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 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
Bo Melton, WR
Melton has been one of Rutgers’ best players over the last five seasons. In his career, he has 164 receptions for 2,011 yards and 11 touchdowns. This season has been one of the more productive seasons of his career, as he has caught 55 passes for 618 yards and three touchdowns.
He has ok size at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds. Melton has plenty of experience as a receiver and may end up being a better pro when he has better players around him. He has some versatility, as he has run the ball and returned punts and kicks as well. Melton is currently projected to be a late-round pick or undrafted free agent.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Fatukasi is another fifth-year senior who has also been one of Rutgers’ best players. He has 282 total tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss and six sacks in his career. This season, Fatukasi has registered 85 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Fatukasi has solid size for an NFL linebacker. He has shown the ability to get after the passer and track down ball carriers. His coverage ability is likely holding his stock back a little bit. He is currently projected to be an undrafted free agent in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects: DL Ifeanyi Maijeh (UFA)
Roberson has been a productive receiver who has really stepped up over the last two seasons. He has 146 receptions for 2,158 yards and 17 touchdowns in his career. This season has been his best yet, as he has 71 catches for 1,078 yards and eight touchdowns.
He is 6-foot-1 and 182 pounds, which gives him solid height, but he will need to add strength to his frame. Roberson does a lot of damage once the ball is in his hands, as he specializes in space. He is currently projected to be a mid to late-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Sam Hartman, QB
Hartman is one of the most improved players in the country this season. He has passed for 8,962 yards, 69 touchdowns and 29 interceptions on 57.6 percent completion. This season, Hartman has taken a huge step forward with 3,924 passing yards, 36 touchdowns and 14 interceptions on 58.8 percent completion. His play has been a major boost to Wake Forest’s ability to improve to a 10-win season.
At 6-foot-1 and 208 pounds, he isn’t the biggest quarterback. He has the ability to make plays with his arm or his legs, which has helped to add a new element to the offense. Hartman has some eligibility left and may return to school. If he declares, he is a projected mid to late-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: OT Zach Tom (6th-UFA), EDGE Luke Masterson (UFA)
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