One 2024 NFL Draft prospect to watch on each college football bowl team

Editor’s note: This article will be updated throughout bowl season, ahead of each day’s games.

It’s bowl season!

To supplement all your football watching over the next month, we will highlight one key NFL prospect to watch for all 80 non-playoff bowl teams.

Note: All times Eastern.

Saturday, December 23

Birmingham Bowl (Noon, ABC): Troy vs. Duke

The FBS leader in sacks, edge Javon Solomon (6-foot-2, 240 pounds) is undersized and won’t be a fit for every scheme at the next level. But Solomon, who recently accepted his Senior Bowl invite, does a great job maneuvering his body with eager hands to get around blockers. His 16.0 sacks this season set a Sun Belt Conference record. He also tied Osi Umenyiora’s single-game school record with 4.0 sacks earlier this season.

With Duke LT Graham Barton headed to the NFL and QB Riley Leonard and DE R.J. Oben now at Notre Dame, the eyes of scouts will be focused on DT DeWayne Carter (6-3, 309). His stats aren’t all that impressive this season (39 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack), but his tape (especially against Notre Dame) shows a player who uses his 34-inch arms to disrupt the pocket in different ways.

Camellia Bowl (Noon, ESPN): Arkansas State vs. Northern Illinois

Arkansas State hasn’t produced a draft pick in almost a decade, and the program is not expected to be represented in the 2024 NFL Draft class. That said, edge Thurman Geathers (6-3, 230) has a chance to get noticed once he’s in an NFL camp. A transfer from Louisville, Geathers has just 3.5 sacks this season, but you saw No. 92 creating disruption in the pocket any time you put on the Arkansas State tape.

Now in his seventh season in college, Northern Illinois QB Rocky Lombardi hasn’t had the 2023 he needed to potentially be a late-round draft pick (his medicals also likely will be an issue). But the Michigan State transfer is well-built (6-4, 225) with enough mobility and admirable toughness to earn him looks by NFL teams.

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (3:30 p.m., ABC): James Madison vs. Air Force

Before this season, James Madison edge Jalen Green (6-1, 243) hadn’t put much on tape for scouts. But that all changed with his All-America 2023 performance (21.0 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks in 12 games). Green doesn’t have the desired measureables for the position at the next level, but all 32 teams now know who he is, which gives him a chance.

Air Force safety Trey Taylor (6-1, 208) had mostly “priority free agent” draft grades from NFL teams coming into the season. Like Green, though, his 2023 tape elevated his stock, and it might put him into draftable territory. Recently named the Jim Thorpe Award winner as the nation’s top defensive back, Taylor has 71 tackles and three interceptions this season. He features the size and anticipation to make plays versus the pass and run.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (3:30 p.m., ESPN): Georgia State vs. Utah State

Georgia State has produced just three draft picks in school history. If the program is to have a fourth in April, LT Travis Glover (6-6, 330) probably has the best chance. Now in his fifth season as a starter (playing both left and right tackle), Glover has projectable size (6-6 and 330 pounds with 34 1/2-inch arms), and his raw power gives him a chance to stick as a developmental lineman.

A tackling machine, Utah State LB MJ Tafisi Jr.(6-0, 242) ranks in the top 10 in the nation with 131 tackles. After starting his career at Washington and then battling injuries last season with the Aggies, he has stayed healthy in 2023 and made plays all over the field. Scouts aren’t convinced Tafisi has NFL speed, but his instincts and toughness give him a chance to earn his keep in an NFL training camp.

68 Ventures Bowl (7 p.m., ESPN): South Alabama vs. Eastern Michigan

The son of longtime NFL defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, South Alabama QB Carter Bradley (6-3, 217) has produced up-and-down film this season, but several scouts are still optimistic for his chances at the next level. A pro-style passer, Bradley has enough arm strength and rhythm to play on time, although he must do a better job navigating pressure and taking care of the football.

Eastern Michigan had a pair of draft picks last year (Sidy Sow and Jose Ramirez), but scouts don’t expect the school to produce a draft selection in 2024 class. The productive linebacker tandem of LB Chase Kline (bowl opt-out) and LB Joe Sparacio might be Eastern Michigan’s top two prospects. Sparacio doesn’t have desired size (5-10, 213) or speed, but his football smarts and special-teams potential will endear him to pro coaches.

SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl (7:30 p.m., ABC): Utah vs. Northwestern

After starting at right guard, Utah OT/G Sataoa Laumea (6-4, 321) kicked out to right tackle, where he was been starting the last two seasons. He is quick out of his stance and shows a sharp punch in pass protection to keep rushers occupied. Laumea, who has accepted his Senior Bowl invitation, has been more consistent in the run game this season, using his physical hands to create movement. Right now, he is considered a Day 3 prospect.

From Cincinnati to Eastern Michigan, back to Cincinnati and then to Northwestern, QB Ben Bryant (6-4, 215) has been well-traveled over the last six seasons. His high points this year (his Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois tapes) have been a reminder why some NFL scouts believe Bryant can be a late-round pick with functional mobility and timing as a passer.

EasyPost Hawai’i Bowl (10:30 p.m., ESPN): Coastal Carolina vs. San Jose State

The all-time leading receiver in Sun Belt history, Coastal Carolina’s Sam Pinckney (6-3, 219) has caught a pass in 57 straight games — something no one else has accomplished in NCAA history. He might not be a burner, but he uses his frame well at the catch point with strong hands and natural adjustment skills. There is nuance to Pinckney’s game that should translate well to the NFL.

San Jose State QB Chevan Cordeiro (6-0, 186) returns home to Hawaii for his final college game. He held his own against USC earlier this season (three touchdown passes) and finished the season by leading the Spartans on a six-game win streak. His lack of size is an obvious concern, and he doesn’t always drive the football. With his toughness and the way he keeps plays alive, though, Cordeiro might be this year’s version of Tyler Huntley as a prospect.

Friday, December 22

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl (6:30 p.m., ESPN): Georgia Tech vs. UCF

An Atlanta native, DB Myles Sims (6-3, 182) started out at Michigan before transferring back home to Georgia Tech. He’s made steady improvements each season. His 2023 tape shows a player who walks the fine line between being aggressive yet disciplined to read his keys and attach himself to routes. Most scouts project Sims, a college corner, at safety because of his physicality.

Sims will be tasked with slowing down UCF WR Javon Baker (6-2, 199), one of the better big-play threats in college football (18 receptions of 20-plus yards in 2023). The Alabama transfer ranks top three in the FBS in yards per catch (22.5) with 83.7 percent of his receptions resulting in a first down or touchdown. The drops can be frustrating, but he has separation skills and tracks the ball well downfield. Baker has draftable grades from several NFL teams.

Thursday, December 21

RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl (8 p.m., ESPN): South Florida vs. Syracuse

Few prospects in the 2024 draft class have the experience of South Florida LT Donovan Jennings (6-4, 330), who is finishing his sixth year as the Bulls’ starting left tackle. His short arms (32 1/2 inches) likely will force him inside to guard in the NFL, but he has the hip flexibility and reaction quickness to stay square as a pass protector and run blocker. Jennings is a borderline draft pick.

A transfer from Dartmouth, CB Isaiah Johnson (6-3, 205) has played well the last two seasons at Syracuse. With his large frame and long arms, his size is the top selling point for teams at the next level. His body tightness shows with quick transitions, but he has terrific drive quickness and is one of the better run-defending corners in the class. Johnson will need the right fit to stick in the NFL.

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Editor’s note: The following bowl games have been completed.

Tuesday, December 19

Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl (9 p.m., ESPN): UTSA vs. Marshall

Last season, UTSA had one of the best wide receiver prospect trios in the country. They lost De’Corian Clark (major injury) and Zakhari Franklin (transfer) from that group, but Joshua Cephus (6 feet 2, 187 pounds) returned and posted 82 catches for 1,049 yards and nine touchdowns during the regular season. A good-sized athlete who catches almost everything (one drop on 111 targets in 2023), Cephus is considered a potential late-rounder.

Marshall RB Rasheen Ali (5-11, 203) put his name on the NFL map with a breakout 2021 season. After missing most of last season because of a knee injury, he eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards again this year and is expected to be a Day 3 pick. Ali has terrific plant-and-go quickness to explode out of his cuts and pick up chunk yards as both a rusher and receiver.

Monday, Dec. 18

Famous Toastery Bowl (2:30 p.m., ESPN): Western Kentucky vs. Old Dominion

Every draft cycle, there is at least one wide receiver labeled the “next Deebo Samuel,” and the distinction this year belongs to Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley (5 feet 11, 211 pounds). Unlike most years, the 2024 version of that comparison feels justified, in terms of both play style and skill set. Corley has wide receiver speed but looks like a dynamic running back after the catch, as he breaks tackles with physicality and quickness (averaging 9.4 yards after catch per reception over the last two seasons).

Old Dominion’s top prospect, LB Jason Henderson, is out for this matchup with an injury, so my eyes will shift to LB Wayne Matthews III (6-2, 225). Only a redshirt sophomore, Matthews is unlikely to declare early for this year’s draft — but he collected 121 tackles in the regular season and flashed on tape as a player to watch for the future.

Saturday, Dec. 16

Myrtle Beach Bowl (11 a.m., ESPN): Georgia Southern vs. Ohio

A former walk-on in Columbus, wide receiver Sam Wiglusz (5 feet 11, 180 pounds) found himself buried on Ohio State’s depth chart and transferred down the road to Ohio, where he led the Bobcats in receiving in each of the past two seasons. Working exclusively out of the slot, the senior is a speedy possession target who will get tryouts with NFL teams.

Considered a potential NFL Draft pick by area scouts over the summer, Georgia Southern running back Jalen White (6-0, 209) is well-built with the lateral burst to elude tacklers and keep plays alive. With his ball skills, scouts are optimistic he can find a role on passing downs. The Ohio run defense ranks No. 1 in the MAC and No. 8 in the FBS.

Cricket Celebration Bowl (Noon, ABC): Howard vs. Florida A&M

Originally from Ghana, left tackle Anim Dankwah (6-8, 375) picked up football while growing up in Ontario before moving to the United States to play college football. With his size and length (35 5/8-inch arms), he can block out the sun, but he isn’t a slug. NFL scouts are excited to see him in this game and then in the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he can secure draftable status.

A complete opposite from Dankwah in terms of size, Florida A&M wide receiver Marcus Riley (5-10, 170) isn’t the most intimidating player in pads, but he can fly. The Bethune-Cookman transfer can get behind the secondary, and he also provides value as a return man (see: his 96-yard kick return in the season opener).

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (2:15 p.m., ESPN): Jacksonville State vs. Louisiana

Louisiana has created an offensive line pipeline with three draft picks over the past four years (Robert Hunt, Kevin Dotson and Max Mitchell). Left tackle Nathan Thomas (6-5, 333) has a chance to be next. The senior carries his weight well with large hands (10 5/8 inches) and long arms (33 5/8 inches), and he has received Day 3 draft grades from several teams.

Jacksonville State hasn’t had a draft pick in more than a decade, but senior safety Kolbi Fuqua (6-1, 215) has the attention of NFL scouts as a potential free agent. A former wide receiver at Auburn, he plays a nickel hybrid position for the Gamecocks and does his best work in the box, where he can pile up the tackles (see: his Coastal Carolina tape).

Avocados From Mexico Cure Bowl (3:30 p.m., ABC): Miami (Ohio) vs. Appalachian State

A Michigan State transfer, defensive back Michael Dowell (6-0, 219) has been a productive defensive leader in his two seasons with Miami (Ohio). Playing a hybrid nickel role, Dowell has earned the coaches’ trust to play in the box, align high or cover the slot. With his special-teams background and versatility, Dowell has a shot to get noticed in an NFL camp.

Appalachian State’s top prospect, running back Nate Noel, recently entered the portal, so my eyes will be on the offensive line and right guard Bucky Williams (6-2, 298). Although Williams won’t wow with his size or measurables, he has put strong play on tape the past two seasons after transferring from Austin Peay. Williams is a physical mauler with the football smarts and toughness that will speak to NFL coaches.

Isleta New Mexico Bowl (5:45 p.m., ESPN): New Mexico State vs. Fresno State

The Conference USA offensive player of the year, New Mexico State quarterback Diego Pavia (6-0, 200) has been fun to watch this season. He has dual-threat skills, and coach Jerry Kill calls him the “toughest” player he has ever coached. A fourth-year senior, Pavia has yet to announce his intentions for the 2024 season.

Fresno State cornerback Carlton Johnson (5-11, 160) was considered a priority free-agent prospect over the summer, but his three-interception performance against Arizona State didn’t go unnoticed by NFL scouts. He was a 10.7-second 100-meter sprinter in high school, and he has the awareness to make plays on the ball.

LA Bowl (7:30 p.m., ABC): UCLA vs. Boise State

Everyone knows about UCLA pass rusher Laiatu Latu, a projected top-15 pick in April. But twin brothers Gabriel and Grayson Murphy are still underrated despite their pass-rush production this season. The Murphys lack ideal length and measurables, but they have timing and burst to shoot gaps and disrupt the backfield timing. It won’t be a surprise when they outplay their draft spots.

Although running back George Holani (5-10, 210) took a back seat this season to Ashton Jeanty, who is a future draft pick, he still has fans in the NFL scouting community because he is a well-rounded back. He isn’t a twitchy athlete but runs with contact balance, vision and physicality. Dependability is also a factor because Holani doesn’t fumble and can be trusted on passing downs. Holani is a possible late-rounder.

Independence Bowl (9:15 p.m., ESPN): Cal vs. Texas Tech

After putting his name on the NFL radar at San Diego State, safety Patrick McMorris (6-0, 208) transferred to Cal for his final season in 2023 and quickly made his mark. He probably won’t run a blazing 40-yard dash, but he moves with quick feet and a competitive urgency that leads him to the football. McMorris, whose lone interception this season came off Oregon’s Bo Nix, is in the late-round mix.

Texas Tech produced one of the most physically imposing players in last year’s draft (Tyree Wilson) and will do it again this year with defensive lineman Myles Cole (6-6, 280), who is probably the longest player in this class (36 7/8-inch arms, 87-inch wingspan). A Shreveport, La., native, Cole will be enjoying a homecoming for this game. He’s still raw but offers the versatility and traits that could get him drafted.

(Photo of Ben Bryant: Keith Gillett / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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