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 Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Jayden Higgins, WR
Higgins started his college career at Eastern Kentucky at the FCS level. After two successful seasons there, Higgins transferred into Iowa State for the 2023 season. He was massively productive for the Cylones in his two seasons. In 2024, he has caught 87 passes for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns
At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Higgins is tough to match up with. He has a huge catch radius and could even fill out his frame even more. His ability to produce even with a young quarterback at Iowa State helps prove his value. He is a projected mid-round pick
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Darien Porter, CB
Porter joined Iowa State in 2019 as a wide receiver. He played the position for three seasons before moving to the defense in 2022. Porter has developed at defensive back ever since. In 2024, he registered 18 tackles, three interceptions and two passes defended.
At 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds, Porter has unique height and length for the position. He can continue to fill out his frame to match up with physical receivers. Porter is still learning the position and doesn’t have much experience, but did get an invite to the Senior Bowl, which could improve his stock. He is a projected mid-round pick.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: WR Jaylin Noel (4th-6th), OT Jalen Travis (6th-UFA), S Jeremiah Cooper (6th-UFA), DL Dominique Orange (UFA), S Malik Verdon (UFA), DL Tyler Onyedin (UFA), P Tyler Perkins
Cam Ward, QB
Ward started his college career at Incarnate Word of the FCS level. He transferred to Washington State for the 2022 season. After spending two seasons with the Cougars, Ward made the move to Miami for the 2024 season. This season, he has passed for 4,123 yards, 36 touchdowns and seven interceptions on 67.4 percent completion.
At 6-foot-2 and 223 pounds, Ward is a decent size for a quarterback trying to make the NFL. He has good arm talent and athleticism, which helps him create big plays. His decision-making can improve to limit turnovers. He is a projected top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Rang: Top 10 Pick
Xavier Restrepo, WR
Restrepo joined Miami in 2020 and has developed ever since. After making a decent impact in his first three seasons on campus, he really broke out in 2023 and even furthered that in 2024. This season, he has caught 69 passes for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns.
He stands at 5-foot-10 and 198 pounds, which makes him a little short for an NFL receiver. Restrepo will need to play in the slot at the next level, but that fits his skill set well. He is a great route-runner and has great focus catching in traffic. His play has earned him a chance to be drafted somewhat early after round one.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Fourth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: TE Elijah Arroyo (4th-6th), EDGE Tyler Baron (5th-7th), DL Simeon Barrow (5th-7th), OT Jalen Rivers (6th-UFA), LB Francisco Mauigoa (6th-UFA), EDGE Elijah Alston (6th-UFA), RB Damien Martinez (6th-UFA), EDGE Akheem Mesidor (6th-UFA), WR Jacolby George (6th-UFA), WR Sam Brown (UFA), LB Wesley Bissainthe (UFA), OT Zion Nelson (UFA), CB Darien Porter (UFA)
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