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 Redbox Bowl.
L.J. Scott (Photo by mlive.com)
L.J. Scott, RB
Scott has been limited by injuries this season and has only played in four games. He has an ankle injury at the moment, which leaves him questionable for this game. In four games, he has 180 rushing yards. Scott has built up some draft equity though, by rushing for 2,771 yards and 25 touchdowns in his Spartan career.
At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds he has good size for a running back, but is still decently shifty. His lack of snaps certainly hurts his chances of being drafted higher, but he should be selected in the middle rounds.
Projected draft range: Third round-fifth round
Kenny Willekes, DE
Willekes has been one of the best defenders for Michigan State this season, as he helps stop the run and rush the passer. He has 148 total tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, one interception, seven passes defended, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in his career. In 2018, Willekes has 76 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, one interception, four passes defended, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.
He is 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds. which is solid. His run-stopping ability will be overlooked by some, but other teams will value it.
Projected draft range: Third round-fifth round
David Dowell, S
Dowell is a two-year starter for the Spartans, who is still a junior. At Michigan State, he has 112 total tackles, seven interceptions, six passes defended, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. As a junior, he has 55 total tackles, two interceptions, two passes defended and one fumble recovery.
He stands 6-foot-1 and 196 pounds, which will make him fit in among NFL safeties. While he is a mid-round pick now, he could improve his stock by returning to school.
Projected draft range: Third round-fifth round
Other Michigan State Spartans prospects: LB Joe Bachie (fourth round-sixth round), S Khari Willis (fourth round-sixth round), DT Raequan Williams (fifth round-seventh round), TE Matt Sokol (Seventh round-undrafted free agent)
Justin Herbert, QB
Herbert is one of, if not the best, quarterbacks in this draft class. He has a shoulder injury, but is expected to play in this bowl game. He has thrown for 6,904 yards, 62 touchdowns and 17 interceptions on 62.7% completion in his Oregon career. This season he has 2,985 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 59.6% completion.
He has the prototypical size for a quarterback at 6-foot-6 and 233 pounds. His completion percentage is concerning, but in a draft without a lot of great signal callers, Herbert could be the first off the board.
Projected draft range: Top 15 pick
*Herbert has announced that he plans on returning to school for his senior season.
Jalen Jelks (Photo by dailymerald.com)
Jalen Jelks, DE
Jelks is questionable for this bowl game with an undisclosed injury. At Oregon he has 152 total tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, one interception, 11 passes defended, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. This season he has tallied 53 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one pass defended and one fumble recovery.
The senior looks like he’ll fit in as an NFL defensive end at 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds. The pass rushing hasn’t been quite as good as most defensive ends, which has moved him from a first-round prospect to a second or third-day prospect.
Projected draft range: Second round-fourth round
Calvin Throckmorton, OT/OG
Throckmorton has started since he was a redshirt freshman for the Ducks. He has experience at tackle and guard, which could make him more valuable. With Oregon’s well-balanced offense, Throckmorton has experience run blocking and pass blocking.
At 6-foot-5 and 318 pounds, Throckmorton likely fits in best as a guard in the pros.
Projected draft range: Fifth round-seventh round
Make sure to check out our college football page for more updates and rankings.
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
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.
