Forty-one games. Eighty-two teams. And hundreds of NFL draft prospects. College football bowl season is off and running, and NFL scouts are watching closely.
I went through the full bowl schedule and picked out a prospect to watch for the 2019 class from every team. There are several underclassmen who could still return to school for another year -- the deadline to declare is Jan. 14 -- and others are seniors who get one last chance to impress for scouts.
Here's who you should keep an eye on this bowl season, in order of when each game will be played (and dropping the completed games to the bottom):
Jump to a matchup:
Clemson-Notre Dame | Bama-OU
LSU-UCF | Washington-OSU | Texas-UGA
Monday, Dec. 31
Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
The game: Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman
Info: Noon ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Annapolis, Maryland
Marquise Copeland, DT, Cincinnati: Copeland is light with short arms, and he gets moved off the ball at times, but he's an above-average hand fighter who has the ability to slip blocks. His low center of gravity makes it tougher to drive him than some players with similar size. Copeland flashes some upside as a pass-rusher thanks to his violent hands and ability to get under blockers as a bull-rusher. Copeland grades out as a rotational defensive tackle unlikely to develop into a starter, and he projects as a Day 3 pick.
Yosuah Nijman, OT, Virginia Tech: The Hokies are hoping to get Nijman back at left tackle after he missed the final two games of the regular season with an injury. He also missed the five games in 2017, so durability is a concern. Nijman needs to clean up his footwork in the run game and in pass protection. He does have an excellent blend of size, length and athletic ability, however, making him an intriguing developmental Day 3 prospect.
Stanford vs. Pittsburgh
The game: Hyundai Sun Bowl
Info: 2 p.m. ET, CBS/El Paso, Texas
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford: Whiteside is a fourth-year junior and team captain who has caught 60 passes for 969 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, he's a natural pass-catcher with the body control and frame to win 50-50 balls downfield and in the red zone. He grades out as a No. 3 wideout with the potential to develop into an effective No. 2. He projects as a Day 2 pick.
Qadree Ollison, RB, Pittsburgh: Ollison made the most of his opportunity when Pitt lost James Conner to a knee injury in 2015, rushing for 1,121 yards and 11 touchdowns. He played a reduced role the next two seasons but broke out again in 2018, rushing for 1,190 yards and 11 touchdowns. Ollison has the size (225 pounds) to carry heavy workload and the power to pick up yards after contact. He's patient with quick feet for his size. He projects as a mid-round pick in the 2019 draft.
Todd McShay breaks down why Jacksonville is the team that most needs to select a quarterback in the 2019 draft.
Michigan State vs. Oregon
The game: Redbox Bowl
Info: 3 p.m. ET, Fox/Santa Clara, Calif.
LJ Scott, RB, Michigan State: The expectation had been that Scott would redshirt after missing all but four games with an ankle injury this season. Instead he has declared for the draft and is expected to play in this game, giving him one last chance to make an impression. Michigan State's leading rusher in each of the previous three seasons, Scott is a big back with above-average patience and good burst through the hole. He projects as a Day 3 pick.
Jalen Jelks, DE, Oregon: The Ducks' Justin Herbert is the top quarterback on our board, but he could still return to school, so we'll go with Jelks, who is more intriguing to us. While Jelks' production and his stock have dropped over the past season, he has an NFL frame, a quick first step and good length. He is versatile enough to rush off the edge or between the tackles, and he could play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. A strong finish to his senior season would help steady his stock, and a team could get a steal in the late Day 2, early Day 3 range if he's able to regain the form he showed in 2017.
No. 23 Missouri vs. Oklahoma State
The game: AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Info: 3:45 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Memphis, Tennessee
Drew Lock, QB Missouri: Lock might not have put up the same kind of numbers he put up in 2017, but he has thrown for 11,820 yards and 96 touchdowns over the course of his career. He has an NFL frame, outstanding arm strength, and speed and athleticism to extend plays. Lock needs to work on his mechanics and improve his consistency, however. We have a second-round grade on him right now, but he's the No. 3 quarterback on our board. He could very well go in the first round if he performs well during the pre-draft process, which includes the Senior Bowl next month.
Taylor Cornelius, QB, Oklahoma State: With running back Justice Hill skipping this game to focus on the draft, Cornelius is the prospect worth keeping an eye on. He has excellent size (6-6, 232 pounds), is an underrated athlete and throws the ball well. He's clearly not afraid of the big stage either. Cornelius, who was Mason Rudolph's backup in 2016 and 2017, led the Cowboys to wins over Boise State, Texas and West Virginia and played well in a one-point loss at Oklahoma. He grades out as a developmental prospect and projects as a late-round pick or priority free agent.
No. 22 Northwestern vs. No. 17 Utah
The game: San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl
Info: 7 p.m. ET, FS1/San Diego, Calif.
Clayton Thorson, QB, Northwestern: Thorson is a four-year starter with an NFL frame and above-average pocket mobility. He's the second player in program history and sixth player in Big Ten history to surpass 10,000 career passing yards. On the downside, he's an erratic decision-maker who threw two or more interceptions in six games this season. He projects as a mid-round pick.
Marquise Blair, S, Utah: Blair is a junior-college transfer with good length and a good frame. He's an aggressive run defender with above-average stopping power and is effective lining up in the box. Blair has good closing speed and moves well on a straight line, but he's tight in space and more effective in zone than man coverage. He grades out as a No. 3 safety and core special-teams player.
Check out some highlights from the 2018 season of NC State QB Ryan Finley.
NC State vs. No. 19 Texas A&M
The game: TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
Info: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Jacksonville, Florida
Ryan Finley, QB, NC State: Finley is a sixth-year senior and three-year starter. He gets through his progressions quickly and is accurate. At 6-3, 212 pounds, doesn't have great size and has average arm strength, and Finley needs to eliminate two or three questionable decisions each game. He projects as a Day 2 pick and gets to faces one of the weakest pass defenses in the country, but he'll do so with without talented receiver Kelvin Harmon, who is skipping the game to focus on the draft.
Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M: Aggies linebacker Landis Durham projects as a Day 2 pick and is worth watching, but I'm more intrigued by Sternberger. He led all SEC tight ends in receiving yards (804), receptions (47) and touchdowns (10). He's a solid route runner and natural pass-catcher with enough speed to threaten downfield. He's a fourth-year junior but it wouldn't surprise me to see him in the late Day 2 or early Day 3 range if he tests well.
Tuesday, Jan. 1
No. 18 Mississippi State vs. Iowa
The game: Outback Bowl
Info: Noon ET, ESPN2 & ESPN app/Tampa, Florida
John Abram, S, Mississippi State: Abram is an outstanding run defender and heavy hitter who leads the Bulldogs in tackles with 93. He a little tight in space, but he has good short-area quickness, top-end speed and instincts. He's not a ballhawk, though. Abram grades out as a starting strong safety in the NFL, and he's expected to make an immediate impact on special-teams. He projects as a second-round pick.
T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa: A third-year sophomore enjoying a breakout season, Hockenson might not garner the same kind of attention as teammate Noah Fant, who projects as a fringe first-round pick and is skipping the bowl game to focus on the draft. Hockenson has the potential to go in the same range as Fant should he declare for the draft. He's averaging 15.6 yards per catch and is fast enough to stretch the seam. Listed at 6-5, 250, he's also a good blocker.
No. 14 Kentucky vs. No. 12 Penn State
The game: VRBO Citrus Bowl
Info: 1 p.m. ET, ABC & ESPN app/Orlando, Florida
Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky: Allen led the SEC in tackles for loss (18.5) and sacks (14), and forced a FBS-leading six fumbles this season. He has the bend and closing speed to quickly develop into a difference-maker as an NFL pass-rusher. Allen is a rangy run defender and above-average tackler. He projects as a rookie starter and is likely to be a top-25 player in this class.
Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State: There's some buzz surrounding Oruwariye, who has picked off seven passes and deflected 27 over the past two seasons. At 6-1, 203 pounds, he has an NFL frame, good length and average playing speed. We might not be as high on him as some others, however. Oruwariye is a one-year starter with some tightness in his hips, and his ball skills aren't as good as the numbers suggest. He grades out as a developmental press/zone corner with good upside and projects as a late Day 2 or early Day 3 prospect.
No. 11 LSU vs. No. 8 UCF
The game: PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
Info: 1 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Glendale, Arizona
Devin White, MLB, LSU: White is a converted running back with rare movement skills for a 240-pound linebacker. He has racked up 278 tackles -- including 26 for loss -- over the past two seasons because of his instincts and range. White has the body control and athletic ability to hold up in coverage in addition to the closing speed to make an impact rushing the passer. He projects as one of the top five prospects in this class should he declare for the draft.
Wyatt Miller, OT, UCF: Miller struggles with hand placement in the run game and pass pro, which is a concern considering he's a four-year starter. Here's why he's still an intriguing late-round or rookie free-agent option. He has a good frame and length, and he's athletic. Miller also moved to left tackle after playing on the right side his first three seasons. While he might never develop into a starter, he could develop into a valuable No. 3 swing tackle who provides depth on both sides.
Todd McShay sees first-round talent in both Justin Herbert and Dwayne Haskins if they choose to enter the NFL draft.
No. 9 Washington vs. No. 6 Ohio State
The game: Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual
Info: 5 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Pasadena, California
Taylor Rapp, S, Washington: We have given five Washington defensive backs draftable grades for this class, but none grades out higher than Rapp, who projects as a second-round pick. He could move up if he tests as well as expected. Listed at 6-0, 200 pounds, the three-year starter's greatest strength is his versatility, as he has the athletic ability to play over the slot, the range to provide help over the top, and he's tough enough to play in the box.
Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State: Haskins is a third-year sophomore who played just 171 snaps before taking over as the starter in 2018. Yet he gets through progressions, exploits favorable matchups and makes sound decisions on run-pass options. He led all FBS quarterbacks in passing yards (4,580) and passing touchdowns (47). Haskins is one of the most accurate passers in the country, and he has a strong arm and NFL frame (6-3, 220). He's the fourth-ranked quarterback on our board and could move up with a strong showing against a really good Washington pass defense.
No. 15 Texas vs. No. 5 Georgia
The game: Allstate Sugar Bowl
Info: 8:45 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/New Orleans
Charles Omenihu, DL, Texas: Omenihu's production has steadily improved over the past four years, and he has had a breakout senior season, recording 16 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. At 6-6, 275 pounds, his size and rare length make it tough to get into his frame and move him off the ball in the run game. Omenihu has active hands and can kick inside to rush the passer. He grades out as a potential Day 2 pick.
D'Andre Walker, OLB, Georgia: Walker is a true senior who had 7.5 sacks and four forced fumbles this season. He's an instinctive pass-rusher who flashes the ability to convert speed to power. He uses his long arms to keep pass blocker at bay. Walker is at his best attacking upfield, but he's versatile enough to drop into underneath coverage. He's a good tackler with the strength and length to set the edge against the run. Walker grades out as a starting 3-4 outside linebacker early in his career and could be a first-round pick.
Completed games
Saturday, Dec. 15
North Carolina A&T 24, Alcorn State 22
The game: Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl
Info: Noon ET, ABC & ESPN app/Atlanta
Darryl Johnson Jr., DE, North Carolina A&T: The MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, Johnson leads the conference in sacks (10.5) and is at his best using his first-step quickness to disrupt plays in the backfield. He also shows the ability to drop into underneath coverage and flashes the ability to pick up backs releasing out of the backfield. That's important considering he grades out better at 3-4 outside linebacker. He's just a redshirt junior, so he would do well to return and ideally fill out his frame.
Sterling Shippy, DT, Alcorn State: Shippy has 13.5 tackles-for-loss, eight sacks and two forced fumbles this year. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 300 pounds, he's quick enough to shoot gaps and closes well for his size. An Alcorn State player hasn't been drafted since the Packers took receiver Donald Driver in the seventh round in 1999, and it is unlikely Shippy ends that drought. But a team looking for depth at three-technique could bring him in as a rookie free agent.
Utah State 52, North Texas 13
The game: New Mexico Bowl
Info: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Albuquerque, New Mexico
E.J. Ejiya, LB, North Texas: Ejiya ranks fourth in the FBS with 23 tackles for loss this season, so it should come as little surprise that he attacks gaps and quickly shifts though traffic as a run defender. He's also a developing pass rusher with active hands and good straight-line closing burst. While he's tough and flashes the ability to stack bigger blockers, he is undersized with shorter arms. He projects as a mid-round pick.
Dax Raymond, TE, Utah State: Raymond went on a two-year LDS Church Mission following high school, so he's on the older side for a fourth-year junior. He's also been hampered by injuries and didn't post big numbers at Utah State. The flipside? He's got the frame, athletic ability and speed to make an impact at the next level. He projects as a Day 3 pick.
Tulane 41, Louisiana 24
The game: AutoNation Cure Bowl
Info: 2:30 p.m. ET, CBSSN/Orlando, Florida
Donnie Lewis Jr., CB, Tulane: Lewis is a redshirt senior and four-year starter with six interceptions over the past two seasons. At 6-foot, 195 pounds, he's got the size, balance and competitiveness to develop into an effective press corner. There's room for improvement when it comes to getting off blocks, but he's an adequate tackler who tends to limit production after the catch. He projects as a Day 3 pick at this point in the process.
Ryheem Malone, WR, Louisiana: Malone grades out as an undersized slot receiver with the quickness to separate from underneath coverage and pick up yards after the catch. He has experience returning punts too. But he will probably be an undrafted rookie free agent.
Marcus McMaryion connects with KeeSean Johnson on a 38-yard strike downfield to put the Bulldogs in scoring position.
Fresno State 31, Arizona State 20
The game: Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl
Info: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC & ESPN app/Las Vegas
Renell Wren, DT, Arizona State: Wren has a total of 75 tackles and three sacks over the past three seasons, but he's more disruptive than the numbers suggest. He's a versatile defensive lineman with the length, frame and athletic ability to play on the inside in a base four-man front or the outside in a base three-man front in the NFL. He projects as an early Day 3 pick at this point, but he could improve his stock if he works out as well as expected.
KeeSean Johnson, WR, Fresno State: Johnson is a four-year starter who has caught 170 passes for 2,320 yards and 16 touchdowns over the past two seasons. He's a fluid route runner and natural hands catcher. Transitioning upfield after the catch, Johnson is smooth and flashes the ability to make the first defender miss. He projects as a mid-round pick.
Georgia Southern 23, Eastern Michigan 21
The game: Raycom Media Camellia Bowl
Info: 5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Montgomery, Alabama
Wesley Fields, RB, Georgia Southern: Fields needs 41 rushing yards to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career. He doesn't have great size or power and tries to make too much happen at times, but he picks up yards after contact thanks to his low center of gravity and effort. He projects as a rookie free agent.
Maxx Crosby, DE, Eastern Michigan: Crosby is a redshirt junior worth watching with an eye toward the 2020 draft. With 34.5 tackles for loss and 18.5 sacks over the past two seasons, he has the quick hands and feet to slip blocks and get into the backfield. In addition, he makes turnovers happen, as he has forced eight fumbles over the past two seasons and returned an interception for a touchdown against Akron this season.
Appalachian State 45, Middle Tennessee 13
The game: R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Info: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/New Orleans
Darius Harris, LB, Middle Tennessee: Harris is a three-year starter who has racked up 229 tackles, 26.5 tackles-for-loss, 11 sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries over the past three seasons. He's at his best playing downhill and flashes the ability to knock blockers back on contact. He has an NFL frame and above-average length. Harris projects as a Day 3 pick.
Tae Hayes, CB, Appalachian State: Hayes is undersized with adequate top-end speed and below-average length, but he's an instinctive corner who makes the most of his natural ability and has picked off six passes over the past two seasons. Hayes grades out as a sub-package corner and special-teams contributor who fits best in zone-heavy schemes.
Tuesday, Dec. 18
UAB 37, Northern Illinois 13
The game: Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl
Info: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Boca Raton, Florida
Jamell Garcia-Williams, DE, UAB: Garcia-Williams is a junior-college transfer enjoying a breakout senior season as he has racked up 15.5 tackles-for-loss and 9.5 sacks. At 6-7, he struggles to keep his pads down both as a run defender and a pass rusher. However, his rare length makes it tough for blockers to get into his frame, and he flashes above-average upper-body strength once engaged. He grades out as a developmental edge defender and projects as a late-round pick.
Sutton Smith, DE, Northern Illinois: Smith is a first-team All-American who is tied with Louisiana Tech's Jaylon Ferguson for the FBS lead in sacks (15), and he's second in the FBS with 24.5 TFL. He explodes off the ball, he's a violent hand fighter and he closes well chasing the run and rushing the passer. Listed at 6-1 and 237 pounds, there are concerns about his position fit at the next level, and it will be interesting to see where teams slot him should he declare for the draft.
Wednesday, Dec. 19
Ohio 27, San Diego State 0
The game: DXL Frisco Bowl
Info: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Frisco, Texas
Ryan Pope, OT, San Diego State: Pope is a redshirt senior and two-year starter at right tackle. He most notably needs to tighten his footwork in the run game and improve his hand placement in pass protection, but his frame, length and athletic ability make him an intriguing late-round developmental prospect.
Papi White, WR, Ohio: White is an explosive, versatile player with above-average ball skills even though he has smaller hands and a small catching radius. However, he's undersized and he's had some problems staying healthy. He projects as a late-round pick or rookie free agent.
Thursday, Dec. 20
Marshall 38, South Florida 20
The game: Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl
Info: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Tampa, Florida
Tyre Brady, WR, Marshall: Brady is a Miami transfer who has caught 128 passes for 1,856 yards and 17 touchdowns in his two seasons at Marshall. He's got an NFL frame and an above-average catching radius. Brady is a long strider with enough top-end speed to threaten vertically, but he projects as a late-round pick.
Jaymon Thomas, S, South Florida: Thomas is a high-cut and lean safety with average production. However, he has excellent length, big hands and good football intelligence. He grades out as a developmental safety and special-teams contributor.
Friday, Dec. 21
FIU 35, Toledo 32
The game: Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl
Info: 12:30 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Nassau, Bahamas
Cody Thompson, WR, Toledo: Thompson is Toledo's record holder for touchdown catches with 30, and his 3,257 career receiving yards ranks second in school history. He's an above-average route runner and natural hands catcher who comes down with 50-50 balls and isn't afraid to do the dirty work over the middle. Thompson should be a Day 3 pick.
Anthony Johnson, DT, FIU: Johnson is a two-year starter who has recorded 76 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks over the past two seasons. He locates and tracks the ball well, but he's a lighter defensive tackle who gives up ground at times. He projects as a priority free agent.
BYU 49, Western Michigan 18
The game: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Info: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Boise, Idaho
John Keenoy, OC, Western Michigan: Keenoy is a team captain and four-year starter at center. He doesn't have great size and he's not an overpowering blocker, but he's a smart football player with the athletic ability to get into position in the run game and compete in pass protection. He grades out as a backup interior offensive lineman and projects as a late-rounder.
Corbin Kaufusi, DE, BYU: Kaufusi is a 6-9, 275-pound former basketball player who didn't play football his first two seasons at BYU, but he quickly developed into a productive player. He has rare length and the frame to develop into an effective 3-4 defensive end and could be picked on Day 3.
Saturday, Dec. 22
Wake Forest 37, Memphis 34
The game: Jared Birmingham Bowl
Info: Noon ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Birmingham, Alabama
Darrell Henderson, RB, Memphis: No FBS player has rushed for more touchdowns this year than Henderson (22), and he ranks second in the FBS behind Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor in rushing yards per game (146.9). His acceleration through the hole jumps out in tape, and he has deceptive top-end speed. Henderson is undersized but shows great balance running though arm tackles and never stops moving his feet. He projects as a mid-round pick.
Phil Haynes, OG, Wake Forest: Haynes is a four-year year starter, which is impressive considering that he played only one year of high school football (as a defensive end!). He doesn't explode out of his stance but he's a mauler who methodically moves defenders off the ball and finishes once he's in position. He's strong enough to hold his ground in pass protection and he flashes the ability to stone pass rushers with a violent punch.
Army 70, Houston 14
The game: Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Info: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Fort Worth, Texas
Isaiah Johnson, CB, Houston: Johnson moved from receiver to corner in the spring of 2017 and is still learning the position, but he has an excellent blend of size, length and top-end speed. He grades out as a developmental press-zone corner with a high ceiling.
Darnell Woolfolk, FB, Army: Listed at 5-9, 225 pounds, Woolfolk is a powerful runner with the low center of gravity and lower-body strength to pick up yards after contact. He has rushed for 28 touchdowns over the past two seasons. He has one career catch, but Army runs a run-heavy offence so teams will have to evaluate his ability to catch the ball in workouts. He projects as a priority free agent.
QB Tyree Jackson hits WR Anthony Johnson on a 75-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.
Troy 42, Buffalo 32
The game: Dollar General Bowl
Info: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Mobile, Alabama
Anthony Johnson, WR, Buffalo: Johnson has averaged 18 yards per catch and caught 25 touchdown passes over the past two seasons. While he doesn't have elite top-end speed, he has the frame and body control to win 50-50 balls downfield, plus he shows good open-field instincts and runs hard after the catch. He's a solid route runner who can line up in the outside or in the slot and isn't afraid to do work over the middle. He projects as a Day 2 pick.
Blace Brown, CB, Troy: Brown is a former walk-on who moved from receiver to corner in 2016, and he has good ball skills. While he has only one pick this season, he has 12 career interceptions. Brown is a taller corner with the balance and quickness to develop above-average man cover skills. He grades out as an above-average backup with the potential to develop into a starter and he projects as a late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick.
Louisiana Tech 31, Hawaii 14
The game: SoFi Hawai'i Bowl
Info: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Honolulu
Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech: Ferguson's 15 sacks are tied with Northern Illinois defensive end Sutton Smith for the most in the FBS this season. He has active hands and good length, plus he flashes the ability to overwhelm blockers with speed to power. Ferguson is a disruptive run defender with a quick first step who has 64 career tackles for loss. He grades out as an above-average rotational edge defender with the potential to develop into a starter early in his career. He projects as a second-round pick.
John Ursua, WR, Hawaii: Ursua leads all FBS receivers in touchdown catches with 16, and he ranks fifth in receiving yards with 1,343. Listed at 5-10, 175 pounds, he's a rugged slot receiver who is willing to work the middle of the field and fights for yards after the catch. He brings added value as a potential punt returner.
Wednesday, Dec. 26
Boston College vs. No. 25 Boise State: Canceled
The game: SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
Info: 1:30 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Dallas
Zach Allen, DE, Boston College: At 6-5, 284 pounds, Allen is a dynamic pass-rusher with the ability to win with power, agility and quickness. He's a disruptive run defender with 30.5 tackles for loss over the past two seasons, plus he has the length, strength and size to set the edge when he's not knifing into the backfield. He has the tools to quickly develop into a starter at LDE in a base 4-3 front or defensive end in a base 3-4 front. He projects as a top-25 pick.
Alex Mattison, RB, Boise State: Mattison is an instinctive and patient between-the-tackles runner who lowers his pads and keeps churning his legs when his initial momentum is stopped. He's not an ankle breaker or a breakaway threat. He flashes the potential to develop into a functional third-down back. A true junior, he projects as a mid-round pick if he declares for the draft.
Minnesota 34, Georgia Tech 10
The game: Quick Lane Bowl
Info: 5:15 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Detroit
Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota: With left tackle Donnell Greene and linebacker Blake Cashman skipping the bowl to focus on the draft, keep tabs on Johnson, who has caught 74 passes for 1,112 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, with an eye toward the 2020 draft. He's a tough slot receiver who isn't afraid to take a big hit and is an effective route runner who flashes the ability to make the first defender miss.
Anree Saint-Amour, DL, Georgia Tech: Saint-Amour is coming off a breakout senior season, recording 45 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and two interceptions. He's an aggressive upfield player with active hands and a non-stop motor. The problem is position fit. At 6-3, 245 pounds, he's light for a defensive end and he doesn't have ideal speed for a 3-4 OLB conversion candidate. He projects as a rookie free agent.
TCU 10, California 7
The game: Cheez-It Bowl
Info: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Phoenix
Jordan Kunaszyk, ILB, California: Kunaszyk leads the Bears in solo tackles with 83 and forced fumbles with five. He's an instinctive run defender who locates the ball, takes sound angles and chases with great effort. He projects as a late-round pick or rookie free agent.
Ben Banogu, OLB, TCU: Banogu has recorded 33.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks in his two seasons at TCU. He has the explosive get-off, torso flexibility and closing burst to win with speed rushing off the edge. He's an upfield run defender who does an above-average job of locating the ball and closes well chasing from the backside. We have a mid-round grade on him now, but expect his grade to improve once we do a full update of his report.
Daniel Jones connects with Johnathan Lloyd for a 52-yard score.
Thursday, Dec. 27
Duke 56, Temple 27
The game: Walk-On's Independence Bowl
Info: 1:30 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Shreveport, Louisiana
Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple: Ya-Sin transferred to Temple from Presbyterian College in January and Temple awarded him with a single-digit jersey -- something they give only to the nine toughest players on the team. There are some concerns about his top-end speed but he has an NFL frame with good length and he competes on every snap. He also has the mentality to develop into a core special-teams player. He projects as an early Day 3 pick.
Daniel Jones, QB, Duke: Listed at 6-5, 220 pounds, Jones is a fourth-year junior with an NFL frame and a strong arm. His ability to keep his eyes downfield as he navigates the pocket and evades pass-rushers is impressive. His career completion percentage (59.5) is worth noting, and there's room for improvement when it comes to his ball placement, but his receivers dropped several catchable passes during the course of our evaluation. A bigger concern is he takes unnecessary hits, and he missed two games with a broken collarbone this year. We're still evaluating Jones to see where he might go if he joins this draft class.
Wisconsin 35, Miami 3
The game: New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Info: 5:15 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/New York City
Gerald Willis, DT, Miami: No defensive tackle has recorded more tackles for loss this season than Willis, who has 18 and has greatly improved his stock. He's on the lighter side and gets covered up at times, but he's quick with the lateral mobility to slip blocks quickly. Willis is an active hand fighter and he flashes the ability to push the pocket rushing the passer. He projects as a fringe first-round pick.
Michael Deiter, OC/OG, Wisconsin: Deiter has started 23 games at left guard, 16 games at center and 14 games at left tackle at Wisconsin. His arm length is a red flag for an offensive tackle and he gets pushed around when edge defenders get into his frame but he has the balance, size and quickness to hold his own in pass protection on the inside. He plays with good pad level and gets good initial surge in the run game. He grades out as a versatile backup interior offensive lineman with the potential to develop into a starter most likely at center. He projects as a Day 2 pick.
Baylor 45, Vanderbilt 38
The game: Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl
Info: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Houston
Chris Platt, WR, Baylor: Platt is an undersized receiver who missed most of the 2017 season with a torn ACL and caught just 35 passes this year. He's a track star with great speed though and he had his best game of the season against Texas Tech in the regular-season finale. With receiver Jalen Hurd sidelined by a knee injury, Platt could get more targets in this game. He projects as a late-round pick or priority free agent.
Ke'Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt: Vaughn is an Illinois transfer who has rushed for 1,001 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first season at Vanderbilt. He's quick through the hole, runs though arm tackles, and he has above-average open-field instincts. He flashes the potential to develop into a productive receiver. He projects as a mid-round pick.
Friday, Dec. 28
Auburn 63, Purdue 14
The game: Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Info: 1:30 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Nashville, Tennessee
David Blough, QB, Purdue: Blough is an undersized quarterback who sustained a season-ending ankle injury in 2017 and isn't expected to develop into a starter in the NFL. But he's accurate, has enough arm strength and has steadily progressed over the course of his career. He also led the Boilermakers to wins over ranked opponents Boston College, Iowa and most notably Ohio State. He projects as a priority free agent.
Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn: Stidham is coming off an uneven season and his stock has dropped. While he has the touch, arm strength and mobility to play in the NFL, he will need more time and coaching than similarly skilled prospects since he plays in an offense that doesn't feature many full-field reads or intermediate anticipation throws. He's the sixth-ranked quarterback on our board and he projects as a Day 2 pick at this point.
Syracuse 34, West Virginia 18
The game: Camping World Bowl
Info: 5:15 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Orlando, Florida
David Sills, WR, West Virginia: With quarterback Will Grier skipping the bowl to focus on his draft preparation, Sills isn't in ideal position to showcase his talent in this game, and no one should blame him for dropping out. If he stands by his decision to play, it's a testament to his competitiveness. He's a former quarterback with a good feel for how to attack coverages and he catches the ball well. He grades out as a No. 3 or No. 4 slot receiver, and he projects as a mid-round pick.
Jamal Custis, WR, Syracuse: Custis is a redshirt senior coming off a breakout season, catching 46 passes for 826 yards and six touchdowns. Listed at 6-5 and 225 pounds, he's a massive target with big hands, good body control and a wide-catching radius. He's a long-strider who runs well for his size. He's had some problems staying healthy. He projects as a late-round pick.
Washington State 28, Iowa State 26
The game: Valero Alamo Bowl
Info: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/San Antonio, Texas
Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State: Butler is averaging more yards (22.1) per catch than any other player in the FBS and his highlight reel is ridiculous. He's a big target with the frame to win 50-50 balls downfield and the top-end speed to threaten vertically. He's tough to bring down in the open field, and he's productive after the catch. He grades out as a sub-package receiver with the natural ability to quickly develop into a starter and he projects as a Day 2 pick should he declare for the draft.
Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State: Dillard is a redshirt senior and three-year starter at left tackle. He's an effective run blocker who gets into position and does a good job of keeping his hips under him in the run game. He gets set quickly and plays with good body control in pass protection. He grades out as an above-average backup with the potential to develop into an effective starter in time. He projects as a Day 2 pick.
Saturday, Dec. 29
Florida 41, Michigan 15
The game: Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
Info: Noon ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Atlanta
Jachai Polite, OLB, Florida: Polite has an explosive first step, good bend and very good closing speed. He's not a one-dimensional pass-rusher either as he wins with his hands and lateral agility as well He's a disruptive and rangy run defender with a good motor. Listed at 6-2 and 242 pounds, he's light for an edge defender and he takes too long to get off some blocks. He also missed four games with a shoulder injury in 2017. He's the 26th ranked player on our board.
Chase Winovich, DE, Michigan: Winovich is a fifth-year senior with 141 tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries over the past two seasons. He uses his active hands and first-step quickness to slip blocks and disrupt plays in the backfield. He plays with great effort and is tough. Winovich is delaying surgery for an undisclosed injury to play in the Peach Bowl. He doesn't have ideal size or length for a defensive end, and he might be best suited to play 3-4 outside linebacker. He projects as a Day 2 pick.
Virginia 28, South Carolina 0
The game: Belk Bowl
Info: Noon ET, ABC & ESPN app/Charlotte, North Carolina
Jake Bentley, QB, South Carolina: Bentley is a natural leader and team captain with an NFL frame, enough arm strength and above-average pocket mobility. On the downside, he's inconsistent and he's struggled at times as he did in the regular-season finale against Akron. He faces a stingy Virginia pass defense and he'll be without talented receiver Deebo Samuel, who is skipping the bowl to focus on the draft. He projects as a fringe Day 2 pick, and the true junior could benefit from returning to school for another year.
Juan Thornhill, DB, Virginia: Thornhill is a three-year starter and versatile defensive back with experience at safety and corner. He's a ballhawk who tracks the ball well -- he has intercepted 12 passes over the past three seasons, including five this year. Thornhill is also a willing run defender who leads the team with 92 tackles. He grades out as a reserve defensive back with the potential to start at safety in time and he projects as a fringe Day 2 pick.
Nevada 16, Arkansas State 13
The game: NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl
Info: 1:15 p.m. ET, CBSSN/Tucson, Arizona
Justice Hansen, QB, Arkansas State: Hansen's passing numbers aren't as gaudy as they were in 2017, when he ranked fourth in the FBS in passing yards per game. However, he has improved his completion percentage and greatly improved his touchdown-to-interception ratio while still throwing for more than 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns. While he doesn't have great arm strength, his frame, accuracy and production make him an intriguing late-round or priority free-agent option.
Malik Reed, LB, Nevada: Reed moved from defensive end to linebacker this year and the change in positions should help him as he doesn't have the length or frame to develop into an every-down end in the NFL. He shows good quickness rushing off the edge and a good feel for how to attack pass protections when he rushes between the tackles. He's a developmental prospect who projects as a late-round pick.
Clemson 30, Notre Dame 3
The game: College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
Info: 4 ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Arlington, Texas
Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson: Wilkins is a versatile defensive lineman who could play anywhere along the line. He has the the frame and athletic ability to start at end, but we feel his best fit is at tackle in a base four-man front. Wilkins slips blocks quickly and chases the run with great effort. He has the initial quickness and active hands to make an impact rushing the passer in the NFL. He's also a team leader with outstanding football intangibles. He grades out as an immediate starter and projects as a top-20 pick.
Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame: Tillery's stock is on the rise after racking up eight sacks, three forced fumbles and 10.5 tackles-for-loss in twelve games this season. He has the length and upper body strength to stack and shed blockers in the run game. While four of his eight sacks came in one game he has the strength to push the pocket and he's a developing hand fighter who flashes the ability to win with his hands. He grades out as a three-down defensive lineman and he projects as a potential first-round pick.
Domonique Foxworth wants Heisman winner Kyler Murray to play both football and baseball professionally.
Alabama 45, Oklahoma 34
The game: College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl
Info: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN & ESPN app/Miami Gardens, Florida
Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama: Thompson, the top safety on our board for 2019, is a third-year sophomore with the instincts and closing speed to play center field at the next level. He also has the athletic ability and quickness to compete in underneath man-to-man coverage. He only has three career interceptions, but he flashes above-average ball skills, and Kyler Murray would be wise not to test him often. While Thompson is lean, he's an aggressive run defender and good tackler. He projects as a first-round pick if he leaves Alabama early.
Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma: It's hard to imagine a more intriguing prospect than a 5-foot-10, 195-pound Heisman-winning quarterback who put up video-game numbers in his only season as a starter. Murray has rare natural ability and was the ninth overall pick in the MLB draft over the summer. He's reportedly going to give up football to focus on baseball, and deciding to enter the NFL draft isn't without risk. His size doesn't concern us in terms of making plays on Sundays nearly as much as it does when it comes to his long-term durability. If he does pursue the NFL, it's hard to believe a team won't take a chance on him in on Day 1.