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 2023 Armed Forces Bowl.
Jalen Green, EDGE
Green joined James Madison when they were still at the FCS level. He suffered an injury during the 2021 season, but bounced back and contributed in the past two seasons. In his career at the FBS level, he has tallied 72 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 18 sacks. This season, Green has racked up 50 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 16 sacks.
At 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds, Green will not meet the measurables that most teams are looking for in an edge rusher. His production warrants him getting looked at by NFL teams. He could be a one-year wonder, but it isn’t easy getting 16 sacks.
Projected Draft Range: 6th Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Ty Son Lawton, RB
Lawton started his career at FCS-level Stony Brook. He transferred to James Madison before the 2023 season and was a big contributor to the offense. During his lone season at the FBS level, Lawton rushed for 568 yards and five touchdowns.
He isn’t the tallest running back at 5-foot-9, but he does have a filled out frame at 205 pounds. His production at Stony Brook will probably get him more credit than the one year at James Madison. He also showed improved receiving ability this season.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Emmanuel Michel, RB
Michel joined the Air Force in 2019, but did not see action in either of his first two years at the school. He started chipping in starting with the 2021 season, but really showed what he could do this season. In his career, Michel totaled 1,426 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. This season, Michel has had his best season yet with 747 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
At 5-foot-10 and 215 pounds, Michel has good size for an NFL running back. He played fullback in the Air Force option attack, but could be more of a half back in the NFL. Michel likely will have to fulfill his service time requirements after graduation.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
John Lee Eldridge III, RB
*Eldridge has since entered the transfer portal.
Eldridge III signed on with Air Force in 2020, but didn’t play much until 2022. In his collegiate career, he had 1,308 rushing yards, 46 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. This season, he totaled 521 rushing yards, 42 receiving yards and seven total touchdowns.
He is a little undersized for an NFL running back at 5-foot-9 an 195 pounds. Elridge III also didn’t have the luxury of showing what he could do much as a receiver out of the backfield during his career. He too will likely have to fill out his service requirements after graduation.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
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