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 Pinstripe Bowl.
Matthew Bergeron, OT
Bergeron was one of the top tackles in his recruiting class and started five games as a freshman for Syracuse. After starting the 2020 season at right tackle, he flipped to left tackle for the last eight games of the season. He started all 12 games in 2021, earning Honorable Mention All-ACC honors. In 2022, he was named to the All-ACC Second Team.
At 6-foot-5 and 322 pounds, Bergeron has solid size for the next level. He has helped the Orange establish a good rushing attack over his time on campus. Bergeron has eligibility remaining, so he may elect to return to school to improve his game.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Mikel Jones, LB
Jones is in his fourth season with Syracuse and has grown as a player during his time with the Orange. He has 299 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks in his career. This season, he has registered 84 total tackles, seven tackles for loss and four sacks.
At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, Jones will need to add some weight to his frame to fit in at the next level. He has shown he can get after the quarterback this season and he is decent against the run. Jones will need to do better in coverage to consistently see the field.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
*RB Sean Tucker has opted out of this bowl game. He is a projected mid-round pick.
Other Draft Prospects: QB Garrett Schrader (UFA)
John Michael Schmitz, OG/C
Schmitz redshirted in 2017 and then got limited playing time in 2018. He started four games at center for the Golden Gophers in 2019 and then six games in 2020. In 2021, he started all 13 games and was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team. He returned for 2022 and was named an All-American.
At 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, Schmitz has great size for an interior offensive lineman. He was better at run blocking than pass blocking in his career, but he has shown he can do both well. His experience at the collegiate level should make him ready to make the jump to the next level.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
Mohamed Ibrahim, RB
Ibrahim spent five seasons at Minnesota and was one of the most productive players in school history. In his career, he has 4,597 rushing yards, 145 receiving yards and 52 touchdowns. This season, Ibrahim has 1,594 rushing yards, 50 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns.
At 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, Ibrahim has a good build for an NFL running back. He has good power and contact balance. What could hold him back is the wear and tear he already has on his body and the lack of receiving production in his career.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: QB Tanner Morgan (UFA), OG/C Chuck Filiaga (UFA)
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