The bowl season gives fans and scouts alike a chance to analyze NFL Draft prospects against solid competition. Bowl scheduling allows all eyes to be on each game. Here are the NFL Draft prospects in the 2021 Camellia Bowl.
Ball State Cardinals Draft Prospects
Brandon Martin, LB
Martin has played for six seasons at Ball State, but only played in four games this season due to a knee injury. For his collegiate career, Martin has 237 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. In the four games played this season, he registered 20 tackles and an interception.
The 2020 MAC Defensive Player of the Year is 6-foot and 232 pounds. He won’t be the biggest linebacker in the league, but has decent size. Martin will have to prove he overcame his injury and is ready to go to be drafted. He is currently projected to be an undrafted free agent.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Jaylin Thomas, LB
Thomas has really stepped up in Martin’s absence this season and has played well with him over the course of their time at Ball State. He has 395 total tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in his career. This season, Thomas has posted 106 total tackles, five tackles for loss and four interceptions.
He has a similar size to Martin, as Thomas stands 6-foot-1 and 236 pounds. His production this season should draw some eyes on him. Like Martin, it is unlikely that he will be drafted, but should be invited to some training camps.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Georgia State Panthers Draft Prospects
Tucker Gregg, RB
Gregg has been at Georgia State on the field for four seasons, but has really popped off in the last two. In his time as a Panther, he has 1,506 rushing yards, 46 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. The 2021 season has been his best by far, as he has 899 rushing yards, 12 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
At 5-foot-10 and 220 pounds, Gregg has a good build for a running back. He could get some goalline work in the NFL, but his lack of receiving experience will make it hard for him to find a roster spot in today’s NFL. He should get invited to some camps, but will likely not be drafted.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Blake Carroll, LB
After not seeing much playing time at the start of his career, Carroll has blossomed into an impact player over the last two seasons. He has 171 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in his career. This season, Carroll has tallied 82 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.
He will have ok size for an NFL linebacker at 6-foot-1 and 232 pounds. His improved ability to get after the quarterback as a senior will be noted by scouts. It still may not be easy for Carroll to be drafted, but like the others on this list, he should get some camp invites.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
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