The Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl has a three loss team and a team from a group of five conference, but there will be a lot of talent on the field. Both UCF and Auburn have a lot of players who can make it in the NFL. Here are the top NFL Draft prospects in the 2018 Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl:
UCF Golden Knights
Mike Hughes (Photo by twitter.com)
Hughes is in his first year with UCF after transferring from UNC and has produced. The junior has had a great season with 44 total tackles, four interceptions and 11 passes defended. He was able to play against some great offenses in the American in Memphis and USF.
He is 5’11” and 185 pounds, which is a good enough start for the NFL, but he’ll need to add some strength. Hughes will likely get selected on day two or early on day three in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Projected draft range: 2nd round-4th round
Griffin’s brother, Shaquill, is already an NFL corner back with the Seahawks. Shaquem has been an impact player for UCF for the past two seasons. In his career he has 183 total tackles, 30 tackles for loss and 17 sacks. Griffin only has one hand, which could give some NFL teams some questions, but he has played well and deserves some NFL Draft consideration.
At 6’1″ and 221 pounds, he is a little undersized for a linebacker. He has produced really well for the Golden Knights and should be expected to do so again in the Peach Bowl.
Projected draft range: 6th round-undrafted free agent
Auburn Tigers
Davis is a junior who has gotten significant playing time since his first season at Auburn. He has 136 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and four interceptions in his career. NFL scouts like the fact that he is a lanky corner who has athleticism to match up with good receivers.
He is 6’1″ and 203 pounds, which is solid size for an NFL corner. Davis will be picked in the early rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Projected draft range: 1st round-2nd round
Kerryon Johnson (Photo by al.com)
Johnson battled early in his career for more playing time, but shined this season as the SEC’s leading rusher. He has 2,423 rushing yards and 31 rushing touchdowns in his career. Most of his production is from this season, but it has averaged 4.9 yards per carry throughout his career.
At 6’0″ and 212 pounds, Johnson is a decent size for an NFL running back. He will be appealing to teams for his ability to run physically and also catch passes out of the backfield. He won’t go in the first round, but shouldn’t have to wait too long to hear his name after that.
Projected draft range: 2nd round-4th round
Russell is just a junior and because he isn’t a top-tier prospect, might choose to go back to school. This season he has 41 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. As with most defensive tackles, their impact on the game is more than what shows up on the stat sheet.
He has great size at 6’3″ and 310 pounds. Russell will fit best as a 4-3 defensive tackle and should be good at stopping the run for an NFL team.
Projected draft range: 2nd round-4th round
Other notable Auburn prospects: QB Jarrett Stidham (3rd round-5th round), G Braden Smith (3rd round-5th round), G Will Bell (7th round-undrafted free agent), C Austin Golson (4th round-6th round), LB Jeff Holland (3rd round-5th round), LB Tre’ Williams (4th round-6th round)
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
