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 2026 Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
Carlos Hernandez, WR
Hernandez played two seasons for Washington State to start his career. During his two seasons as a Cougar, he had 55 catches for 655 yards and five touchdowns. He transferred to Wake Forest in 2025, following head coach Jake Dickert. Hernandez has caught 34 passes for 538 yards and three touchdowns.
He stands at 6-foot and 192 pounds, so he’ll need to continue filling out his frame for the next level. Hernandez is just a junior and returning to school could help him improve his stock.
Projected Draft Range: Fifth Round Pick-Seventh Round Pick
Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OT
Fa’amoe joined Washington State in 2020 and redshirted in 2021. He moved into the starting lineup in 2022 at right tackle and played for the next three seasons. Before the 2025 season, he transferred to Wake Forest. He was an Honorable Mention All-ACC Selection for his play.
At 6-foot-5 and 317 pounds, Fa’amoe has solid size for an NFL offensive tackle. He has plenty of experience over the last several seasons and was able to have a lot of pass blocking reps. Fa’amore could get a chance to make a roster.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects: S Davaughn Patterson (UFA)
Opt-Outs/Injuries: RB Demond Claiborne (4th-6th)
Kelley Jones, CB
Jones started his time at Mississippi State in 2023 and redshirted. He played more in 2024, finishing the season with 29 total tackles and 1 pass defended. In the 2025 season, he has played his best, as he has 11 passes defended and two interceptions.
At 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, Jones has unique size for an NFL cornerback, but can continue to fill out his frame. He can make plays on the ball, but is still a young player who could return to school to build his stock up.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Brenen Thompson, WR
Thompson began his college career at Texas. He had one catch for 32 yards for the Longhorns. After that, he played two seasons for Oklahoma. With the Sooners, he had 26 catches for 471 yards and four touchdowns. This season for the Bulldogs, he has caught 53 passes for 948 yards and six touchdowns.
He stands at 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, which is small for an NFL receiver. Thompson will likely need to play in the slot to have success at the NFL level. Playing special teams can also help his stock.
Projected Draft Range: Fifth Round Pick-Seventh Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: S Isaac Smith (6th-UFA), EDGE Derion Gullette (UFA), WR Ayden Williams (UFA), WR Anthony Evans (UFA), TE Seydou Traore (UFA)
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