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 Military Bowl.
Cortez Broughton (photo by profootballfocus.com)
Cortez Broughton, DT
Broughton dominated on the inside for the Bearcats and could be selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. He has racked up 151 total tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, one interception, 10 passes defended, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles. As a senior, Broughton has 47 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, five passes defended and two forced fumbles.
He is well below-average in the size department for a defensive tackle at 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds. Broughton will need to add strength, but his pass rushing skills at the defensive tackle position can’t be ignored.
Projected draft range: Fifth round-seventh round
Marquise Copeland, DT
Both defensive tackles for the Bearcats could be drafted. For his career, Copeland has 180 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, four passes defended and two forced fumbles. In 2018 he has 43 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two passes defended.
Copeland is 6-foot-2 and 287 pounds and will also need to add weight to his frame. He will get a chance to try out for an NFL team.
Projected draft range: Seventh round-undrafted free agent
Kahlil Lewis, WR
Lewis has had three decent seasons for Cincinnati in a row. As a Bearcat, he has 167 receptions for 2,102 yards and 21 touchdowns. This season he has logged 55 catches for 768 yards and nine touchdowns.
He has decent size at 6-foot and 195 pounds, but will need to get stronger. Lewis will likely need a camp invite to prove what he can do.
Projected draft range: Seventh round-undrafted free agent
Ricky Walker, DT
Walker has been an impact player at Virginia Tech for a few seasons. He has 127 total tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, six passes defended, one touchdown, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles in his time as a Hokie. For his senior season, he has 49 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one pass defended and two forced fumbles.
At 6-foot-2 and 300 pounds, he doesn’t have the greatest size, but has been productive. He’ll want to go out with a bang in this bowl game to improve his already solid draft stock.
Projected draft range: Third round-fifth round
Yosuah Nijman (photo by 247sports.com)
Yosuah Nijman, OT
Nijman has been out for the last two games, but the Hokies are hoping he can play in this bowl game. He has played in a lot of games dating back to 2015. While he hasn’t had the most explosive offense to block for this season, he has done a decent job.
He has great size at 6-foot-7 and 314 pounds. Nijman will likely get a chance to make an NFL team.
Projected draft range: Seventh round-undrafted free agent
Make sure to check out our college football page for more updates and rankings.
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