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 Boca Raton Bowl.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Draft Prospects
Upton Stout, CB
Stout started his college career at North Texas before transferring to Western Kentucky for the last three seasons. He played immediately and made an impact for the Hilltoppers. Stout has grown since that point and now is a star. In 2024, he tallied 53 tackles, one pass defended and one interception.
He is undersized as a corner at 5-foot-9. Stout wasn’t able to make many plays on the ball this season, but other teams avoided throwing the ball his way. His ability to shut down opponents has really stood out. Stout has been invited to the Senior Bowl and could be a mid-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Devonte’ Matthews, S
Matthews has made a few stops during his college career. After he started at West Georgia, he transferred to Nicholls State and then to Western Kentucky this season. With the Hilltoppers, he has registered 90 total tackles and two interceptions.
Like Stout, Matthews is an undersized defensive back at 5-foot-9. This could make him more of a slot player, but his nose for the football could draw the attention of NFL teams. He could have the chance to make an NFL roster.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects: WR Kisean Johnson (6th-UFA)
James Madison Dukes Draft Prospects
George Pettaway, RB
Pettaway started his career at North Carolina. He played there for two seasons before transferring to James Madison for this season. During the year, Pettaway rushed for 880 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Dukes in rushing.
At 5-foot-10 and 199 pounds, Pettaway is a little undersized for the position. He showed good receiving skills to go with his rushing ability which will help his case to make an NFL roster. Pettaway has a couple of seasons of eligibility remaining, so a return to school could be his choice.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Eric O’Neill, EDGE
O’Neill played three seasons at LIU at the FCS level where he impressed. He transferred to James Madison for the 2024 season and his success continued. O’Neill registered 49 total tackles and 11.5 sacks, which helped him make the First Team All-Sun Belt.
At 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, O’Neill has solid size for an NFL edge rusher, but could fill out his frame a tad bit more. The jump in competition level didn’t faze O’Neill as he continued to notch sacks. He is a redshirt junior, so one more year in college could really solidify how good of a pass rusher he has been.
Projected Draft Range: 6th Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
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1 Comment
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