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 First Responder Bowl.
Tavian Coleman, DL
Coleman started his college career off at community college. Then he spent a season at Utah State before transferring into Texas State. In his FBS career, he has 53 total tackles an 4.5 sacks. This season, he has 28 total tackles an 3.5 sacks.
He stands 6-foot-1 an 280 pounds, which is a little light for an interior defensive lineman. He can be successful at that weight, but he’ll need to be quick or add more strength. Coleman has eligibility remaining so he could return to school.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
T.J. Finley, QB
Finley started off at LSU for a season before transferring to Auburn for two seasons. He transferred into Texas State before the 2023 season. In his career, he has passed for 5,486 yards, 36 touchdowns and 18 interceptions on 63.3 percent completion. For the 2023 season, he has 3,287 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 68.6 percent completion.
At 6-foot-7 and 255 pounds, Finley has good size for an NFL quarterback. He has shown good accuracy and can extend plays. Finley has eligibility left and will likely return to school to develop a bit more before turning pro.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Luke McCaffrey, WR
McCaffrey was a quarterback heading into college at Nebraska. He spent two seasons at Nebraska and then transferred to Rice. He then made the move to wide receiver before the 2022 season. In his career, McCaffrey has 128 catches for 1,703 yards and 18 touchdowns. This season, he has 68 receptions for 963 yards and 12 touchdowns.
At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, McCaffrey has solid size for an NFL receiver. He will have to add some play strength to help beat physical coverage. McCaffrey shows good football knowledge, which stems from his football family and history as a quarterback. He has a chance to get drafted and can make a roster if he can contribute on special teams.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Dean Connors, RB
Connors started his college career at the community college level, but has spent the last two seasons with Rice. In his FBS career, he has 835 rushing yards, 419 receiving yards and nine total touchdowns. This season, he has registered 707 rushing yards, 395 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
At 6-foot and 205 pounds, Connors has solid size for an NFL running back. He has shown the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, which will help his stock, but he will likely need to show that he can play special teams if he wants to stick on a roster.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
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