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 2020 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
Simon Stepaniak (Photo by iuhoosiers.com)
Simon Stepaniak, OG/C
Stepaniak redshirted in 2015 and then worked his way into the starting lineup a few times in 2016. He was a full-time starter from his redshirt sophomore season on. Indiana has mostly used him at right guard, but he has also played left guard this season. For his play this year, Stepaniak was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team.
He is 6-foot-4 and 321 pounds, which is big enough for an interior offensive lineman. Stepaniak should be taken before the draft is over.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth round-sixth round
Whop Philyor, WR
Philyor has been at Indiana for three seasons, but took a huge step forward this year. He has 125 receptions for 1,571 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2019, Philyor has 69 receptions for 1,001 yards and five touchdowns.
At 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds, Philyor is a below-average sized receiver. With the deep receiver class, he could elect to go back to college, but will get drafted if he declares.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth round-sixth round
Other notable draft-eligible players: QB Peyton Ramsey, WR Donovan Hale, WR Nick Westbrook, TE Peyton Hendershot, OT Davondre Love, OT Coy Cronk, OG/C Hunter Littlejohn CB Andre Brown, S Marcelino Ball
Trey Smith, OG/C
Smith has been a great offensive lineman for Tennessee, but has had to deal with some health issues. He was a Freshman All-American in 2017. When healthy, Smith has stayed in the starting lineup at left guard and played well.
He has great size for an interior offensive lineman at 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds. Smith has had blood clots over his career and his medical info is crucial to his draft status.
Projected Draft Range: Third round-fifth round
Jauan Jennings (Photo by timesfreepress.com)
Jauan Jennings, WR
Jennings has been through a lot in his five years at Tennessee. In his career, he has 144 receptions for 2,126 yards and 18 touchdowns. This season alone, Jennings has 57 receptions for 942 yards and eight touchdowns.
He is a big, physical receiver standing 6-foot 3 and 208 pounds. Jennings is suspended for the first half of the Gator Bowl and is a player to watch in the second half.
Projected Draft Range: Third round-fifth round
Other notable draft-eligible players: QB Jarrett Guarantano, RB Tim Jordan, RB Ty Chandler, WR Josh Palmer, WR Marquez Callaway, TE Dominick Wood-Anderson, OG/C Ryan Johnson, OG/C Brandon Kennedy, DT Aubrey Solomon, DT Emmitt Gooden, Edge Darrell Taylor, CB Baylen Buchanan, LB Daniel Bituli, LB Shannon Reid, S Nigel Warrior
Make sure to check out our college football page for more updates and rankings.
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