NFL Draft Prospects in the 2021 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

The bowl season gives fans and scouts alike a chance to analyze NFL Draft prospects against solid competition. Bowl scheduling allows all eyes to be on each game. Here are the NFL Draft prospects in the 2021 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.

Marshall Thundering Herd Draft Prospects

Steven Gilmore, CB

Gilmore has played a lot over his four-year career at Marshall. He has 154 total tackles, six interceptions and 23 passes defended in his career. The junior has tallied 48 total tackles, three interceptions and seven passes defended this season. His play earned him All-C-USA Second Team honors for 2021.

At 6-foot-2 and 169 pounds, Gilmore has above average length for an NFL corner, but will need to add play strength to match up with more physical receivers. He is just a junior due to the COVID rules, so he may elect to go back to college for another year to improve his stock. Gilmore isn’t expected to be taken in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent

Xavier Gaines, TE

Gaines has been one of the more productive tight ends in his Thundering Herd career. He has 109 receptions for 1,399 yards and 11 touchdowns over four seasons at Marshall. This season, he has hauled in 41 passes for 476 yards and three touchdowns. He was made the C-USA Honorable mention list.

He is an undersized tight end at 6-foot-3 and 216 pounds. His best shot at getting drafted is to add at least 20 more pounds to his frame. If he can do that, he may be able to impress in some training camps. He is likely going to be an undrafted free agent in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Draft Prospects

Max Mitchell, OT

Mitchell received playing time in his first year on campus before stepping into the starting lineup as a sophomore. He started 14 games as a sophomore and 10 as a junior. In the 2020 season, he started 14 games and was Second-Team All-Sun Belt and was First-Team All-Sun Belt in 2021. Mitchell has gained experience at both tackle spots in his career.

He stands at 6-foot-6 and 299 pounds, which is solid size for an offensive tackle. Mitchell has played a lot over the last few years, but could return to Louisiana for another season if he wishes to. Currently, he is projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick

O’Cyrus Torrence, OG/C

Torrence stepped on campus and immediately received playing time for the Ragin’ Cajuns. He started as a freshman in 2019 and continued to do so over the last few seasons. After being Second-Team All-Sun Belt last season, he made the First Team this season, showing his improvement along the way.

At 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds, Torrence has good size for an interior lineman. He is eligible for the draft after playing three seasons of college football, but could still have two years of eligibility remaining if he returns to school. Torrence is a projected undrafted free agent, who could enter the draft next season.

Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent

Other Draft Prospects: QB Levi Lewis (UFA)

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