise State’s Jeremy McNichols continues to stay in the conversation as one of the best. Over the past two seasons, McNichols has picked up 3,000 yards and 43 touchdowns on the ground.

Although the Boise State star comes in at just 5’9” and 212 pounds, he’s elusive in open space and tough to bring down when he has enough momentum. He’s not going to be a workhorse back anywhere, but McNichols could develop into a promising third-down back in the NFL.

Baylor Bears: Kyle Fuller, C

Offensive linemen aren’t exactly the most exciting players to watch during a game, but Baylor Bears center Kyle Fuller looks like a future NFL player at the position.

Fuller was the only returning starter on Baylor’s offensive line this season, coming into 2016 with two All-Big 12 selections already under his belt. He has plenty of experience and has solid size 6’5” and 315 pounds to make him an appealing option for teams looking for an interior offensive lineman in April.

Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) carries the ball during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Pinstripe Bowl (Dec. 28, 2 pm ET on ESPN): Pittsburgh vs Northwestern

Pittsburgh Panthers: James Conner, RB

There might not be a more fascinating running back prospect than Pittsburgh’s James Conner. After tearing his MCL and battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Conner returned this season to help the Panthers return to a bowl game behind his 1,060 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground.

It was pretty clear that Conner wasn’t the same player this season, but his powerful running style and 6’2”, 235-pound frame allowed him to run over defenders all year. He might benefit from another year of college ball, but scouts will love his leadership and mentality if he does decide to head for the NFL in April.

Northwestern Wildcats: Anthony Walker Jr., LB

It has been an up and down season for Northwestern, but on the bright side they have a player who has a legitimate chance of being drafted in the first few rounds of the NFL draft in linebacker Anthony Walker Jr..

Walker has been all over the field this season with 10 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and an interception. He’s an aggressive linebacker with solid size at 6’1” and 245 pounds, but he needs to improve on his technique and awareness before he’s ready to become an NFL starting linebacker. Still, there’s a lot of upside in Walker’s game that’ll make him an appealing prospect.

Nov 26, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) throws a pass against Duke Blue Devils during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Athletic Bowl (Dec. 28, 5:30 pm ET on ESPN): West Virginia vs Miami

West Virginia Mountaineers: Rasul Douglas, CB

Any NFL team looking for a cornerback with the ball skills to create game-changing turnovers will likely be sending a scout to the Athletic Bowl to check out West Virginia’s Rasul Douglas. The talented cornerback is currently tied at the top of the FBS with eight interceptions on the year to go along with seven pass breakups.

Douglas comes in at an impressive 6’2” and 203 pounds. His size, ball skills and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes will make him an awfully appealing cornerback prospect. He’ll have a chance to keep helping his draft stock with a big bowl game and some solid offseason workouts.

Miami Hurricanes: Brad Kaaya, QB

At the beginning of the season, Miami’s Brad Kaaya had the opportunity to be the No. 1 quarterback in this draft class. While his stock has quickly dropped, Kaaya will still get every chance to prove himself over the next few months.

Kaaya throws a really nice ball with a clean spiral and plenty of zip. He occasionally has great touch to make some brilliant passes, but Kaaya’s biggest problem is his struggles under pressure. The Miami QB’s ball placement falls apart with the slightest collapse of the pocket, and it’s something he’ll need to prove to scouts that he can overcome before teams are willing to take a chance on him.

Nov 10, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Utah Utes defensive back Marcus Williams (20) returns an interception against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Foster Farms Bowl (Dec. 28, 8:30 pm ET on FOX): Indiana vs Utah

Indiana Hoosiers: Dan Feeney, OG

Despite Indiana’s reputation as one of the bottom feeders in the Big Ten, the Hoosiers have produced some solid NFL players over the past couple of years, including guys like Tevin Coleman, Jason Spriggs and Jordan Howard. Offensive guard Dan Feeney could be the best NFL player that the school has produced in some time.

Feeney stands out as the nation’s top guard because of his ability to manhandle defenders and pave the way for his running back. Meanwhile, he rarely gives up pressure in pass protection. He’s an intimidating matchup at 6’4” and 310 pounds, and there’s a legitimate chance that he winds up being a first-round pick.

Utah Utes: Marcus Williams, S

One of the biggest problems the Hoosiers have had this season is turnovers, so they’ll need to keep an eye out for Marcus Williams in the secondary. In 10 games, Williams has been able to pick up four interceptions and force two fumbles.

Williams is a rangy safety with great speed and awareness to make plays on the ball. His smooth hips and overall athleticism make him a dangerous free safety prospect who could be an early Day 2 pick in the NFL draft provided he makes a big impact once again in the Foster Farms Bowl.

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Texas Bowl (Dec. 28, 9 pm ET on ESPN): Texas A&M vs Kansas State

Texas A&M Aggies: Myles Garrett, EDGE

There are a handful of players battling to prove that they’re worth the No. 1 overall pick, but Texas A&M edge rusher Myles Garrett might have the best case of them all.

Garrett is an absolute beast on the outside at 6’5” and 270 pounds. His raw strength, explosiveness and speed allow him to wreak havoc in the backfield. His technique is still developing, but Garrett has the highest upside of any player in this draft class at any position.

Other players to watch: S Justin Evans, S Armani Watts, WR Josh Reynolds

Kansas State Wildcats: Jordan Willis, DE/EDGE

Both of these teams have talented players capable of getting to the quarterback. Kansas State defensive end Jordan Willis has made his presence felt on the Wildcats, picking up 11.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss.

WIllis has nice size for a potential NFL edge rusher at 6’5” and 258 pounds. He does a great job of exploding off of the snap while keeping his arms extended. He is capable of bending the edge, but he needs to focus on keeping his pad level lower if he’s going to be as disruptive at the pro level.

Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies tight end Bucky Hodges (7) works out prior to the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Belk Bowl (Dec. 29, 5:30 pm ET on ESPN): Arkansas vs Virginia Tech

Arkansas Razorbacks: Jeremy Sprinkle, TE

It’s never easy to take the place of a guy who leaves to go to the NFL, but Arkansas tight end Jeremy Sprinkle has done a great job replacing Hunter Henry.

At 6’6” and 256 pounds, Sprinkle is an intimidating matchup for even the most dominant safeties. The Razorbacks tight end is athletic and shows great body control to make tough catches, but he’s also a more than capable blocker in the run game. He’s not getting the attention that Virginia Tech’s star tight end is, but he could still find a home in the NFL in the middle rounds.

Other players to watch: QB Austin Allen

Virginia Tech Hokies: Bucky Hodges, TE

Virginia Tech wide receiver Isaiah Ford should also get some attention in this bowl game, but tight end Bucky Hodges is one of the more fascinating prospects in this class.

Hodges has a unique build for a tight end at 6’7” and 245 pounds. He’s a willing but not great blocker, but his real impact comes in the passing game. He projects best as a slot tight end and with his size mismatch, he could become a dangerous red zone threat at the next level.

Other players to watch: WR Isaiah Ford

Dec 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver James Washington (28) makes a catch as Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Jordan Thomas (7) defends during the first half at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Alamo Bowl (Dec. 29, 9 pm ET on ESPN): Oklahoma State vs Colorado

Oklahoma State Cowboys: James Washington, WR

The Oklahoma State Cowboys have a handful of weapons on offense this year, but wide receiver James Washington has been arguably the most exciting. He’s been a big-play threat all year, picking up 1,209 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.

Washington is a serious vertical threat and does a great job of attacking 50-50 balls. He has solid size for an outside receiver at 6’1” and 205 pounds, although he’ll need to work on his footwork and cleaner routes if he wants to become a more complete all-around receiver.

Other players to watch: QB Mason Rudolph

Colorado Buffaloes: Chidobe Awuzie, CB

Washington will have his hands full in the Alamo Bowl if Colorado decides to put cornerback Chidobe Awuzie on him. The Buffaloes DB only has one interception this year, but he also has 11 passes broken up and has made life difficult for opposing receivers and quarterbacks.

Awuzie’s best quality is his ability to perfect time blitzes and create problems in the backfield. In coverage, he does a great job of reading the QB’s eyes and jumping routes, although his reliance on reading the QB can lead to him getting burned deep from time to time. Still, Awuzie is extremely disruptive and could play a major factor in this game.

Other players to watch: S Tedric Thompson

Nov 19, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) shown on the field before the game against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Liberty Bowl (Dec. 30, 12 pm ET on ESPN): Georgia vs TCU

Georgia Bulldogs: Nick Chubb, RB

No one knew what to expect from Nick Chubb after returning from a gruesome knee injury that he suffered last year. While Chubb has been able to play, he hasn’t exactly looked like his former self this season.

On the bright side, Chubb’s NFL future is still bright. He’s not the fastest guy, but he has great vision and keeps his feet moving to allow him the shed off would-be tacklers. Playing behind a struggling Georgia offensive line didn’t help his case this season, so Chubb could wind up being a hidden gem in this year’s draft if he can stay healthy.

TCU Horned Frogs: Josh Carraway, EDGE

The TCU Horned Frogs don’t have a lot of NFL prospects, but Josh Carraway has been productive enough this season that he’ll get some attention from scouts. In 12 games this season, Carraway has picked up eight sacks and 47 total tackles.

Carraway is still an extremely raw player, but he’s shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season with plays like this.

Given his long and athletic 6’4”, 250-pound frame, Carraway has some serious upside, but he’s a late-round project rather than a Day 1 starter in the NFL.

Nov 12, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) runs the ball for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Sun Bowl (Dec. 30, 2 pm ET on CBS): Stanford vs North Carolina

Stanford Cardinal: Christian McCaffrey, RB

Despite there being so many talented running backs in this draft class, Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey belongs near the top of that list and is arguably the most versatile back of the group. Injuries slowed him down this year, but that didn’t stop McCaffrey from putting up over 1,900 total yards with 16 total touchdowns.

Other players to watch: EDGE Solomon Thomas

North Carolina Tar Heels: Mitch Trubisky, QB

Currently my No. 1 quarterback on my big board, North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky has burst onto the scene in his first year as a starter. He’s completed 68.9 percent of his passes while throwing just four interceptions on the year, showing some consistent accuracy on his passes.

Trubisky’s biggest knock is his inconsistent deep ball, but there’s a lot to like about the UNC quarterback. He has consistent ball placement on short and intermediate routes, rarely forces throws and showcases some great pocket awareness to avoid pressure and extend plays.

Other players to watch: RB Elijah Hood, WR Ryan Switzer

Nov 5, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Music City Bowl (Dec. 30, 3:30 pm ET on ESPN): Nebraska vs Tennessee

Nebraska Cornhuskers: Nathan Gerry, S

It has been an emotional season for the Nebraska Cornhuskers after the loss of Sam Foltz, but the team was able to work their way to a bowl game. Safety Nathan Gerry has been one of the key contributors to the defense, and that could help him find a home at the next level.

Gerry isn’t the fastest or most physically gifted defensive back, but he does have nice size at 6’2” and 220 pounds. He was a productive player this season and showcased some solid ball skills with four interceptions and eight passes broken up. If scouts can overlook his physical limitations, Gerry could be a Day 3 draft pick.

Tennessee Volunteers: Derek Barnett, EDGE

As far as NFL prospects go, there have been few guys who have jumped out on tape this season as much as Tennessee’s Derek Barnett. He’s been a dominant leader for the Volunteers defense, racking up 18 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and 12 quarterback hurries.

At 6’3” and 265 pounds, Barnett looks like a dominant NFL edge rusher. Not only is he capable of exploding off of the snap to get to the quarterback, but he also has great gap discipline and the strength to shed blockers to make plays against the run. While Tennessee fell off later in the season, Barnett should still be a potential top-10 pick in April.

Other players to watch: RB Alvin Kamara, LB Jalen-Reeves Maybin

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) on the field against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Orange Bowl (Dec. 30, 8 pm ET on ESPN): Michigan vs Florida State

Michigan Wolverines: Jabrill Peppers, DB/LB

No player has been more versatile in college football this season than Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers. The man has played countless positions for the Wolverines this season, and he’ll likely continue to play a hybrid role for an NFL defense next season.

Peppers is probably the most athletic and instinctive prospect in this draft class. He projects best as an NFL safety, but the right coaching staff will try to utilize his skill set by moving him all over the field. The Orange Bowl will be our last chance to watch Peppers in action before the offseason, and a big game from the Michigan star could solidify his stock as a top-five selection.

Other players to watch: CB Jourdan Lewis, EDGE Taco Charlton, DL Chris Wormley, WR Amara Darboh, WR Jehu Chesson

Florida State: Dalvin Cook, RB

As the college football season has progressed, Florida State’s Dalvin Cook has started to make a strong case as the best running back in this draft class. He’s put up over 2,000 total yards of offense this year while finding the end zone 19 times.

Cook has excellent vision and elite acceleration to quickly hit his top speed once he finds the hole to take off for huge plays. He reminds me a lot of Chris Johnson during his time with the Tennessee Titans given his ability to break off huge runs on a consistent basis.

With one last game as a Seminole, Cook will have a chance to solidify his stock as the best running back in the draft.

Other players to watch: EDGE DeMarcus Walker, WR Travis Rudolph

Oct 15, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) celebrates after picking up a fumble during the third quarter of a game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Citrus Bowl (Dec. 31, 11 am ET on ABC): LSU vs Louisville

LSU Tigers: Jamal Adams, S

I would say that you should keep an eye out on Leonard Fournette in this game, but considering he’s day-to-day heading into the contest and you’ve probably already watched him run over defenders for the past couple of years. Instead, I’ll be keeping an eye on safety Jamal Adams.

Adams has been the leader for the Tigers defense this year, making plays either lined up in the defensive backfield or at the line of scrimmage. He can match up with just about anyone and has great closing speed to make plays. Although he can get over aggressive and whiff on tackles from time to time, he has a great combination of instincts and aggressiveness to make big plays.

The LSU star has drawn comparisons to Troy Polamalu, and he’ll be the key to containing Lamar Jackson in this game.

Other players to watch: RB Leonard Fournette, CB Tre’Davious White, LB Kendell Beckwith

Louisville Cardinals: Devonte Fields, EDGE

Even though Lamar Jackson isn’t draft eligible, there are a handful of talented Cardinals who should be playing in the NFL next year. However, edge rusher Devonte Fields arguably has the highest upside.

Fields is a bit inconsistent, but when he’s at his best he can be a dominant edge rusher. At 6’4” and 242 pounds, Fields does a great job of exploding off of the snap and bending the edge. If he can’t get to the quarterback, he keeps his eyes up and times jumps well to bat balls down at the line of scrimmage.

There are a lot of talented edge rushers in this class, and while Fields may be a bit more of a project, I could see him being a Day 2 prospect.

Other players to watch: TE Cole Hikutini, CB Jaire Alexander

Nov 25, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) celebrates after the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa won 40-10 and secured the Heroes Game trophy. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Outback Bowl (Jan. 2, 1 pm ET on ABC): Florida vs Iowa

Florida Gators: Jarrad Davis, LB

The Florida Gators are absolutely stacked on defense, but one player who is finally back and healthy to keep an eye on is linebacker Jarrad Davis. The Gators linebacker missed four games this year, but was able to return in the SEC Championship against Alabama.

Davis is an aggressive linebacker who does a great job of dropping back into coverage. He isn’t afraid to make a big tackle, and he has a nice frame for an NFL LB at 6’2” and 238 pounds. He needs to work on his gap discipline to avoid giving up big rushing lanes, but Davis has a well-rounded game that should translate well to the next level.

Other players to watch: CB Quincy Wilson, CB Teez Tabor, S Marcus Maye, DL Caleb Brantley

Iowa Hawkeyes: Desmond King, CB

Desmond King could have been an early pick in last year’s draft, but the Iowa cornerback decided to stay one more year with the Hawkeyes. That move has paid off, as he’s now in the debate as the top cornerback in this draft class.

King has the quick hips and top-tier speed to mirror even the shiftiest of receivers. However, his best asset is his relentless when making tackles, rarely letting the ball carrier get by him. His abilities as a return man should also help him be a first-round pick.

Dec 2, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) runs the ball for a td in the first half against the Ohio Bobcats at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Cotton Bowl (Jan. 2, 1 pm ET on ESPN): Western Michigan vs Wisconsin

Western Michigan Broncos: Corey Davis, WR

P.J. Fleck has turned the Western Michigan program around, and now they’re going into a huge bowl game with a tough matchup against Wisconsin. There are a few guys from this team who will get drafted, but Corey Davis is far and away their best NFL prospect.

Davis has the potential to be the first receiver taken off of the board given his size (6’3”, 213 pounds) and elite route running ability. Once the ball is in his hands, Davis is tough to bring down and can pick up plenty of yards after the catch.

Davis has dominated the MAC all year, and he should be an early first-round pick in April.

Wisconsin Badgers: Ryan Ramczyk, OT

He’s not going to be the most exciting Wisconsin prospect to watch, but offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk is probably going to be the first Badgers player selected in the NFL draft.

A former Division III transfer, Ramczyk has been a dominating force on the Wisconsin offensive line. He’s a beast at 6’6” and 314 pounds, rarely gives up pressure in pass protection and can get to the second level in the running game. Another solid outing from Ramczyk could solidify his status as the top offensive tackle in this class.

Other players to watch: RB Chris Clement, OLB Vince Biegel, OLB T.J. Watt, DB Sojourn Shelton

Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive back Adoree Jackson (2) celebrates during a NCAA football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Rose Bowl (Jan. 2, 5 pm ET on ESPN): USC vs Penn State

USC Trojans: Adoree Jackson, CB

Much like Jabrill Peppers at Michigan, USC’s Adoree Jackson has been an incredibly versatile playmaker for the Trojans this year. He’s been playing a cornerback, but also been returning kicks and punts while occasionally lining up on offense.

Jackson is one of the most gifted athletes in this class with some smooth hips to keep with his assignments. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty by making tackles in the open field, either. The biggest issue with Jackson is that his footwork and technique are still developing, but he has some tremendous upside as a future NFL corner.

Other players to watch: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

Penn State Nittany Lions: Marcus Allen, S

The future is bright at Penn State given the fact that some of their brightest stars will be returning in 2017. However, safety Marcus Allen has a strong enough case to go pro after the Rose Bowl if he chooses to.

Allen has a nice frame for an NFL safety at 6’2” and 205 pounds, and he has a nose for the ball as made evident by his 101 total tackles this year. He’s instinctive and has great range, although he can sometimes get beat deep when biting on a play fake.

Nov 19, 2016; Morgantown, WV, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Dede Westbrook (11) runs the ball during the first quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

Sugar Bowl (Jan. 2, 8:30 pm ET on ESPN): Auburn vs Oklahoma

Auburn Tigers: Montravius Adams, DT

One of the fastest risers late in the season has been Auburn’s Montravius Adams. The defensive tackle has been a dominating force on the inside of the Tigers’ defense, racking up 8.5 tackles for loss and 15 quarterback hurries.

At 6’4” and 309 pounds, Adams has a thick and powerful base that allows him to push blockers back and plug up rushing lanes. Stamina has been an issue and he’s a little slow, but he does a great job of stopping the run and getting into the backfield. As he continues to work on his technique, Adams could develop into a relentless force at the next level. A game against a top-tier offense like Oklahoma’s will carry a lot of weight with scouts when evaluating his game.

Other players to watch: EDGE Carl Lawson

Oklahoma: Dede Westbrook, WR

A Heisman Trophy finalist, Dede Westbrook came alive after a quiet start to the season. In the last nine games, the Sooners star has racked up 57 receptions for 1,311 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding another score off of a punt return.

Westbrook isn’t the biggest receiver at 6’0” and 175 pounds, but he’s a lethal vertical threat with great footwork and body control to make tough catches. With his soft hands and impressive speed, Westbrook draws comparisons to players like DeSean Jackson, and he has a good chance of being a second or third-round pick given his absurd production to finish out his college career.

Other players to watch: CB Jordan Thomas, LB Jordan Evans, RB Samaje Perine, RB Joe Mixon

December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) runs against Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) during the third quarter in the Pac-12 championship at Levi

Peach Bowl (Dec. 31, 3 pm ET on ESPN): Washington vs Alabama

Washington Huskies: John Ross, WR

Corey Davis and Mike Williams are getting a lot of attention as potential No. 1 receivers in this draft class, but I genuinely feel like Washington’s John Ross belongs in that conversation. He’s a different type of receiver compared to the other two, but that doesn’t make him any less dangerous.

Ross plays the receiver position like he’s a point guard in a basketball game, showing off some absurd footwork and speed to burn by even the most talented defensive backs. He has soft hands and can make some eye-opening grabs from time to time, but he’s even more dangerous after the catch because of his elusiveness. He’s not the physical red zone threat that Williams and Davis are, but Ross has Pro Bowl potential written all over him.

Other players to watch: WR Dante Pettis, CB Sidney Jones, S Budda Baker, DT Vita Vea, LB Azeem Victor, LB Psalm Wooching 

Alabama Crimson Tide: Reuben Foster, LB

I could talk about pretty much any starter for the Alabama Crimson Tide here, but I wanted to single out Reuben Foster. The Alabama linebacker has been one of the most exciting players to watch on tape, and he’ll play a major role for the Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff semifinal.

Foster jumps out on tape with his ability to level the ball carrier on a regular basis. He has elite instincts and the size (6’1” and 245 pounds) to play the position in the NFL. He’s still improving as a blitzer, but he’s more than capable of meeting the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage or dropping back in coverage. With the right team and coaching, Foster could develop into one of the best linebackers in the NFL.

Other players to watch: DL Jonathan Allen, CB Marlon Humphrey, EDGE Ryan Anderson, EDGE Tim Williams, DL Dalvin Tomlinson, OT Cam Robinson, TE O.J. Howard

Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball in the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Clemson Tigers won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Fiesta Bowl (Dec. 31, 7 pm ET on ESPN): Ohio State vs Clemson

Ohio State Buckeyes: Malik Hooker, S

Even though Malik Hooker said that he’s “100 percent sure” he’ll be returning to Ohio State in 2017, that could change if the Buckeyes win a national championship. If Hooker were to declare, he’d be a strong candidate for a first-round selection.

Hooker does a great job of reading the opposing quarterback’s eyes and jumping routes to create turnovers. He showcases great range and ball skills, but he could definitely work on his open-field tackling. Even if he doesn’t go pro, this will be a great game to watch Hooker’s NFL potential going against one of the top quarterbacks in the country.

Other players to watch: RB/WR Curtis Samuel, C Pat Elflein, OG Billy Price, LB Raekwon McMillan, CB Gareon Conley, CB Marshon Lattimore, WR Corey Smith

Clemson Tigers: Deshaun Watson, QB

There might not be another prospect that’s been under a microscope more often than Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, so it only feels right that he’s the last prospect that we talk about.

Despite being a Heisman finalist, Watson has had a very up-and-down season, with many scouts dropping him down their draft boards. He’s currently my No. 3 quarterback behind Mitch Trubisky and DeShone Kizer, but that could change with a big game against this intimidating Ohio State secondary.

There’s a lot to like about Watson’s game. He’s mobile, has a great arm and can make some NFL-caliber throws. However, given his nature to make plays with his legs, there are worries that Watson will be prone to injury given his 6’3”, 215-pound frame. My biggest problem with Watson is his decision making. He rarely goes through his progressions, staring down his No. 1 target and either forcing a throw or taking off if that guy isn’t open.

If Watson can stay consistent and avoid any costly turnovers in this game, he could quickly work his way back into the conversation as the top QB in this class.

Other players to watch: WR Mike Williams, RB Wayne Gallman, TE Jordan Leggett, DT Carlos Watkins, CB Cordrea Tankersley

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