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 Cotton Bowl.
Dorian Williams, LB
Williams has been at Tulane for four seasons and has had three seasons of major production. He has 299 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in his career. This season, Williams has 115 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks.
At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, Williams is undersized for an NFL linebacker. He does have good range, whether that is tracking down ball carriers or in coverage. It will be hard for him to play on early downs at the next level unless he can improve his strength.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Tyjae Spears, RB
Spears has been with the Green Wave for four seasons and has improved each season. He has 2,705 rushing yards, 550 receiving yards and 30 total touchdowns in his career. This season, he has 1,376 rushing yards, 242 receiving yards and 17 pounds.
He is a little bit slight for an NFL running back at 5-foot- 11 and 190 pounds. Spears showed the ability to break big plays fo the Green Wave this season. He could have more value on third downs as both a pass protector and receiver.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: LB Nick Anderson (UFA), FB Tyrick Jones (UFA), OG/C Sincere Haynesworth (UFA)
Tuli Tuipulotu, DL
Tuipulotu has been with the Trojans for three seasons and really took a leap forward this season. In his career, Tuipulotu has 114 total tackles, 31 tackles for loss and 20 sacks. This season, he has registered 44 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks.
He has decent size for an NFL defensive lineman at 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds. He could be a tweener between an edge rusher and an interior lineman with his size. With that though, comes some versatility. His big season has really improved his draft stock.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
Mekhi Blackmon, CB
Blackmon spent four seasons at Colorado before transferring to USC for this season. At the collegiate level, Blackmon has 134 total tackles, five interceptions and 23 passes defended. This season, Blackmon has 58 total tackles, three interceptions on 11 passes defended.
At 6-foot and 170 pounds, Blackmon has to add strength in order to match up well against bigger receivers in the NFL. In 2022, Blackmon has shown improvements to his ball skills and could fit in well as a slot corner.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
*WR Jordan Addison has opted out of this game. He is a projected first-round pick.
*OG/C Andrew Voorhees has opted out of this game. He is a projected day-two pick.
*RB Travis Dye is out for this game with a knee injury. He is a projected mid to late-round pick.
Other Draft Prospects: OG/C Brett Nielon (5-7), OT Jonah Monheim (6-UFA), OG/C Justin Dedich (UFA), TE Josh Falo (UFA), TE Malcolm Epps (UFA)
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