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 LendingTree Bowl.
Eastern Michigan Eagles Draft Prospects
Hassan Beydoun, WR
Beydoun has been at Eastern Michigan for three seasons and has turned into their leading receiver. For his career, Beydoun has caught 156 passes for 1,789 yards and five touchdowns. This season, he has 86 receptions for 932 yards and four touchdowns, which are all career highs. He has been a good possession receiver for the Eagles.
At 5-foot-8 and 174 pounds, he will be one of the smaller players in the class. This may resign him to the slot at the pro level. He is only a junior and the likely best option is for him to return to school. If he does declare, Beydoun would be an undrafted free agent.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Terry Myrick, LB
Myrick is a fifth-year senior and leader for Eastern Michigan. He specifically has made an impact over the last three seasons. In his career, Myrick has 252 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss and five sacks. For the 2021 season, Myrick has 77 total tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack.
He is just 6-foot and 220 pounds, which is undersized for an NFL linebacker. Myrick could fit the modern mold of a linebacker who can cover though if he continues to work on his coverage. He likely won’t be drafted, but could be invited to some training camps.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Liberty Flames Draft Prospects
Malik Willis, QB
Willis burst onto the radar during the 2020 season and now has two decent seasons under his belt. He started his career off at Auburn and has spent the last two quarterbacking Liberty. In his career, he has 4,945 passing yards, 45 touchdowns and 18 interceptions on 63.1 percent completion. He has 2,626 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on 61 percent completion this season. Willis has tallied 2,073 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground in his career.
He won’t be the biggest quarterback at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, but Willis does have great athletic ability. His dual-threat ability has helped him extend plays and pick up rushing yards. He does need to improve his accuracy and decision-making. His natural abilities give him a chance to be selected early in a class of quarterbacks that is underwhelming.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Durrell Johnson, Edge
Johnson has spent two seasons at Liberty after being a JUCO All-American. After a great 2020 season, he has disappointed in 2021 and dealt with injuries. In his time at Liberty, Johnson has 58 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. He has only been able to play in seven games so far this season, but has registered 21 total tackles, six tackles for loss and no sacks.
Not only will Johnson need to prove he is healthy, but he also will have to add weight to his 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds. His lack of production this season is concerning, so if he is able to play, a good game could help regain some of the stock that he built up last season. He is currently projected to be an undrafted free agent and could elect to return to school for another year.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
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