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 2025 Cotton Bowl.
Emeka Egbuka, WR
Egbuka joined Ohio State in 2021 and played a little bit, even with a talented receiving room. He really broke out in 2022 with 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 2023 season had some injuries, and he returned for his senior season. This year, he has 70 catches for 896 yards and 10 touchdowns.
At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Egbuka has solid size for the position. He has good route running ability, which helps him separate. Egbuka takes pride in blocking and knows how to get open against zone coverage. He may not have the athleticism to be a no. 1 receiver in the NFL, but he has the tools to be a pro for quite some time. Egbuka is projected to be picked early in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Tyleik Williams, DL
Williams joined Ohio State in 2021 and started playing immediately, registering seven tackles for loss and five sacks as a freshman. He played a lot in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, helping to build his draft stock. Williams decided to return for his senior season instead of declining for the NFL Draft. He has seven tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks this season.
At 6-foot-3 and 330 pounds, Willims has great size for an NFL defensive tackle. He moves well for his size, displaying solid athleticism. His pad level can get too high and he can add more pass rush moves to be even more effective. Williams is projected to be a day-two pick.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
*Offensive tackle Josh Simmons is out for this game with an injury. He is a projected first or second-round pick.
*IOL Seth McLaughlin is out for this game with an injury. He is a projected late-round pick.
Other Draft Prospects: EDGE J.T. Tuimoloau (2nd-3rd), EDGE Jack Sawyer (2nd-3rd), IOL Donovan Jackson (2nd-3rd), RB Quinshon Judkins (2nd-4th), CB Denzel Burke (3rd-5th), RB TreVeyon Henderson (3rd-5th), CB Davison Igbinosun (3rd-5th), S Lathan Ransom (4th-6th), DL Ty Hamilton (4th-6th), LB Sonny Styles (5th-7th), QB Will Howard (6th-UFA), IOL Carson Hinzman (6th-UFA), CB Jordan Hancock (6th-UFA), LB CJ Hicks (UFA), EDGE Kenyatta Jackson (UFA), OT Tegra Tshabola (UFA), TE Gee Scott (UFA), LB Cody Simon (UFA)
Kelvin Banks, OT
Banks joined the Longhorns in 2022 and started at left tackle immediately. He was named a Freshman All-American for his play. In 2023, Banks was named a Second Team All-American. For the 2024 season, he did even better, finishing as a First Team All-American.
At 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, Banks has a well-filled out frame, but may not have the reach desired by an NFL tackle. Banks moves well and has solid strength for the position. He is not the most flexible and can improve his hand usage. Banks could be a top 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick
Cameron Williams, OT
Williams joined Texas in 2022 as well, but played primarily special teams. He saw some work in 2023, when he earned one start. In 2024, Williams has locked down the starting right tackle spot for the Longhorns, helping the team make the CFP.
At 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds, Williams has good size for an NFL tackle. He has good strength, balance and and patience. His lack of experience could limit his draft stock and make a return to school the move for him this offseason. If he does declare, he could go in the firs or second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: WR Isaiah Bond (1st-2nd), CB Jahdae Barron (1st-2nd), QB Quinn Ewers (1st-3rd), DL Alfred Collins (3rd-5th), TE Gunnar Helm (3rd-5th), IOL Jake Majors (4th-6th), S Andrew Mukuba (4th-6th), EDGE Trey Moore (4th-6th), WR Matthew Golden (5th-7th), EDGE Barryn Sorrell (5th-7th), IOL Hayen Conner (6th-UFA), DL Vernon Broughton (6th-UFA), S Michael Taafe (6th-UFA), EDGE Ethan Burke (6th-UFA), IOL DJ Campbell (FUA), RB Jaydon Blue (UFA), CB Jaylon Gilbeau (UFA), TE Amari Niblack (UFA), K Bert Auburn (UFA), WR Silas Bolden (UFA)
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