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.
Alim McNeill, DL
Alim McNeill was originally out for this game, as he declared for the NFL Draft, but he was listed on the team’s official depth chart. He has had a great three years at NC State with 17.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. In the 2020 season, he has 4.5 tackles for loss and one sack.
He has great size for an interior defensive lineman at 6-foot-2 and 320 pounds. His production isn’t great, but he has done a good job of being disruptive over his NC State career, which makes him valuable. McNeill is a projected day two or early day three pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Fourth Round Pick
Emeka Emezie, WR
Emeka Emezie (photo via 247sports.com)
Emezie has been a productive receiver for the Wolfpack over the last four seasons. He has 164 receptions for 2,049 yards and 13 touchdowns in his career. For the 2020 season, Emezie has hauled in 42 passes for 694 yards and five touchdowns.
At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Emezie has excellent size for a wide receiver at the NFL level. His production and size should get him some NFL looks this draft cycle. He is a projected late round pick or undrafted free agent in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects
OG/C Joe Sculthorpe (6th-UFA), CB Chris Ingram (6th-UFA), LB Louis Acceus (UFA)
Drake Jackson, OG/C
Drake Jackson (Photo via wymt.com)
Jackson has been a mainstay on the Kentucky offensive line for the last four seasons. He redshirted his first year on campus, but took over as the starting center during his second year. After his junior season, he was named an All-SEC player and has continued to block well this season for the Wildcats.
At 6-foot-2 and 292 pounds, Jackson doesn’t have the measurables that other interior offensive linemen do in this class. He has demonstrated solid technique and a high football IQ, which is how he wins matchups. Jackson is a projected mid-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Landon Young, OT
The Wildcats have had a great offensive line over the last few years and Landon Young has been a big part of it. Young received playing time right away for Kentucky and helped block for a great running back in Benny Snell his first two seasons. In 2018, he redshirted due to a knee injury. He was named All-SEC Third Team for his play in 2019 and has been playing well during the 2020 season.
He stands 6-foot-7 and 321 pounds, which is great size for an NFL offensive lineman. His athleticism will be questioned, especially after the knee injury. Young is currently projected to be a mid to late round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects
P Max Duffy (6th-UFA), LB Jamar Watson (6th-UFA), DL Quinton Bohana (6th-UFA), CB Brandin Echols (UFA), WR Josh Ali (UFA), TE Justin Rigg (UFA)
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