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 Holiday Bowl.
Jamari Thrash, WR
Thrash starred at Georgia State for three seasons before transferring to Louisville for the 2023 season. In his career, he has 167 receptions for 2,610 yards and 18 touchdowns. This year, he has 63 catches for 858 yards and six touchdowns.
At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Thrash has solid height, but will need to add more weight to his frame to hold up against physical coverage. He runs decent routes and can create separation, which he will get to display at the Senior Bowl.
Projected Draft Range: 4th Round Pick-6th Round Pick
Ashton Gillotte, DL
Gillotte joined Louisville in the class of 2021. He immediately saw the field and created an impact for the Cardinals. In his career, he has 88 total tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss and 22 sacks. This season, he has 45 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks.
At 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, Gillotte could be a tweener at the NFL level. He is a bigger edge rusher, but too light to be an interior lineman. His pass rushing production warrants extra looks by NFL scouts, but he also has eligibility remaining if he wants to return to school.
Projected Draft Range: 4th Round Pick-6th Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: RB Jawhar Jordan (5th-7th), CB Quincy Riley (5th-7th), RB Trevion Cooley (6th-UFA), EDGE Stephon Herron (UFA), IOL Bryan Hudson (UFA), S Gilbert Frierson (UFA), CB Chandler Jones (UFA), DL Jermayne Lole (UFA)
Bullock enrolled at USC in the spring of 2021. He played immediately, giving him plenty of experience over his three seasons with the Trojans. In his career, he has tallied 151 total tackles, 15 passes defended and nine interceptions. This season, he has 63 total tackles, two interceptions an seven passes defended.
At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, he has good height and length. He’ll need to add more strength to help him shed blocks and make an impact stopping the run. Currently, Bullock does not tackle very well. He does have unique range for a safety and can make plays on the ball.
Projected Draft Range: 2nd Round Pick-4th Round Pick
MarShawn Lloyd, RB
Lloyd started his collegiate career out at South Carolina, where he was enrolled for three seasons. He transferred across the country to USC before the 2023 season. In his career, he has 1,621 rushing yards, 452 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. For his lone season at USC, he totaled 820 rushing yards, 232 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
At 5-foot-9, he is a shorter running back, but he has solid size at 210 pounds. He has picked up his fair share of wear and tear throughout his college career, but he has been productive. His experience catching the ball out of the backfield will help his draft value.
Projected Draft Range: 4th Round Pick-6th Round Pick
*QB Caleb Williams has opted out of this bowl game. He is a projected top-five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
*WR Brenden Rice has opted out of this bowl game. He is a projected second to fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Other Draft Prospects: WR Mario Williams (5th-7th), WR Dorian Singer (5th-7th), CB Christian Roland-Wallace (5th-7th) DL Korey Foreman (6th-UFA), WR Tahj Washington (6th-UFA), OT Jonah Monheim (6th-UFA), LB Eric Gentry (6th-UFA), LB Mason Cobb (6th-UFA), RB Austin Jones (6th-UFA), EDGE Solomon Byrd (6th-UFA), IOL Justin Dedich (UFA), CB Ceyair Wright (UFA), CB Prophet Brown (UFA), CB Raesjon Davis (UFA)
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