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 Birmingham Bowl.
Jackson Hawes, TE
Hawes had a unique college football career, as he started off playing for Yale. He was Second Team All-Ivy League in 2022 and had decent production over his last two seasons at the school. Before the 2024 season, he transferred to Georgia Tech. In 2024, Hawes caught 15 passes for 188 yards.
At 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, he has solid size for an NFL tight end. He didn’t have elite production at the college level, but his ability to jump up a level to play at Georgia Tech was impressive. Hawes has a chance to make a roster.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Jamal Haynes, RB
Haynes joined Georgia Tech in 2021 as a wide receiver. He redshirted that season, then played in nine games during the 2022 season. In 2023, he made the switch to running back and did well in his new role. That extended to 2024, as Haynes has 808 rushing yards, 134 receiving yards and 11 total touchdowns.
At 5-foot-9 and 190, Haynes is undersized for an NFL running back. He has plenty of receiving ability and has elusiveness to make defenders miss. Haynes may never be an every-down back, but he can make an impact for an NFL team.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects: DL Jordan Van Den Berg (UFA), QB Haynes King (UFA), S LaMiles Brooks (UFA), WR Chase Lane (UFA)
Eli Stowers, TE
Stowers started his college career as a quarterback at Texas A&M in 2021. He transferred to New Mexico State in 2023 and changed his position to tight end. After a season there, he transferred to Vanderbilt in 2024. This season, he has 45 catches for 583 yards and four touchdowns.
He stands 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, which means he’ll have to add weight if he wants to be an in-line tight end. Stowers has been an athletic mismatch and can line up wide. His stock has really gone up this season after learning the position in 2023.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
De’Rickey Wright, S
Wright joined Vanderbilt in 2020, but didn’t play much that season. He had a bigger role in 2021 before becoming a key part of the defense for the Commodores after that. This season, Wright has 47 total tackles, one interception and one pass defended.
At 6-foot-4 and 207 pounds, Wright is a unique size for a safety. If he can fill out his frame a little bit more, a transition to linebacker could be in the future. Either way, he will need to use his athleticism on special teams to help make an NFL roster.
Projected Drafted Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects: CB Kolbey Taylor (UFA), LB Prince Kollie (UFA)
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