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 Playstation Fiesta Bowl.
Oregon Ducks Draft prospects
CJ Verdell, RB
Verdell has been a very productive running back for Oregon over the last three seasons. He has 2,523 rushing yards, 536 receiving yards and 23 total touchdowns. This season, Verdell has 285 rushing yards, 96 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
At 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, Verdell has a solid build for an NFL running back. He has proven to be able to run in between the tackles and catch passes, which makes him versatile. Verdell is a projected mid round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Lenoir is a leader for the Oregon defense after making an impact over the last four seasons. He has 147 total tackles, six interceptions and 21 passes defended in his career. In five games in 2020, Lenoir has 24 total tackles and one interception.
He isn’t the biggest corner at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, but his movement skills help him match up with bigger receivers. His production over his career makes him a viable draft prospect. Lenoir is a projected mid to late round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects
*Offensive tackle Penei Sewell opted out this season. He is a projected top 10 pick.
*Safety Jevon Holland opted out this season. He is a projected day two pick.
* Cornerback Thomas Graham opted out this season. He is a projected late round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
DL Jordon Scott (UFA), TE D.J. Johnson (UFA), DL Austin Faoliu (UFA), LB Isaac Slade Matautia (UFA)
Iowa State Cyclones Draft Prospects
Charlie Kolar, TE
Kolar has been a great player for Iowa State, specifically over the last two seasons. In his career, the junior has 101 receptions for 1,372 yards and 16 touchdowns. This season, Kolar has hauled in 39 passes for 538 yards and six touchdowns.
At 6-foot-6 and 257 pounds, Kolar has the size of an NFL tight end. He has proven to be a reliable target and while he won’t be one of the top two tight ends taken, could be a solid pro. Kolar is a projected mid round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Brock Purdy, QB
Purdy came into the season with a lot of momentum for the season. The junior has 8,826 passing yards, 61 touchdowns and 25 interceptions on 66.1 percent completion. In 2020, Purdy has passed for 2,594 yards, 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions on 66.4 percent completion.
He is 6-foot-1 and 212 pounds, which isn’t the prototypical size for an NFL quarterback. Purdy may elect to go back to school to improve his stock, as this season saw other quarterbacks jumping him on draft boards. He is a projected late round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fifth Round Pick-Seventh Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects
S Greg Eisworth (6th-UFA), LB Mike Rose (UFA), LB O’Rien Vance (UFA)
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