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 2023 Fenway Bowl.
Jaylan Knighton, RB
Knighton started his college career out at Miami. He played there from 2020-2022 before transferring to SMU for the 2023 season. In his career, he has 1,913 rushing yards, 567 receiving yards and 21 total touchdowns. This season with the Mustangs, Knighton has 720 rushing yards, 70 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
He isn’t the biggest running back at 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds. Knighton has solid quickness and speed, but may not be an everydown back at the NFL level. He still has eligibility remaining and may elect to go back to school to improve his stock.
Projected Draft Range: 5th Round Pick-7th Round Pick
L.J. Johnson Jr. RB
Johnson started his career at Texas A&M where he played for two seasons. He transferred to SMU for the 2023 season. At Texas A&M he had 115 rushing yards, 14 receiving yards and two touchdowns. This season at SMU, he has had 544 rushing yards, 43 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
At 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, Johnson Jr. has solid size for a running back at the next level. He hasn’t had peak production yet, so the best-case scenario is for him to return to school. Johnson can work on his receiving skills to be more of an every down running back.
Projected Draft Range: 6th Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects: RB Camar Wheaton (UFA), QB Preston Stone (UFA), DL DeVere Levelston (UFA), OT Marcus Bryant (UFA), OT Hyrin White (UFA)
Christian Mahogany, IOL
Mahogany joined Boston College in 2019 and redshirted. He jumped into the starting lineup during the 2020 season. In 2021, he was named Second Team All-ACC for his play. He had to miss the 2022 season with an injury, but returned in 2023. He was named First Team All-ACC in 2023.
At 6-foot-3 and 322 pounds, Mahogany has solid size for an interior offensive lineman. He has solid strength and has proven he can overcome injury. Mahogany’s play warrants being selected in the middle rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: 4th Round Pick-6th Round Pick
Elijah Jones, CB
Jones signed with Boston College in 2019. He gradually saw more playing time before becoming an impact player. In his career, he has 156 total tackles, 36 passes defended and seven interceptions. This season, Jones has registered 25 total tackles, eight passes defended and five interceptions.
He is 6-foot-2 and 184 pounds, which gives him good length. Jones will need to add strength to his frame to provide more physical coverage. He has plenty of experience and good ball skills that help his draft stock. Jones could end up being a late-round pick.
Projected Draft Range: 6th Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects: IOL Drew Kendall (UFA), WR Ryan O’Keefe (UFA), IOL Kyle Hergel (UFA)
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