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 Birmingham Bowl.
Javon Solomon, EDGE
Solomon has had two major seasons of production since joining Troy in 2019. In his career, he has 179 total tackles, 49 tackles for loss and 33 sacks. This season, he has tallied 52 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks. He led the country in sacks this season.
At 6-foot-2 and 246 pounds, Solomon doesn’t have the greatest size for an edge rusher. His production warrants him getting looks from the NFL, as he had 16 sacks this season, but also had 11 in 2021. He should have done enough to be a mid to late round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: 4th Round Pick-6th Round Pick
Richard Jibunor, EDGE
Jibunor started his college career at Auburn. He transferred to Troy before the 2019 season, but redshirted. He has been progressively productive every season he has been at Troy. Jibunor has 174 total tackles, 45.5 tackles for loss and 30.5 sacks in his career. This season, he has racked up 53 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss and nine sacks.
He stands at 6-foot-3 and 232 pounds, which is undersized for an NFL edge rusher. While his peak production wasn’t as much as Solomon, Jibunor has been consistent. His size could hold him back, but he could be in play as a late-round pick.
Projected Draft Range: 6th Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects: RB Kimani Vidal (UFA), S Dell Pettus (UFA)
Graham Barton, OT
Barton signed with Duke in the class of 2020. He started playing as a freshman at center and made some All-Freshman teams. In 2021, he moved to left tackle and started 12 games. For 2022, he was named First Team All-ACC for his play at left tackle and was able to replicate that in 2023.
He is 6-foot-5 and 314 pounds, which is solid size for an offensive lineman. With his experience playing center, he is a candidate to move inside in the NFL. He has the capabilities to play tackle and will likely start his career there. Currently, he is projected to be a first or second-round pick.
Projected Draft Range: 1st Round Pick-2nd Round Pick
DeWayne Carter, DL
Carter joined Duke in 2019 and took about two seasons before he became pretty productive. In his career, he has 123 total tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. This season, Carter has tallied 39 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack.
At 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, Carter has good size for an interior defensive lineman. For his size, he has also shown pretty good quickness and athleticism for his size. He also has some decent sack numbers for an interior defensive lineman.
Projected Draft Range: 3rd Round Pick-5th Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: IOL Jake Hornibrook (UFA), IOL Jacob Monk (UFA), WR Jalon Calhoun (UFA), CB Al Blades Jr. (UFA)
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