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 EasyPost Hawaii Bowl.
Memphis Tigers Draft Prospects
Austin has played for Memphis for the last four seasons, but has really popped off in the last two. In his career, he has 156 receptions for 2,541 yards and 22 touchdowns. This season, Austin has 74 receptions for 1,149 yards and eight touchdowns. He has also shown his ability as a punt returner with two career punts taken back for a touchdown.
At 5-foot-9 and 162 pounds, Austin is small for an NFL receiver. He will likely be used mostly in the slot and as a returner in the NFL. Austin is great with the ball in his hands and may be able to show that off in this bowl game. He is currently projected to be a late-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fifth Round Pick-Seventh Round Pick
Over his Memphis career, Johnson has improved every season and become a huge impact player. In his three seasons, he has totaled 243 tackles, 20 passes defended and six interceptions. This season has been his best yet with 104 total tackles, 11 passes defended and an interception. His play at the backend of the defense has been invaluable for Memphis.
He stands at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, which is solid for a safety prospect. His ability to come up and play the run, while still making plays on the ball in pass coverage makes him versatile. Johnson is projected to be a late-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Other Draft Prospects: TE Sean Dykes (6th-UFA), LB Xavier Cullens (UFA)
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Draft Prospects
Calvin Turner Jr., WR
Turner has spent the last two seasons at Hawaii after starting his career at Jacksonville. For the two seasons as a Rainbow Warrior, Turner has 647 rushing yards, 1,422 receiving yards and 22 total touchdowns. He has made more headway as a receiver in 2021 with 316 rushing yards, 876 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns. Turner has returned one kick for a touchdown in his career.
He is an NFL Draft prospect because he is electric with the ball in his hands. At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, Turner isn’t the biggest wide receiver. He can make a name for himself in the slot or as a running back at the next level. Turner could go as early as the middle rounds in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Cortez Davis, CB
Before joining the Rainbow Warriors, Davis played at Chattanooga then a community college. He has since played three seasons for Hawaii. In that time, he has totaled 31 passes defended and two interceptions. The 2021 season has been a good one for Davis, as he has 48 tackles, 18 passes defended and one interception.
While he’ll need to add weight to his 180-pound frame, he can get by as a corner at 5-foot-11. He has demonstrated good coverage skills against a few different MWC wide receivers over the years, including Romeo Doubs of Nevada. His ability to defend passes at a good rate will be noted and appreciated by the NFL. Davis is projected to be a late-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fifth Round Pick-Seventh Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects:Â WR Nick Mardner (6th-UFA), OG/C Kohl Levao (UFA), T Gene Pryor (UFA)
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