West Virginia and Utah are set to meet in the 2017 Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl. Two of the best prospects from this game, West Virginia quarterback Will Grier and wide receiver David Sils V, have already announced they are returning to school. West Virginia has one of it’s NFL Draft prospects sitting out this game to prepare for the NFL Draft in Justin Crawford. With all that being said, here are the NFL Draft prospects in the 2017 Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl:
Utah Utes
Lotulelei is the younger brother of former Ute Star Lotulelei. He has been on the NFL’s radar for years now. In four years at Utah, Lotulelei has 18.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. This season Lotulelei missed four games and finished with one tackle for loss and no sacks. This lack of production has hurt his stock greatly, but he still has a great chance to get drafted.
At 6’2” and 320 pounds, Lotulelei could play defensive tackle in a 4-3 or nose tackle in a 3-4. The versatility helps his stock along with his ability to take on multiple blockers. His production problems will need to be addressed.
Projected draft range: 4th round-6th round
Darren Carrington (Photo by sltrib.com)
Carrington transferred to Utah from Oregon for his last season of eligibility. With inconsistencies at the quarterback position for Utah, Carrington still had 918 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He also produced at Oregon and in his career totaled 2,837 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns.
He has a good build at 6’2” and 205 pounds. If he performs well at the NFL Combine and in workouts he can be drafted and make an NFL team.
Projected draft range: 6th round-undrafted free agent
West Virginia Mountaineers
Gary Jennings (Photo by smokingmusket.com)
Jennings is just a junior like some of his counterparts, but hasn’t made a comment on his NFL Draft status yet. He is an easy target to throw to with 94 receptions for 1,030 yards and a touchdown on the season. After not producing much in his first two years in Morgantown, with Grier at quarterback Jennings has thrived.
He has solid size at 6’1” and 204 pounds, which should help his stock. He has experience on special teams as a returner, which should also help his case. Jennings probably should stay for another year with Grier and Sils V, but does have a chance to be drafted if he decides to leave early.
Projected draft range: 6th round-undrafted free agent
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