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 Cure Bowl.
Zakhari Franklin, WR
Franklin has been a productive player for UTSA over his four years, but has really stepped up in the last two seasons. In his career, he has 254 receptions for 3,312 yards and 36 touchdowns. This season, he has registered 86 receptions for 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns.
At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Franklin will need to add weight to his frame, especially if he plans on winning on the outside. Franklin has been on the end of some deep balls throughout his career and can stretch the field for a team. He should be a late-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fifth Round Pick-Seventh Round Pick
Frank Harris, QB
Harris took over the reins of the offense a few seasons ago and has led UTSA to new heights. He has 9,158 passing yards, 73 touchdowns and 21 interceptions on 67.9 percent completion. This season, Harris has thrown for 3,865 yards, 31 touchdowns and seven interceptions on 71.1 percent completion. Harris has also shown to be a solid runner with 1,808 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns in his career.
Harris will be undersized for a quarterback at 6-foot and 200 pounds. He has been efficient in his offense and can make plays out of structure. His arm talent will be questioned, but Harris can provide value to an NFL team. He will likely be an undrafted free agent.
*Harris has announced his intention to stay at UTSA for one more season.
*S Rashad Wisdom is out for the season with an injury. He is a projected late-round pick.
*WR Decorian Clark is injured and will not play. He is a projected undrafted free agent.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth-Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects: CB Nicktroy Fortune (UFA), DL Christian Clayton (UFA)
Carlton Martial, LB
Martial has been one of the best linebackers in college football over his five-year stint at Troy. He has 564 total tackles, 51 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in his career. This season, Martial has totaled 121 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks.
He will be a very undersized linebacker at 5-foot-9 and 210 pounds. That will severely hurt his ability to be drafted highly. He has shown good pursuit and is a good tackler. If he isn’t drafted for his linebacking ability, he should be considered late in the draft for his ability to possibly make an impact on special teams.
Projected Draft Range: Fifth Round Pick-Seventh Round Pick
Richard Jibunor, EDGE
Jibunor started his career at Auburn, but then decided to transfer to Troy for the last three seasons, where he has created a huge impact. In his career, Jibunor has 119 total tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss and 20.5 sacks. For the 2022 season, Jibunor has racked up 40 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
At 6-foot-3 and 232 pounds, Jibunor will fall below what teams want from a size perspective at the position. He will need to add mass to handle the strength of offensive linemen at the next level. His decent pass-rushing production gives him a chance to be selected late in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects: CB Reddy Steward (UFA)
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