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 Music City Bowl.
Iowa Hawkeyes Draft Prospects
Sebastian Castro, S
Castro joined Iowa in 2019. He redshirted in 2019 and didn’t play much the next two seasons. Castro started eight games in 2022 and didn’t look back, staying in the lineup ever since. In 2024, he had 56 total tackles, one interception and one pass defended.
At 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, Castro isn’t the biggest player, but has a filled-out frame. He is versatile, playing several different positions in the secondary. Castro isn’t afraid to stop the run and is a good candidate to be a slot corner at the next level.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Luke Lachey, TE
Lachey joined Iowa in 2020 and redshirted. He started playing more in 2021 and has been a key part of the offense since. Lachey missed most of 2023 with an injury, but rebounded in 2024. This season, he has 27 catches for 227 yards.
He stands 6-foot-6 and 247 pounds, which is solid size for an NFL tight end. Lachey could fill out his frame a bit more to help his stock. He has plenty of experience blocking and has good hands. His return from injury is a good thing for his draft value.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
*RB Kaleb Johnson has opted out of this game. He is a projected day-two pick.
*CB Jermari Harris has opted out of this game. He is a projected mid-to-late-round pick.
Other Draft Prospects: LB Jay Higgins (4th-6th), S Xavier Nwankpa (4th-6th), DL Yaha Balck (6th-UFA), IOL Connor Colby (6th-UFA), IOL Logan Jones (6th-UFA), OT Mason Richman (6th-UFA), LB Nick Jackson (6th-UFA), DL Aaron Graves (UFA), DL Deontae Craig (UFA), S Quinn Schulte (UFA)
Missouri Tigers Draft Prospects
Theo Wease, WR
Theo Wease started his career at Oklahoma in 2020. He played three years for the Sooners, then transferred to Missouri starting in 2023. He had a solid season in 2023, then built on that in 2024. Wease finished the season with 55 catches for 809 yards and three touchdowns.
At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Wease has good size for an NFL receiver. His production at two different schools is good for his stock. He has the ability to be a matchup problem over small corners, which will intrigue scouts.
Projected Draft Range: Fifth Round Pick-Seventh Round Pick
Johnny Walker Jr., EDGE
Walker Jr. joined Missouri in 2020 and redshirted. He played sparingly over the next two seasons and finally started playing a major role in 2023. Walker Jr. has stacked two straight good seasons together. In 2024, he posted 39 total tackles and 7.5 sacks.
He doesn’t have the prototypical size at 6-foot-3 and 250, but it does look like his frame is filled out. His production over the last two seasons is worth digging into. Walker Jr. has a chance to make a roster at the next level, even if he doesn’t get drafted.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
*WR Luther Burden III has opted out of this bowl game. He is a projected first-round pick.
*OT Armand Membou has opted out of this bowl game. He is a projected day-two pick.
*IOL Connor Tollison is injured and will miss this game. He is a projected late-round pick.
Other Draft Prospects: S Daylan Carnell (6th-UFA), CB Toriano Pride (6th-UFA), QB Brady Cook (6th-UFA), EDGE Eddie Kelly (UFA), RB Nate Noel (UFA), RB Marus Carroll (UFA)
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