The bowl season gives fans and scouts alike a chance to analyze NFL Draft prospects against solid competition. The bowl season schedule allows all eyes to be on each game. Here are the NFL Draft prospects in the 2018 Hawai’i Bowl.
Jaylon Ferguson, DE
Since sacks have been kept on the official record books, Ferguson has the most for an FBS career with 42.5. He also leads the FBS this season with 15 sacks. To go with his pass rushing, Ferguson has 60 total tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, two passes defended, two fumbles forced and one recovered. While he hasn’t played against the greatest competition in the C-USA, Ferguson has displayed great athleticism and savvy to get to the quarterback enough to warrant NFL Draft consideration.
He is the ideal size for the defensive end position in the NFL at 6-foot-5 and 262 pounds. Ferguson likely won’t be drafted on the first day of the 2019 NFL Draft, but shouldn’t have to wait too long to know where he’ll be playing on Sundays.
Projected draft range: Second round-Fourth round
O’Shea Dugas (Photo from facebook.com)
O’Shea Dugas, OG
Dugas is one of the most experienced linemen in the country, having started since 2015. He was named a freshman All-American that year and has been a constant force on the Louisiana Tech offensive line ever since. He is known for his great run blocking, although his pass blocking has improved over his career.
At 6-foot-5 and 339 pounds, Dugas has good enough size to start in the NFL. His play over his career warrants a selection in this draft, but it will probably come in the later rounds.
Projected draft range: Sixth round-undrafted free agent
Teddy Veal, WR
After starting his career at Tulane, Veal has made plays at Louisiana Tech for the last two seasons. He has 62 receptions for 609 yards and one touchdown this season. Last year he had a phenomenal season with 74 receptions for 950 yards and seven scores. His production is down this season, but he still has the talent to get a shot at the NFL.
He is 6-foot and 191 pounds, which will be fine in the NFL with the weight training at that level. Veal has made his bread and butter as a possession receiver in college, which could find him a niche at the next level.
Projected draft range: Seventh round-undrafted free agent
Jahlani Tavai (Photo by herosports.com)
Jahlani Tavai, LB
While Tavai is expected to be out for this game with a shoulder injury, he has had an incredible career. Over his four seasons, he has 360 total tackles. This season Tavai had 82 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two passes defended and one forced fumble.
He has tremendous size at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, but will have some questions about his ability to cover. Tavai will be a late-round pick at best and will need to be cleared of his injury.
Projected draft range: Seventh round-undrafted free agent
John Ursua, WR
Ursua is just a junior and may elect to go back to school since his stock isn’t the greatest. He is one of the leading receivers in the FBS with 85 receptions for 1,309 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. Hawai’i just went back to a pass-happy offense this season, but Ursua has had at least 600 receiving yards in each of his three seasons.
He is a smaller receiver at 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, although he has shown the ability to play as an outside receiver. Ursua will likely go back to school to team up with Cole McDonald for one more year.
Projected draft range: Seventh round-undrafted free agent
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