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 Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl.
Fresno State Bulldogs Prospects
KeeSean Johnson, WR
Johnson has had two very productive seasons for Fresno State, but has gotten playing time since his freshman season. At Fresno State, he has tallied 273 catches, 3,430 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns. He saved his best season for last, with 93 catches for 1,307 yards and eight touchdowns this year.
He has good size for an NFL wide receiver at 6-foot-2 and 199 pounds. Johnson will be drafted and can improve his draft stock with good testing at the NFL Combine.
Projected draft range: Fourth round-sixth round
Marcus McMaryion, QB
McMaryion started his career at Oregon State, but really found himself at Fresno State. Over his career at both schools, McMaryion has 7,868 passing yards, 50 touchdowns and 16 interceptions on 63.3% completion. This season he has thrown for 3,453 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and three interceptions on 69.9% completion.
At 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds he has below average size for an NFL quarterback, but can still be successful. The most appealing thing about his game is that he is productive without turning the ball over very often.
Projected draft range: Sixth round-undrafted free agent
Anthoula Kelly, CB
He has seen the field in every season at Fresno State, but has played in every game the last two seasons. Kelly has accrued 123 total tackles, three tackles for loss, four interceptions, 26 passes defended, one forced fumble and one touchdown. This season he has 55 total tackles, three interceptions, 16 passes defended, one forced fumble and one touchdown.
Kelly is on the smaller end of the spectrum in terms of NFL corners at 5-foot-10 and 183 pounds. His light size, might help him find a role in the slot as a pro.
Projected draft range: Seventh round-undrafted free agent
James Bailey, LB
Bailey is one of the most experienced linebackers in college football, as he has been producing since he was a freshman. He has 246 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, four passes defended and one fumble recovery. This season his 74 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss have shown his ability to stop the run.
He is undersized at 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, but that could be an advantage if he can prove to cover well.
Projected draft range: Undrafted free agent
Micah St. Andrews, OT
St. Andrews has been a big part of the offense for the last three seasons at guard, as he has been a starter since he was a sophomore. He has helped the offense be successful in the passing game and running game over his time at Fresno State, showing his versatility.
He is a little small for a guard in the NFL at 6-foot-3 and 343 pounds.
Projected draft range: Undrafted free agent
Christian Cronk, OT
One of the best left tackles in the Mountain West conference has been Christian Cronk. He was All-Mountain West honorable mention in 2017 and made the first team this season. His experience and good play have given him a chance to be drafted.
While he has decent height at 6-foot-5, he needs to add weight to his 305 pound frame.
Projected draft range: Undrafted free agent
Arizona State Sun Devils Prospects
* Wide receiver N’Keal Harry chose not to play in this game as he prepares for the NFL Draft. His draft range is first to third round.
Manny Wilkins, QB
Wilkins has been a three-year starter for the Sun Devils. He has 8,495 passing yards, 51 touchdowns and 21 interceptions on 63.3% completion in his career. This season he has thrown for 2,896 yards, 19 touchdowns and four interceptions on 63% completion. He also has the ability to run with 999 career rushing yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground.
He has average size at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds. Wilkins has operated different offenses during his time at Arizona State and should be considered in the late rounds of the draft.
Projected draft range: Sixth round-undrafted free agent
Casey Tucker, OT
Tucker could have gone pro after last season, when he was a lineman at Stanford, but chose to transfer to Arizona State instead. He has experience at each tackle position and helped take Stanford to the Rose Bowl in 2015.
He has good size at 6-foot-6 and 315, although his athleticism could be questioned. Tucker could get drafted, but at the very least will get a chance to make an NFL roster.
Projected draft range: Sixth round-undrafted free agent
Quinn Bailey, OT
Bailey is the right tackle for Arizona State and has been starting for three seasons. He has played multiple positions along the offensive line in his career, which could make him a valuable backup lineman in the NFL.
At 6-foot-6 and 323 pounds, Bailey has great size for a tackle.
Projected draft range: Seventh round-undrafted free agent
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