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 2022 New Orleans Bowl.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Draft Prospects
Malachi Corley, WR
Corley has been with the Hilltoppers for three seasons and has improved each year. He has 169 receptions for 1,937 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career. In 2022, Corley has 90 catches for 1,181 yards and nine touchdowns.
At 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, Corley won’t be the biggest receiver. His production is worth noting, but the Western Kentucky offense is very receiver friendly. He is still a redshirt sophomore, so Corley will likely return to school next year.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
JaQues Evans, LB
Evans is another player that has been with Western Kentucky for three seasons and has improved each year. He has 144 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in his career. This season, he has tallied 100 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.
At 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds, Evans doesn’t fit a prototypical build for a position on defense. He may be best used as a linebacker/edge hybrid. His tackle and sack production are both very impressive and he could be used in multiple defensive schemes.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
*Evans has now entered the transfer portal.
Other Draft Prospects: S Kahlef Hailassee (UFA)
South Alabama Jaguars Draft Prospects
Darrell Luter, CB
Luter started his college career in JUCO before playing the last three seasons for the Jaguars. He has 86 total tackles, five interceptions and 16 passes defended in his career. This season, Luter has totaled 37 tackles, one interception and five passes defended.
He stands 6-foot and 180 pounds, so he will need to add weight to his frame to hold up against bigger outside receivers. His solid ball production is what got him noticed after 2021, but that hasn’t quite shown up in the same matter this season. He has a chance to be drafted late in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Jalen Wayne, WR
Wayne has been at South Alabama for six seasons and has become a solid player for the Jaguars. He has 150 catches for 1,957 yards and 14 touchdowns in his career. This season, Wayne has had his best season yet with 56 catches for 794 yards and nine touchdowns.
At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Wayne has decent size for an NFL receiver. His age as a prospect could limit him, as he will be one of the older prospects in the draft class. His improvements over the last few seasons are encouraging.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Make sure to check out our NFL Draft page for more content like NFL Draft Prospects in the 2022 New Orleans Bowl!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!