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 Walk On’s Independence Bowl.
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Draft Prospects
L’Jarius Sneed, CB
Sneed has been a versatile player for the Bulldogs over his career. He has 176 total tackles, eight interceptions and 17 passes defended in his career. For 2019, Sneed has 72 total tackles, three interceptions and three passes defended.
At 6-foot-1 and 193 pounds, Sneed is a long and lanky corner for the NFL. He has a chance to be selected in the middle rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth round-sixth round
J’Mar Smith, QB
Smith has gotten a lot of experience in the last four seasons at Louisiana Tech. He has thrown for 9,360 yards, 50 touchdowns and 20 interceptions on 59.6 percent completion. This season, Smith has thrown for 2,814 yards, 17 touchdowns and four interceptions on 65.8 percent completion.
He is a little undersized for an NFL quarterback at 6-foot-1 and 218 pounds. Smith is likely going to be an undrafted free agent, but could make an NFL roster.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Other notable draft-eligible players:Â RB Jaquis Dancy, WR Malik Stanley, OT Gewhite Stallworth, OG/C Ethan Reed, CB Amik Robertson, S James Jackson, S Darryl Lewis
Miami Hurricanes Draft Prospects
Shaquille Quarterman, LB
Quarterman has been one of the best linebackers in Miami history. The senior has 345 total tackles, 46.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. This season, Quarterman has 96 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and one sack.
He has decent size for the pros at 6-foot-1 and 241 pounds. His coverage skills may limit his draft range, as teams may be looking for linebackers who can play all three downs.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth round-sixth round
Michael Pinckney, LB
Another linebacker for the Hurricanes is Pinckney, who has been alongside Quarterman for four seasons. He has 267 total tackles, 42 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks in his career. This season, he has 64 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and five sacks.
Pinckney is a bit smaller than Quarterman at 6-foot-1 and 226 pounds. He is projected to go in the middle rounds, much like Quarterman.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth round-sixth round
*WR Jeff Thomas will not play in the game, but is a projected fourth-sixth round pick.
Other notable draft-eligible players: WR K.J. Osborn, TE Michael Irvin II, Edge Jonathan Garvin, Edge Trevon Hill, Edge Scott Patchman, Edge Jalen Phillips, CB Trajan Brandy, S Romeo Tinley, S Robert Knowles, S Amari Carter
Make sure to check out our college football page for more updates and rankings.
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