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 CFP First Round: SMU at Penn State.
Brashard Smith, RB
Smith started his college career at Miami as a wide receiver. After playing three seasons for the Hurricanes, he transferred to SMU, where the Mustangs turned him into a runnin back. He has thrived in his new role, as he has 1,270 rushing yards, 303 receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns.
At 5-foot-10 and 196 pounds, Smith is a little undersized as an NFL running back. His frame could use some filling out and he is still learning the position, but he has picked up a lot of things quickly. Smith is a good athlete and can impact the game as a receiver. He could be selected late in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Elijah Roberts, EDGE
Roberts is one of many SMU players who started their careers at Miami. After playing three seasons for the Hurricanes, he transferred to SMU in 2023. He played well last year with 10 sacks and had a decent year in 2024 with 5.5 sacks.
At 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds, Roberts is a big edge player. He could be somewhat of a tweener between a defensive tackle and defensive end. His best role might be as a 3-4 edge. Roberts has sack production throughout his career to make him worth drafting, but his fit on teams could be hard to find.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
*TE R.J. Maryland is out for the game. He is a projected late-round pick.
Other Draft Prospects: DL Jake Harrison-Hunte (6th-UFA), S Isaiah Nwokobia (6th-UFA), EDGE Jahfari Harvey (6th-UFA), IOL Logan Parr (6th-UFA), IOL Jakai Clark (6th-UFA), LB Kobe Wilson (6th-UFA), QB Kevin Jennings (6th-UFA), OT Pat Williams (6th-UFA), WR Key’Shawn Smith (UFA), WR Roderick Daniels (UFA), IOL Justin Osborne (UFA), DL Kori Roberson (UFA), LB Ahmad Walker (UFA)
Abdul Carter, EDGE
Carter signed with Penn State in 2022. He started his career as a linebacker and played well. Before this season, Carter moved to being an edge rusher, where he has found success. This season, Carter has registered 20 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.
At 6-foot-3 and 252 pounds, Carter is not the prototypical height for an NFL edge rusher. He is still learning the position as well. Carter does have a good burst at the snap of the ball and has great athleticism to pair with it. These tools should have him getting selected early in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick
Tyler Warren, TE
Warren joined Penn State in 2020 and then waited his turn behind some talented tight ends. He played sparingly in his first two seasons before playing more in his last three seasons. This season has been spectacular, as he has 88 receptions for 1,062 yards and six touchdowns.
At 6-foot-6 and 261 pounds, Warren has good size for an NFL tight end. He can clean up some of his blocking technique and has had issues with drops in the past. Warren is a willing blocker and can be tough for defenses to match up with. His production and athletic traits warrant him being selected early in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: QB Drew Allar (2nd-3rd), S Kevin Winston (2nd-3rd), RB Nicholas Singleton (2nd-4th), EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton (3rd-5th), OT Drew Shelton (4th-6th), S Jaylen Reed (6th-UFA), LB Kobe King (6th-UFA), DL Zane Durant (6th-UFA), RB Kaytron Allen (6th-UFA), EDGE Amin Vanover (UFA), CB Cam Miller (UFA), P Alex Bacchetta (UFA), CB Jalen Kimber (UFA), IOL Olaivavega Ione (UFA), IOL Sal Wormely (UFA)
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