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 2024 Arizona Bowl.
Brian Ugwu, EDGE
Ugwu started his college career at Rutgers, where he spent two seasons and played in three games. He transferred to Miami (Ohio) in 2022. Over the last three seasons, he has been productive for the RedHawks. This season, he has 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.
At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Ugwu has decent, but not great size for an NFL edge rusher. His pass-rush production should get him some looks from NFL scouts. He has the potential to be drafted late, but could be an undrafted free agent with a shoot make a roster.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Brett Gabbert, QB
Gabbert joined Miami (Ohio) in 2019 and played immediately. He battled through injuries throughout his career and played a lot of games. During the 2024 season, he has passed for 2,737 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on 57.6 percent completion.
At 6-foot and 210 pounds, Gabbert is undersized for the quarterback position. He doesn’t have great arm talent, but he has plenty of experience and understands the quarterback position well. Gabbert likely won’t get drafted, but could get a chance to make a roster out of training camp.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects: WR Cade McDonald (UFA), OT Reid Holsky (UFA)
Jack Howell, S
Howell joined Colorado State in 2021 and played immediately. He was a Freshman All-American and continued to develop from there. In the 2024 season, he registered 74 total tackles, five interceptions and one pass defended.
At 6-foot and 200 pounds, Howell has decent size for an NFL safety. He has plenty of experience to help his case and has proven to be great at tracking down ball carriers. Howell will likely have to play special teams to help him make a roster.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Henry Blackburn, S
Blackburn joined Colorado State in 2020. He started getting a bigger role in 2021 and after that season has been a mainstay on the Rams’ defense. This season, Blackburn has 75 tackles, one interception and two passes defended.
He stands 6-foot and 205 pounds, which is decent size for an NFL safety. Blackburn has a lot of experience as well. Like Howell, he will need to excel on special teams for his best chance to make an NFL roster.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
*WR Tory Horton is out for this game with an injury. He is a projected mid-round pick.
Other Draft Prospects: IOL Drew Moss (UFA)
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