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 Sun Bowl.
Miami Hurricanes Draft Prospects
Zion Nelson, OT
Nelson didn’t have to wait long to make an impact for the Hurricanes. He started immediately at left tackle as a true freshman in 2019. Nelson started for most of the games over the next two seasons at Miami. He was named an All-ACC Honorable Mention for his play this season.
At 6-foot-5 and 316 pounds, Nelson has decent size for an NFL offensive lineman. He still has some eligibility left and could return to school in order to improve his stock. If he can become more consistent, it will help his draft stock. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Fourth Round Pick
Bubba Bolden, S
Bolden started his college career at USC before transferring to Miami to finish his college career. He has 135 total tackles, two interceptions and six passes defended in his career. This season, Bolden has registered 42 total tackles and two passes defended in seven games played.
He stands at 6-foot-3 and 204 pounds, making him a bigger safety. Bolden can make plays in the box and against the run specifically, but he can struggle in coverage. He could return for another season of college football, but would be a mid-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft if he chooses to declare.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
*Quarterback D’Eriq King is out for this bowl game with an injury. He is a projected undrafted free agent.
* Running back Cam’Ron Harris is out for this game with an injury. He is a projected undrafted free agent.
Other Draft Prospects: CB Tyrique Stevenson (6th-UFA), WR Charleston Rambo (6th-UFA), DL Jared Harrison-Hente (UFA), DL Jonathan Ford (UFA), CB Al Blades Jr. (UFA), LB Zach McCloud (UFA), DL Nasta Jade Silvera (UFA)
Washington State Cougars Draft Prospects
Abraham Lucas, OT
Lucas redshirted his first year on campus before stepping into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman in 2018. He was named a Freshman All-American that season. Lucas held on to his starting spot through the rest of his college career. He was named to the All-Pac-12 Second Team in 2020 and to the All-Pac-12 First Team in 2021.
He stands 6-foot-7 and 319 pounds, which is great size for an offensive tackle in the NFL. His length really helps him and he received plenty of pass blocking reps while playing for Washington State. Lucas is a projected mid-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Jaylen Watson, CB
Watson started his college career at the Junior College level and only played for Washington State in the last two seasons. For his career at the FBS level, Watson has 44 total tackles, two interceptions and five passes defended. This season, he has registered 31 total tackles, two interceptions and three passes defended.
He has great measurables at 6-foot-3 and 204 pounds. With his great length, teams who play a lot of zone may take a look at drafting him. He doesn’t make many plays on the ball, but is solid in coverage. Watson is a projected late-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fifth Round Pick-Seventh Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: RB Max Borghi (6th-UFA), OG/C Jarrett Kingston (UFA)
Make sure to check out our NFL Draft page for more content like NFL Draft Prospects in the 2021 Sun Bowl!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
1 Comment
Five of the players listed here are not playing. Bolden has been out since October. Borghi opted out and so did Rambo among others.