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 Las Vegas Bowl.
Wisconsin Badgers Draft Prospects
Logan Bruss, OG/C
Bruss has been a very experienced lineman for the Badgers. He redshirted in the 2017 season before cracking the starting lineup in 2018. Bruss kept the starting spot throughout the rest of his Wisconsin career. He was an All-Big Ten Third Team selection in 2020 and a Second Team selection in 2021.
He has decent size for an offensive guard at 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds. His experience as a run blocker at Wisconsin will make him valuable to a lot of NFL teams. Bruss is currently projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Jake Ferguson, TE
Ferguson has been the model of consistency for the Badgers in his college career. Over his time as a Badger, Ferguson has 142 receptions for 1,585 yards and 12 touchdowns. This season, he has caught 43 receptions for 417 yards and two touchdowns.
At 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, Ferguson may need to add a little weight to his frame, but generally has solid size for the NFL. He has plenty of experience run blocking, which will help him stick on a roster. Ferguson is projected to be a mid to late-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects:Â LB Leo Chenal (5th-7th), LB Jack Sanborn (6th-UFA), DL Keeanu Benton (UFA), OT Logan Brown (UFA), QB Graham Mertz (UFA), DL Matt Henningsen (UFA)
Arizona State Sun Devils Draft Prospects
Dohnovan West, OG/CÂ
West was able to jump right into the starting lineup as a freshman. He started 13 games for the Sun Devils that season. Over the next two seasons he started just eight games total due to injuries and COVID. He has played well when he has been able to play.
At 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, West has decent size for an NFL interior offensive lineman. His injury issues will have teams very interested in his medical reports, but he could return to Arizona State for one more season. He is currently projected to be a mid to late-round pick.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Kellen Diesch, OT
Diesch started his career for the Texas A&M Aggies before transferring to Arizona State after graduating. He was mostly a reserve during his time at Texas A&M. After transferring to Arizona State, Diesch allowed just four pressures at tackle in 2020. For the 2021 season, he was recognized as a All Pac-12 Second Team selection.
He has a good frame for a tackle at 6-foot-7 and 300 pounds. Diesch may struggle with some of the more powerful rushers at the NFL level, but he can add strength. After two good seasons at Arizona State, Diesch could be a mid to late-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
*Running back Rachaad White has opted out for this bowl game. He is a projected mid-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Other Draft Prospects:Â LB Merlin Robertson (5th-7th), CB Chase Lucas (6th-UFA), CB Jack Jones (6th-UFA), DL Tyler Johnson (UFA), DL D.J. Davidson (UFA)
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