The bowl season gives fans and scouts alike a chance to analyze NFL Draft prospects against solid competition. The bowl season schedule allows all eyes to be on each game. Here are the NFL Draft prospects in the 2019 Holiday Bowl.
Austin Jackson (photo by bleacherreport.com)
Austin Jackson, OT
Jackson has played well over the last two seasons, which has made him one of the best offensive tackle prospects in the draft class. He has been starting since 2018 and has not relinquished his starting spot since. His blocking has helped USC cope with injuries to the quarterback position this season.
The junior has great size for the NFL at 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds. He should expect to go in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: First round-second round
Michael Pittman, WR
Pittman has improved every single season on USC’s campus and is now a coveted 2020 NFL Draft prospect. He has 165 receptions for 2,466 yards and 19 touchdowns in his career. This season, Pittman has 95 receptions for 1,222 yards and 11 touchdowns.
He is a big receiver at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds. It is a deep wide receiver class, but Pittman should have a chance to get drafted because of his size and production.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth round-sixth round
Other notable draft-eligible players: RB Vavae Malepai, RB Stephen Carr, WR Tyler Vaughns, TE Josh Falo, OT Drew Richmond, OG/C Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG/C Brett Nielson, DT Jay Tufele, DT Brandon Pili, Edge Christian Rector, LB Jordan Iosefa, LB John Houston, CB Dominic Davis
A.J. Epenesa, Edge
Epenesa has been hyped up as a potential first-round pick this whole season. In his career, Epenesa has 97 total tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss and 24 sacks. This season, Epenesa has 45 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks.
At 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds, Epenesa has ideal size for an NFL edge rusher. He hasn’t had the most productive season, but Epenesa should still be a first-round pick.
Projected Draft Range: First round-second round
Tristan Wirfs (Photo by theathletic.com)
Tristan Wirfs, OT
Another player for Iowa who was hyped up to start the season is Tristan Wirfs. The junior has been a big part of the Iowa offensive line for a few years now. Iowa always produces talent and Wirfs has been a star right tackle for them.
He stands 6-foot-5 and 322 pounds, which is solid for the NFL. Wirfs is one of the best tackles in the class and should go in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: First round-second round
Other notable draft-eligible players: QB Nathan Stanley, RB Brady Ross, RB Meckhi Sargeant, WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette, TE Nate Wieting, TE Shaun Beyer, OT Alaric Jackson, OG/C Levi Paulson, OG/C Landan Paulsen, OG/C Cole Banwart, DT Brady Reiff, DT Cedrick Lattimore, Edge Chauncey Golston, LB Kristian Welch, LB Djimon Colbert, CB Michael Ojemudia, CB Matt Hankins, S Geno Stone
Make sure to check out our college football page for more updates and rankings.
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