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 Independence Bowl.
Jeremiah Hunter, WR
Hunter joined Cal in 2020, but did not play. He started making an impact in 2021 and has become a great receiver for the Golden Bears over the last few years. In his career, he has 139 receptions for 2,022 yards and 13 touchdowns. This season, he has 58 catches for 669 yards and seven touchdowns.
At 6-foot and 200 pounds, Hunter has decent size for an NFL receiver. Hunter is dynamic with the ball in his hands, which is why Cal used him as a returner as well. That ability could help him make an NFL roster, but he could also return to school with extra eligibility remaining.
Projected Draft Range: 4th Round Pick-6th Round Pick
Xavier Carlton, EDGE
Carlton started his college career at Utah for two seasons. Over the last two seasons, he has been suiting up for the Golden Bears. In his career, he has totaled 101 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. This season, Carlton has tallied 46 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
He stands 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, which is excellent size for an edge rusher. Carlton could add weight then move to the interior. He can help stop the run on the edge, but could be a better interior rusher. He is likely going to go undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
*Running back Byron Cardwell is injured and out for season. He is a projected late-round pick or undrafted free agent.
Other Draft Prospects: LB Nate Ruchena (UFA), DL Brett Johnson (UFA), LS Slater Zellers (UFA), LB Jackson Sermon (UFA)
Steve Linton, EDGE
Linton played the first four seasons of his college career at Syracuse. He transferred to Texas Tech for the 2023 season. In his collegiate career, he has 66 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. This season, he has racked up 22 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
At 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, Linton is undersized for an NFL edge rusher. He will need to add strength to hold up against NFL offensive linemen. More pass-rushing production could’ve helped him be drafted earlier, but as it currently sits, he is likely a late-round pick.
Projected Draft Range: 4th Round Pick-6th Round Pick
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, CB
Taylor-Demerson is a super senior who has been at Texas Tech since 2019. In his career, he has totaled 140 total tackles, seven interceptions and 11 passes defended. This year, Taylor-Demerson has registered 66 total tackles, four interceptions and six passes defended.
He has ok size for a cornerback at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds. Taylor-Demerson could add some strength to match up with bigger receivers. He has proven to be a good tackler for a corner, which could help him, but making a roster might come down to him playing special teams.
Projected Draft Range: 6th Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects: P Austin McNamara (6th-UFA), EDGE Myles Cole (6th-UFA), CB Rayshad Williams (UFA), DL Jaylon Hutchings (UFA), RB Tahj Brooks (UFA), QB Behren Morton (UFA), TE Baylor Cupp (UFA), DL Tony Bradford (UFA), CB Malik Dunlap (UFA), S Reggie Pearson Jr. (UFA)
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