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 New Mexico Bowl.
Diego Pavia, QB
Pavia played his first two seasons of college football at New Mexico Military Academy. He transferred to New Mexico State before the 2022 season. In his two seasons with the Aggies, 4,365 passing yards, 39 touchdowns and 14 interceptions on 58.6 percent completion. This season, he has 2,915 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 61.6 percent completion. He also has rushed for 851 yards this season.
At 6-foot and 200 pounds, Pavia doesn’t have the prototypical size for an NFL quarterback. He does have the ability to run and extend plays with his legs. His accuracy has also improved. If he decides to enter the 2024 NFL Draft, he will likely be an undrafted free agent.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Trent Hudson, WR
Hudson was playing at the JUCO level before joining New Mexico State. He transferred in before the 2023 season and was able to create a big impact in just one season. In 2023, he registered 36 receptions for 571 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He is 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, so he’ll need to add to his frame to handle more physical coverage at the NFL level. Hudson did prove to be a red zone threat with his height, as he caught 10 touchdown passes. He still has college eligibility remaining and will likely return to school.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Malik Sherrod, RB
Sherrod joined the Bulldogs in 2020 and redshirted. He started getting some more work in 2021 and 2022. Sherrod took over most of the backfield work in 2023. In his career, Sherrod has 1,348 rushing yards, 230 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. This season was his best with 876 rushing yards, 179 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
He is undersized for an NFL running back at 5-foot-8 and 173 pounds. For a player of his size, he likely will need to show more receiving ability than he did at the college level so he can be an asset on third downs. Playing special teams can also help his case to make a roster.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Malachi Langley, LB
Langley signed with the Bulldogs in the class of 2019 and redshirted. He entered the starting lineup in 2021 and hasn’t left since. In his career, he has totaled 237 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and three sacks. This season, he has 80 total tackles, five tackles for loss and one sack.
He stands at 6-foot-1 and 239 pounds, which is a decent size for an NFL linebacker. Langley has shown he can help stop the run, but showing he can cover could help him make a roster. He will also have to play special teams to likely make a roster.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
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