The 2017 Quick Lane Bowl has some decent NFL Draft prospects, but some of them won’t be eligible this year. Duke has Quarterback Daniel Jones, while Northern Illinois has pass rusher Sutton Smith, who both won’t be in the 2018 NFL Draft. Here are the top draft prospects for this year in the 2017 Quick Lane Bowl:
Duke Blue Devils
Brandner has started for three seasons at left tackle for Duke. Starting that long at left tackle for a FBS team will get any player looks from NFL teams. He has excelled at both pass and run blocking at Duke. Brandner was a candidate for the Wuerffel Trophy for service and has received a lot of academic honors while being a Blue Devil.
At 6’6″ and 285 pounds, Brandner has good size for the NFL. His athleticism and ability to block NFL-level pass rushers will be put the test. While he isn’t the highest rated draft prospect, Brandner can get drafted, or at the very least get an opportunity to make a team.
Projected draft range: 6th round-undrafted free agent
Austin Davis (Photo by 247sports.com)
As a two year starter at center, Davis got plenty of preseason accolades going into this year. Davis was a nominee for plenty of awards for interior linemen, but did not end up winning any. He, like Brandner, has gotten good experience pass blocking and run blocking.
Davis is 6’4″ and 290 pounds, which is great size for an NFL center. His agility is something that NFL teams will need to see more of. It is unlikely Davis gets drafted, but he will likely get a spot on a team for training camp.
Projected draft range: undrafted free agent
Northern Illinois Huskies
Shawun Lurry (Photo by northernstar.info)
Lurry started making headlines when he had nine interceptions as a sophomore. He now has 14 career interceptions. With the 14 interceptions, he has also added 117 total tackles and 33 passes defended in his career. Lurry is a good cover corner that quarterbacks don’t want to test, because of their fear of turning the ball over.
While he isn’t the biggest at 5’8″ and 170 pounds, Lurry is a player that could play in the nickel and dime formations, covering the slot. He will need to add some play strength, but his cover skills are good enough to get him a shot to make a team.
*Lurry is out for this bowl game with an ankle injury.
Projected draft range: 6th round-undrafted free agent
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