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 Fenway Bowl.
Ivan Pace Jr., LB
Pace started his career at Miami Ohio, but transferred to Cincinnati after three seasons. He has been very productive over the last two seasons. In his career, Pace has 289 total tackles, 39.5 tackles for loss and 19 sacks. This season, Pace has 119 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks.
While he doesn’t have the prototypical height at 6-foot, Pace does have good size at 239 pounds. His ability to stop the run and rush the passer will be what impresses NFL minds the most. He will have to improve his coverage skills to be a linebacker who consistently sees the field at the next level. Currently, he is projected to be a mid-round pick.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Josh Whyle, TE
Whyle has been with the Cincinnati program for four seasons, but has really helped out over the last three seasons. He has 88 receptions for 1,062 yards and 15 touchdowns in his career. This season, Whyle has hauled in 32 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns.
At 6-foot-6, Whyle has the height for the NFL, but will need to add weight to his 235-pound frame. He has proven to be a reliable target, but like many college tight ends, isn’t utilized as much as tight ends in the NFL. With added weight he can improve his blocking at the NFL level. He is a projected late-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fifth Round Pick-Seventh Round Pick
*Whyle has since opted out of the bowl game.
*WR Tre Tucker has opted out of the bowl game. He is a projected late-round pick or undrafted free agent.
*WR Nick Mardner has entered the transfer portal. He is a projected undrafted free agent.
Other Draft Prospects: S Ja’von Hicks (5th-7th), WR Tyler Scott (6th-UFA), OLB Deshawn Pace (6th-UFA), QB Ben Bryant (UFA)
*Quarterback Ben Bryant is out for this game with a foot injury.
Caleb Chandler, OG/C
Chandler has been in college since 2017 and just finished his sixth regular season with the Cardinals. He started in three games during the 2018 season before being an established starter for the rest of his career at guard. His play earned him First Team All-ACC Honors in 2021 and Second Team All-ACC in 2022.
At 6-foot-3 and 297 pounds, it will be a question whether he will have the power to be a successful interior lineman at guard. He has shown that he can protect the quarterback over his career and if he can add mass, he can improve as a run blocker. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round pick
Kei’Trel Clark, CB
After playing one season at Liberty, Clark transferred to Louisville and played immediately for the Cardinals as well. He has 28 passes defended and five interceptions in his career. This season, Clark has registered one interception and five passes defended.
Clark is listed at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, which is below the average size for corners at the NFL level. He could move to the slot, where he could show off his quickness. He has good ball skills, which will help his stock. Clark is a projected mid-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
*QB Malik Cunningham has opted out of the bowl game. He is a projected undrafted free agent.
*RB Tiyon Evans has opted out of this bowl game. He is a projected undrafted free agent.
Other Draft Prospects: S Kendrick Duncan (4th-6th), LB Yasir Abdullah (4th-6th), EDGE YaYa Diaby (5th-7th), OT Trevor Reid (5th-7th), LB Momo Sanogo (6th-UFA)
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