While Central Michigan and Wyoming aren’t really known for pushing out a lot of NFL talent, they have before. The Steelers were able to find a diamond in the rough out of Central Michigan in Antonio Brown. This season Wyoming has a prospect that will be drafted early, which is unusual for the program out of Laramie. Here are the top NFL Draft prospects in the 2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl:
Central Michigan Chippewas
Joe Ostman (Photo by twitter.com)
Ostman has come on the last two seasons for the Chippewas and has been a force on the defensive line. He has 43.5 tackles for loss and 24 sacks in his Central Michigan career. This season has been his best by far, with 11 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss.
He is 6’3” and 255 pounds. This isn’t great size for the position, but it will get the job done. Ostman will be drafted, barring unforeseen circumstances, and then must prove he can get after the quarterback on a consistent basis to make a team.
Projected draft range: 5th round-7th round
He had a great 2016 season, which put Coleman on the radar. In 2016 he had 48 total tackles, four interceptions and 15 passes defended. This season saw his production dip to 42 total tackles, three interceptions and seven passes defended. With two solid years in a row, Coleman will have NFL teams intrigued.
Coleman is 5’11” and 188 pounds. The height is fine for a corner in most NFL systems, but he needs to add some play strength for the next level. If he can cover on the inside and on the outside, Coleman can make an NFL roster.
Projected draft range: 6th round-undrafted free agent
Morris lost out on the job at Michigan to Wilton Speight and decided to transfer for more playing time. He selected Central Michigan and had an ok season. Morris threw for 2,908 yards, 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
He is 6’3” and 225 pounds, which is pretty good for an NFL quarterback. The lefty wasn’t efficient this season and will need to show better accuracy to make a team. Morris likely won’t be drafted and will need to sign with a team.
Projected draft range: Undrafted free agent
Wyoming Cowboys
Allen’s draft stock started to rise at the end of last season. He could’ve come out after last season, but chose to go back to Wyoming for one more year. In his career he has 4,912 passing yards, 41 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. He has a sprained AC joint, but expects to play in this game.
His size and athleticism are what have made Allen highly thought of. He is 6’5” and 233 pounds, but still has some speed to escape the pocket. His arm strength is great too, but he really needs to work on his accuracy to be a franchise quarterback.
Projected draft range: First round
Rico Gafford (Photo by twitter.com)
Gafford has two years of production at Wyoming. In his career he has 101 total tackles, six interceptions and 11 passes defended. He did have an interception returned for a touchdown this year too, showing the play isn’t over when he has the ball in his hands.
He is 5’11” and 182 pounds and will also need to add play strength. Gafford will also need to cover in the slot and on the outside. He will likely be relegated to special teams duty if he makes a team.
Projected draft range: Undrafted free agent
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