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 New Orleans Bowl.
Perry Carter, WR
Carter’s college career started back in 2018 at UL Monroe. After several seasons there, he transferred to Jacksonville State for this season. In his career, he has totaled 76 receptions for 1,287 yards and five touchdowns. This season for the Gamecocks, Carter has 34 catches for 603 yards and three touchdowns.
He is a little undersized for an NFL receiver at 5-foot-9 and 177 pounds. Carter will likely be resigned to playing in the slot at the NFL level. His production doesn’t necessarily warrant him being drafted, but he should get a shot to try out for an NFL team.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Quae Drake, LB
Drake is another player who transferred from UL Monroe to Jacksonville State. He played two seasons for the Warhawks and this season for the Gamecocks. In his career, he has 187 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss and four sacks. For 2023, Drake has tallied 86 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and one sack.
He does not have the size of a prototypical NFL linebacker. He is 6-foot-1 and 225, which will mean he has a lot to prove in terms of his ability to shed blocks. His good range will help, but he can also show improvements in coverage. He could geta a chance to make a roster as a UDFA.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Nathaniel Thomas, OT
Thomas has been around a while in college basketball. He appeared in one game during the 2019 season, but was still able to redshirt in 2020. Thomas received some playing time in 2021 and then stepped into the starting lineup full-time in 2022. He returned at left tackle for the 2023 season.
Louisiana did not list the height and weight info for Thomas. He has played solidly over his college career at left tackle, but could move inside for the NFL level. There is a slight chance he gets drafted.
Projected Draft Range: 6th round pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Jacob Kibodi, RB
Kibodi played three seasons at Texas A&M in a limited fashion before transferring to Louisiana. He transferred to Louisiana in 2022 and has made an impact. For his career, Kibodi has 1,168 rushing yards, 132 receiving yards and 10 total touchdowns. This season, he has 729 rushing yards, 79 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
He has great size for an NFL running back at 6-foot and 220 pounds. Kibodi has a bruising running style, but won’t add much help to a passing attack. If he can play special teams, he may have a better chance of making an NFL roster.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
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