North Texas and Troy don’t have a long list of NFL alumni, but they do have some superstar defensive linemen. “Mean” Joe Greene graduated from North Texas while Osi Umenyiora and DeMarcus Ware honed their skills at Troy. There likely isn’t that good of talent coming out of these schools this year, but there are still some to keep on the radar when the NFL Draft approaches. Here are the top NFL Draft prospects in the 2017 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl:
Troy Trojans:
Brandon Silvers, QB
Silvers is a quarterback that has a lot of experience under his belt at Troy. Last season he threw for over 3,000 yards and could do so again this season with a big game. He is most known for being accurate and doesn’t really stretch the field too much. Silvers also doesn’t throw for many touchdowns, which will likely mean he is in the mold of a game manager quarterback.
At 6’3″ and 213 pounds, Silvers has a good sized body to get a look from NFL scouts. His main selling points will have to be his size, football intelligence, accuracy and experience. If a team likes what they see out of him, they may take him in the later rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Projected draft range: 6th round-undrafted free agent
Jordan Chunn, RB
In the biggest game of his life, Chunn delivered. When the Troy Trojans upset LSU, Chunn was a major reason why. He rushed for 191 yards and a touchdown against a good SEC defense. That will get scouts to start watching. After that game he slowed down, and missed some time, finishing with under 800 yards. He did manage to finish the season averaging five yards a carry.
Chunn is a big, physical runner that is tough to bring down. He stands 6’1″ tall and weighs in at 235 pounds. The power running is good and the fact that he already has an NFL-ready body will help. Speed will be the question with Chunn and he’ll have to run a good 40 yard dash time at the NFL Combine.
As with any running back trying to make an NFL roster he’ll have to show he can catch the ball, pass protect and even play special teams.
Projected draft range: 6th round-undrafted free agent
Kamryn Melton, CB
Melton transferred in from Auburn and helped bring the Trojans’ defense to new heights. He didn’t play at Auburn and came into Troy fresh. Melton was a starter for two seasons for the Trojans.
He has decent enough size at 5’10” for most NFL teams. In his two season at Troy he only had two interceptions and 12 passes defended. At the next level, Melton will have to prove he can play with the big boys. This includes playing corner in the slot and on the outside as well as playing special teams.
Projected draft range: undrafted free agent
North Texas Mean Green:
Jeffery Wilson, RB
Wilson has been the lead back for the Mean Green this season. He puts up big plays for North Texas with 16 touchdowns and 6.5 yards per carry. In his college career, he has rushed for over 3,000 yards and has a lot of tape for NFL executives to evaluate.
At 6’0″ and 194 pounds, Wilson probably needs to add a little muscle to be an every down back in the NFL. He is seen as a power back by his coaching staff and that signifies that he needs that muscle for the next level. Being a good power runner and pass blocker, Wilson can justify being on the field during third downs. Because of his production, some NFL team will give him a chance.
*Wilson sat out the last two games and may not play in this game.
Projected draft range: undrafted free agent
Kishawn McClain, S
McClain has been a three year starter for North Texas in the secondary. He has experience at both corner and safety, but has more recently played safety. In his career McClain has totaled 323 total tackles, six interceptions and eight passes defended for a great start for an NFL scout to look at.
He may be a better fit at free safety/nickel corner in the NFL due to his 5’11” 187 pound frame. McClain has shown the ability to not only cover, but also come up and help in run support. If he can play special teams he could find his way onto an NFL roster.
Projected draft range: 6th round-undrafted free agent
Trevor Moore, K
Moore is impressive for never missing an extra point in his college career. He also hit over 90% of his kicks this season. While kickers are hard to project, he does seem to have a limited leg. Moore didn’t hit or attempt a field goal of over 50 yards this season. He was very good within 50 yards, with only two field goals missed this season.
In the NFL, Moore will need to show that he has more leg power, but his accuracy is good enough to give him a shot.
Projected draft range: undrafted free agent
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