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 Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
Aireontae Ersery, OT
Ersery joined Minnesota in 2020, when he played in one game. He redshirted in 2021 then moved into the starting lineup in 2022 at left tackle. Ersery has stayed in the starting lineup since that point, building up his draft stock. He was named All-Big Ten First Team for his play this season.
At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, he has solid size for an NFL offensive tackle. He has plenty of experience at left tackle, which helps his stock. Eresery has the potential to be selected in the first or second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Justin Walley, CB
Walley joined Minnesota in 2021 and started six of the games that season. He stayed in the starting lineup for the next three seasons, improving his stock in the process. In 2024, he totaled 42 tackles, two interceptions and 10 passes defended.
He stands at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, which is a little light for an NFL cornerback. Walley can fill out his frame more to better match up with physical receivers in the NFL. He has shown good ball skills over his career.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: EDGE Jah Joyner (5th-7th), WR Daniel Jackson (6th-UFA), LB Cody Lindenbeg (6th-UFA), QB Max Brosmer (6th-UFA), EDGE Danny Striggow (UFA), DL Darnell Jeffries (UFA)
Bhayshul Tuten, RB
Tuten started his college career at NC A&T in 2021. He spent two seasons with the Bulldogs before transferring to Virginia Tech in 2023. After a solid season in 2023, he built on it in 2024. In 2024, he rushed for 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns.
At 5-foot-11 and 209 pounds, Tuten has solid size for an NFL running back. He has done decently as a receiver in past seasons. Tuten has the chance to make a roster, but might have to excel on special teams to increase his chances.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Kelvin Gilliam, DL
Gilliam started his college career in 2021 at Oklahoma. He spent three seasons with the Sooners before transferring to Virginia Tech in 2024. This season, Gilliam has registered 31 total tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack.
He stands at 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds, which is a little light for an NFL interior defensive lineman. His lack of production could hold team back from selecting him, so testing well at the NFL combine is imperative if he is going to be drafted.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
*CB Dorian Strong has opted out of this bowl game. He is a projected mid-round pick.
*EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland has opted out of this bowl game. He is a projected mid-round pick.
*DL Aeneas Peebles has opted out of this bowl game. He is a projected mid to late-round pick.
*WR Jaylin Lane has opted out of this bowl game. He is a projected mid to late-round pick.
*WR Da’Quan Felton has opted out of this bowl game. He is a projected late-round pick or an undrafted free agent.
Other Draft Prospects: K John Love (UFA), IOL Kaden Moore (UFA), WR Ali Jennings (UFA)
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