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 Independence Bowl.
Kam Pedescleaux, CB
Pedescleaux is in his fourth season with the Ragin’ Cajuns and has been a key part of the team ever since stepping on campus. In his career, he has 189 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, three interceptions and 16 passes defended. This season, he has tallied 66 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception and six passes defended.
His size will limit him, as he is just 5-foot-9 and 181 pounds. Pedescleaux has the potential to be a good slot corner in the league, but will likely not be able to be played on the outside. His production against the run will help him be a solid slot player.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Michael Jefferson, WR
Jefferson started his career at Alabama state before joining Houston for the last two years. He has 69 catches for 1,291 yards and 11 touchdowns in his time with the Cougars. This season, he has 51 receptions for 810 yards and seven touchdowns.
At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Jefferson has a nice height and catch radius, but will need to add some weight to his frame to hold up against press coverage. He didn’t play in the most pass-friendly offense at Louisiana so he could end up finding more success in an NFL offense if he develops.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Nathaniel Dell, WR
Dell has been a great player for the Cougars over his three seasons with the program. He has 222 receptions for 3,111 yards and 30 touchdowns in his career. For the 2022 season, Dell has 103 catches for 1,354 yards and 15 touchdowns.
At 5-foot-10 and 155 pounds, Dell doesn’t have the greatest size or catch radius. The one thing he does have is speed. He can take the top off the defense, separate and run after the catch with great speed. Dell has already declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, but will play in the bowl game.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Owens started his career at Kansas State, but didn’t play before he transferred to Houston. For the Cougars, he has 204 total tackles, four interceptions and 15 passes defended. This season, he has 70 total tackles, one interception and eight passes defended.
Owens has adequate size for a safety at 6-foot and 200 pounds. He has shown the ability to tackle well and help support the run. Owens will need to show he can make more plays on the ball at the pro level in order to see more consistent playing time.
Projected Draft Range: Fifth Round Pick-Seventh Round Pick
*Edge Rusher Derek Parish is out for the season with a pectoral injury. He is a projected third to fifth round pick.
Other Draft Prospects: QB Clayton Tune (6th-UFA), TE Christian Trahan (UFA)
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