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 Holiday Bowl.
Noah Sewell, LB
Sewell followed his brother Penei to Oregon and has been a standout for three seasons. For his career, Sewell has 218 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. This season, Sewell has 56 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
He will have great size for an NFL linebacker at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds. Sewell can shed blocks and take down ball carriers well, which he showed throughout his collegiate career. His coverage abilities could use some work before he can be labeled as a three-down linebacker.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Brandon Dorlus, DL
Dorlus signed on with Oregon and has played for the Ducks for the last four years, but has really made an impact over the last two seasons. He has 78 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss and seven sacks in his career. This season, Dorlus has registered 34 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
At 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds, Dorlus may be a tweener, which could make it hard for him to find a true fit at the next level. He does have some position versatility, which is nice. His lack of sack production will make him more of a run-stopper at the next level.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
*CB Christian Gonzalez has opted out of this game. He is a projected first round pick.
Other Draft Prospects: QB Bo Nix (4th-6th), OT TJ Bass (5th-7th), OG/C Alex Forsyth (5th-7th), EDGE DJ Johnson (6th-UFA), OG/C Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu (UFA)
Cedric Gray, LB
Gray has been playing for the Tar Heels for three seasons, but has really stepped his game up over the last two seasons. In his career, he has 239 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. This season, he has 137 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and one sack.
He stands 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, which is ok size for a linebacker, but he may need to add some strength. Gray shows good pursuit of ball carriers and has a good nose for the ball. His coverage is a little below par, so he may return to school to work on that area of his game.
Projected Draft Range: Fifth Round Pick-Seventh Round Pick
Ja’Qurious Conley, S
Corley has been with UNC for three seasons, but he has missed the majority of this season with a knee injury. He has played in one game without registering a stat. In his career, he has 80 total tackles, two interceptions and one pass defended.
He has good size for an NFL safety at 6-foot and 210 pounds. His limited ball production is something he will want to improve. After being injured for most of this season, Conley should return to school and put some more good tape out before declaring for the draft.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
*WR Josh Downs has opted out of this game. He is a projected first or second-round pick.
Other Draft Prospects: OG/C Corey Gaynor (UFA)
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