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 Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
Jaelyn Duncan, OT
Duncan redshirted in the 2018 season before jumping into the starting lineup at left tackle. He was an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten performer in 2020. In 2021 and 2022 he continued protecting quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa’s blindside and continued to be Honorable Mention All-Big Ten.
At 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, Duncan has good size for an NFL offensive tackle. He has good burst and athleticism, which has helped him, but his arm length may hold him back. Duncan needs to continue to add strength.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Fourth Round Pick
Jakorian Bennett, CB
Bennett started his career at the JUCO level before transferring to Maryland for the last three years. At the FBS level, he has 69 total tackles, four interceptions and 23 passes defended. This season, Bennett has 39 total tackles, one interception and 10 passes defended.
He won’t be the biggest safety at 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, but he can still be successful. Bennett has shown great ball skills over his three years as a Terrapin. He has plenty of experience and tracks the ball well.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
*WR Rakim Jarrett has opted out of this bowl game. He is a projected mid-round pick.
*WR Dontay Demus has opted out of this bowl game. He is a projected fourth to sixth-round pick.
*CB Deonte Banks has opted out of this bowl game. He is a projected late-round pick.
*WR Jacob Copeland has opted out of this bowl game. He is a projected undrafted free agent.
Other Draft Prospects: QB Taulia Tagovialoa (UFA), EDGE Durrell Nchami (UFA), K Chad Ryland (UFA)
Cory Durden, DL
Durden played three seasons at Florida State before transferring to NC State and making an impact. He has 122 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in his career. This season, he has totaled 23 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.
He stands 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, which is solid size for an interior defensive lineman. His lack of sack production may limit his draft stock, but he still has been disruptive. He can help take on double teams and free up other players to make plays.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Payton Wilson, LB
Wilson has been at NC State for four seasons and has made an impact when healthy. He has 254 total tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks in his career. This season, Wilson has had 72 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
He has great size for a linebacker at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds. Wilson has done a good job of stopping the run at the collegiate level. If he can prove to cover well, he could see the field as a pro. He has eligibility remaining, so he could return to school.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects: CB Tyler Baker-Wiliams (6th-UFA), LB Drake Thomas (6th-UFA), OG/C Grant Gibson (UFA), OG/C Chandler Zavala (UFA), OG/C Dylan McMahon
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