Memphis and Iowa State may not seem like a great bowl game, but it should be competitive. There will be a few key players making impacts for both teams and some of them will be selected in the 2018 NFL Draft. Here are the top NFL Draft prospects in the 2017 AutoZone Liberty Bowl:
Iowa State Cyclones
Allen Lazard (Photo by thegazette.com)
Lazard has played on some bad teams and had a lot of quarterback changes, but he still produces. The senior has 3,218 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns in his career. This season, which saw Jacob Park have a medical leave and Kyle Kempt step in, Lazard still put up 799 receiving yards and nine touchdowns
One of his biggest strengths is his size. Lazard is 6’5″ and 225 pounds, making him a big NFL target. His production and size will get him through the door with NFL teams and he should be drafted in the middle rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Projected draft range: 4th round-6th round
Lanning was a quarterback, but moved to linebacker this season to do what was best for the team. It might be a decision that was the best for him too. He has athleticism and this year proved he has the physicality and instincts to be a linebacker. He has 110 total tackles and five sacks, which is great for someone new to the position.
He has good size for an NFL linebacker 6’2″ and 230 pounds. Only playing one season at linebacker is a concern, but he did enough to pique some interest. If a team wants to work with him, he could turn into a decent pro.
Projected draft range: undrafted free agent
Memphis Tigers
Miller is one of the best receivers in the country and continually produces. The past two seasons he has over 1,400 yards receiving. This season he has 1,407 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. He specializes in making spectacular catches and highlight plays.
He is 5’11” and 190 pounds, but has shown the ability to play on the outside. Miller could also play in the slot, which makes him versatile. He may not go until day two, but has a chance to be a star.
Projected draft range: 1st round-3rd round
Riley Ferguson (Photo by yahoo.com)
Ferguson has been the leader of a great passing attack for two seasons now. He had Paxton Lynch’s big shoes to fill and hasn’t disappointed. In his two seasons, he has 7,669 passing yards, 36 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has completed 63.1% of his passes at Memphis, making him efficient.
He has the prototypical size for 6’4″ and 210 pounds. Ferguson has a lot of production, but hasn’t gotten to play against the best competition at Memphis. The tape of his against good competition will be scrutinized.
Projected draft range: 3th round-5th round
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