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 New Mexico Bowl.
Rashee Rice, WR
Rice has been a solid receiver for SMU for the three seasons before this, but has really emerged as a star this season. He has 233 receptions for 3,111 yards and 25 touchdowns in his career. This season, Rice has hauled in 96 passes for 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns.
At 6-foot-1 and 189 pounds, Rice will need to add to his build to hold up on the outside against press corners. Rice has a knack for the big play and is able to stretch defenses vertically. He is projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
* Rice will not play in this game due to an injury.
Tanner Mordecai, QB
Mordecai started off his career at Oklaoma, but then transferred over to SMU, where he has found success. He has passed for 7,573 yards, 74 touchdowns and 22 interceptions on 66.6 percent completion. This season, he has 3,306 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and nine interceptions on 64.3 percent completion. Mordecai has 322 rushing yards and four touchdowns in his career.
He stands 6-foot-2 and 211 pounds, which is good enough for the NFL, even if it isn’t prototypical size. Mordecai has been efficient in a pass-friendly offense. His production shouldn’t be overlooked, but his physical traits will be evaluated as to whether they match up to other players in the draft class. He has a shot to be drafted late in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects: OT Marcus Bryant (UFA), DL Elijah Chatman (UFA), OG/C Jaylon Thomas (UFA)
Blake Freeland, OT
Freeland has been a stalwart on the offensive line for the Cougars since 2019. He cracked the starting lineup as a freshman, playing seven games at right tackle. Freeland has since moved to left tackle and has plenty of starting experience. Last season, he was named an All-Independent First Team offensive lineman.
At 6-foot-8 and 305 pounds, Freeland has solid measurables for the NFL. He has shown the ability to move decently well for his size, which should help him in pass protection at the next level. Freeland will have to show improvements as a run blocker at the next level. He could be picked on day two of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Fourth Round Pick
Clark Barrington, OG/C
Barrington has also made an impact for the Cougars since 2019. He started four games that season, then found a permanent spot at guard from that point forward. He was named to the All-Independent First Team for his play during the 2021 season and has played well in 2022.
At 6-foot-6 and 305 pounds, Barrington has great size for an interior lineman at the next level. His length should be better than some other interior linemen in the class. He too has shown that he can pass block well, but will need some improvements as a run blocker. Barrington is a projected mid-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Third Rund Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: QB Jaren Hall (5th-7th), WR Puka Nacua (UFA)
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