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 2020 TransPerfect Music City Bowl.
Damon Hazelton, WR
Damon Hazelton (Photo via ontownmedia.com)
Hazelton has had an interesting college football career, as he started playing for Ball State before transferring to Virginia Tech and then Missouri. In his career, Hazelton has 163 receptions for 2,231 yards and 21 touchdowns. This season, Hazelton has recorded 30 receptions for 397 yards and one touchdowns in eight games played.
At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Hazelton has the size to fit right in as an outside receiver in the NFL. His production across many different levels of competition is appealing. Hazelton could be selected as high as the middle rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Kobie Whiteside, DL
Over the last four seasons, Whiteside has contributed for the Tigers. He has 11.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in his time at Missouri. This year hasn’t been as productive, as Whiteside has 12 total tackles, but no tackles for loss or sacks.
Whiteside has great size for an interior defensive lineman at 6-foot-1 and 300 pounds. His lack of production in 2021 will raise some eyebrows, but he at least has some good measurables. Whiteside is a candidate to be selected late in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects
*Linebacker Nick Bolton has opted out of the bowl game. He is a projected first or second round pick.
RB Larry Rountree (4th-6th), OT Larry Borom (5th-7th), S Tyree Gillespie (6th-UFA), S Joshua Bledsoe (UFA)
Daviyon Nixon, DL
Nixon has made a huge impact for the Hawkeyes over the last two seasons. He has 19 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks in his two seasons.This season, Nixon has raised his level of play with 13.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in just eight games.
He stands 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, which is great for an interior defensive lineman in the NFL. His production, especially this season, paired with his size makes him a solid draft prospect. Nixon is a projected day two or day three pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Alaric Jackson, OT
Alaric Jackson (Photo via nfldraftdiamonds.com)
A mainstay on Iowa’s offensive line for years, Jackson has been a great tackle for the team in his career. He redshirted his first year on campus. After that, he was a Freshman All-American and continually recognized for his play at left tackle by the Big Ten. While Tristan Wirfs blocked at right tackle last year, Jackson was protecting the blindside.
At 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Jackson will have the height, size and length to be successful consistently at the next level. He is one of the more experienced offensive tackles in the draft class. Jackson should be a mid-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects
*Wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette has opted out for this game. He is a projected mid-round pick.
OG/C Tyler Linberbaum (3rd-5th), K Keith Duncan (UFA), Edge Chauncey Golston (UFA)
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