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 2022 Birmingham Bowl.
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers Draft Prospects
D’Jordan Strong, CB
Strong has been a good corner for the Chanticleers for three seasons. He has 72 total tackles, six interceptions and 16 passes defended in his time at Coastal Carolina. This season, Strong has registered 17 total tackles, one interception and four passes defended.
He is 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds, so he’ll need to add some strength to hold up against NFL players. Strong has shown good ball skills in his career, but may have to show he can be successful in the slot for the next level.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Sam Pinckney, WR
Pinckney played four seasons for Georgia State before transferring to Coastal Carolina for this season. In his collegiate career, Pinckney has 180 catches for 2,585 yards and 16 touchdowns. Pinckney has 67 catches for 917 yards and three touchdowns this season.
He has good size for the NFL at 6-foot-4 and 213 pounds, but he will need to add strength. Pinckney has shown he can create big plays and is a matchup problem. While he may not get drafted, he will likely get a chance to make an NFL roster.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
*Quarterback Grayson McCall is in the transfer portal. He intends to play in the bowl game at the moment. McCall is a projected late round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Holton Ahlers, QB
Ahlers has been the quarterback for ECU for the last five seasons. He has had the chance to put up some impressive stats, as he has 13,633 passing yards, 92 touchdowns and 37 interceptions on 60.5 percent completion. This season, Ahlers has 3,408 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions on 67.1 percent completion.
At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, the lefty has the size to play quarterback at the next level. He has really improved his efficiency as a passe over the course of his career. Ahlers may not have the physical tools desired by NFL evaluators, but he will likely get a chance to make a roster.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Isaiah Winstead, WR
Winstead worked his way from Norfolk State at the FCS level, over to Toledo and then on to ECU. He has 145 receptions for 1,962 yards and eight touchdowns at the FBS level. This season, Winstead has 82 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns.
He has good size for an NFL receiver at 6-foot-3 and 213 pounds, but could add more to his frame. His production this season will get him some looks, as this was the first 1,000-yard season he had in the FBS. Winstead could be a player that is tough to cover given his size.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
*TE Ryan Jones has opted out of this bowl game.
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