Too many bowls? Too much football? Never.
As some fans complain about too many obscure bowls and participation trophies, draft analysts are getting one last look at potential prospects while the individual teams are benefitting from another few weeks of practice. For NFL fans, it may be hard to sort through the various bowl games, but it’s always nice to hone in a couple of prospects who may end up wearing your favorite pro team’s colors come next fall.
Here are two players every NFL fan base should be watching this bowl season:
Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson (Fiesta Bowl vs. Ohio State, Dec. 31)
Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina (Sun Bowl vs. Stanford, Dec. 30)
Browns fans have to keep an eye on every quarterback prospect pretty much every bowl season, so watching Watson and Trubisky is a prerequisite to Cleveland fandom. Watson’s hype has cooled quite a bit since he was initially considered a top overall quarterback possibility, and while he was inconsistent for much of the season with his accuracy and decision-making, he’s been the best quarterback in the nation down the stretch for the second year in a row. Another strong finish in the playoffs could determine whether or not a team wants to invest in him as a first-round pick.
As for Trubisky, Cleveland fans have already been keeping tabs on the first-year starter who shows the size, arm strength, and pocket movement to be a first-round candidate. He can drive the ball outside the numbers with velocity, and handled pressure well, leading the nation with an adjusted completion percentage of 68.6 percent when under heat. With the annual search for a quarterback in Cleveland under way at this point, both Watson and Trubisky will get a long look during bowl season and into the offseason.
Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson (Fiesta Bowl vs. Ohio State, Dec. 31)
Myles Garrett, EDGE, Texas A&M (Texas Bowl vs. Kansas State, Dec. 28)
Quarterback is a need in San Francisco, as well, and the 49ers will be paying attention to Watson, Trubisky, and the rest of the top signal-callers. Watson is an interesting name, especially if Chip Kelly is retained as head coach. We always want to pair Kelly with a mobile quarterback that he can take advantage of in the run game, and Watson has that ability, in addition to his skills as a passer. However, with Cleveland getting first crack at their quarterback of choice, 49ers fans can drool over Garrett’s skills during bowl season. Perhaps the best player in the draft, Garrett is a perfect combination of burst, power, and production off the edge and he’s the favorite to go No. 1 overall barring an ascension from a QB prospect or two. Garrett would fill one of the many needs the 49ers have on the defensive side of the ball, as he’s improved his run-stopping skills this year to complement his already-elite ability to pressure the quarterback.
Jonathan Allen, DI, Alabama (Peach Bowl vs. Washington, Dec. 31)
Derek Barnett, EDGE, Tennessee (Music City Bowl vs. Tennessee, Dec. 30)
Another year, another top-five pick for the Jaguars. They’re now three years into the Blake Bortles era, and after an encouraging step forward in year two, the growth curve has been stunted, and there’s an outside chance the Jaguars could dip back into the quarterback market. However, if they stick with Bortles, there is a plethora of defensive line talent to be had, and they should keep a close eye on Allen and Barnett. Allen could play multiple roles along the defensive front, capable of winning on the edge or on the interior, while Barnett is a classic 4-3 defensive end with Garrett-like production, even though he may not have the Gumby-looking pass-rusher body. Allen’s 93.3 pass-rush grade led all FBS interior defensive linemen, while Barnett’s 92.3 mark ranked second on the edge; either player would be a great piece to add as the Jaguars continue to revamp their defense.
Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina (Sun Bowl vs. Stanford, Dec. 30)
Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson (Fiesta Bowl vs. Ohio State, Dec. 31)
This is yet another team that has a need at quarterback and should be watching Trubisky closely. The wind and cold of Chicago shouldn't be an issue for Trubisky, who has shown enough arm to create outside the numbers, and that may up his stock in the eyes of the Bears and their fans. His inexperience and the emergence of backup Matt Barkley as a viable quarterback may actually work as a nice pairing that can buy Trubisky time to develop.
The Bears also have holes at cornerback, and they’ll have a chance to add any number of players to help in what is shaping up to be a very deep class. Tankersley has the length and size to move up draft boards, and he’s been productive, as he’s allowed only 39.6 percent of his targets to be completed over the last three years for a passer rating of 40.6.
Sidney Jones, CB, Washington (Peach Bowl vs. Alabama, Dec. 31)
Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan (Orange Bowl vs. Florida State, Dec. 30)
Tennessee is in fantastic position once again in this draft, as they have two picks currently slotted for the top half of the first round. With Marcus Mariota already locked in at quarterback, the Titans have a chance to re-shape their roster on both sides with the extra picks they’ve accumulated. The secondary is sure to be addressed, particularly the cornerback position, where an influx of talent and youth is needed. Titans fans should be watching Tankersley, as well as Florida’s Jalen Tabor and Iowa’s Desmond King, as potential options. However, Washington’s Sidney Jones could be right there in the mix as well after allowing a passer rating of only 42.1 into his coverage this season, and he’ll be challenged by Alabama’s receivers—Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart—on the outside.
The Titans may also be in position to add a versatile threat like Peppers, who could fill a strong safety role in their defense. Peppers has been lauded for his ability to line up all over the Michigan defense, so keep your head on a swivel when looking for him against Florida State. His best role, though, may be pure strong safety at the next level and he’d be a strong complement to rookie safety Kevin Byard. Peppers does his best work when finding the ball carriers as the extra man in the box, while also showing the ability to cover tight ends down the field.
Jalen Tabor, CB, Florida (Outback Bowl vs. Iowa, Jan. 2)
Tim Williams, EDGE, Alabama (Peach Bowl vs. Washington, Dec. 31)
There a numerous holes on the Jets’ roster, and there’s no doubt that the entire quarterback class will be reviewed closely by the front office. Beyond the quarterbacks, however, the pass defense needs an overhaul, whether on the back end at cornerback, or on the edge with a pass-rusher. Florida's Jalen Tabor is certainly a player to watch, as he has the potential to add a playmaking presence to the secondary and is capable of playing tight press coverage or breaking on the ball in off-coverage. The other player to watch is Williams, who has nearly as many QB pressures (117) as he has snaps against the run (146) over the last three years. He’s been stuck behind better run defenders, and has played mostly in a pass-rush specialist role, where he’s pressured opposing quarterbacks 27 percent of the time (NCAA average is 10 percent). When given the opportunity, however, Williams has shown the power and hand usage to play the run effectively. He may be an option near the top of the draft for a team looking for instant pass-rushing impact with every-down upside.
Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State (Orange Bowl vs. Michigan, Dec. 30)
Derek Barnett, EDGE, Tennessee (Music City Bowl vs. Tennessee, Dec. 30)
The Panthers will have a chance to add an elite talent to the roster near the top of the draft, and Cook is one player that is intriguing in their run-heavy approach. Cook is a dynamic big-play threat and could form an incredible pairing with QB Cam Newton in the backfield. Cook forced more missed tackles than any running back in the nation this season, a year removed from leading in breakaway percentage, with 62 percent of his yards coming on 15-plus yard runs. The other position that will likely be addressed is defensive end, where the Panthers should keep an eye on Barnett as a potential top-10 option. Barnett’s production screams top-10 pick, but he may not “wow” come workout season—that would be a perfect scenario for the Panthers, who could add one of the nation’s most productive players from the last three seasons.
Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin (Cotton Bowl vs. Western Michigan, Jan. 2)
Adoree’ Jackson, CB, USC (Rose Bowl vs. Penn State, Jan. 2)
San Diego could go a number of ways in the draft, and while I’m generally of the mind that the offensive line can be protected by a quick-hitting passing game and strong quarterback play, the Chargers’ line has been atrocious in recent years. They’ve been bad enough that I think it’s time to address it immediately, and Ramczyk’s emergence puts him near the top of the offensive tackle wish list in the draft. Ramczyk can play with power at the line of scrimmage, and he’s a smooth pass protector who immediately made an impact as a first-year starter for Wisconsin. Another name to watch is Jackson, who may get lost in the shuffle in a deep cornerback class, but he’d be a nice target in the second round due to his incredible athleticism and upside. He’d add another piece to a developing secondary in San Diego.
Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama (Peach Bowl vs. Washington, Dec. 31)
Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan (Orange Bowl vs. Florida State, Dec. 30)
The linebacker position has been terrible in New Orleans in recent years, and Foster was the nation’s top-graded player at the position this season. The value of the three-down linebacker may be higher than ever, and he has the power and block-shedding to attack the run, as well as the athleticism to play both man or zone coverage. While adding more defensive-line depth may be an intriguing option for the Saints, getting a three-down presence like Foster would be an even better fit. They can also look to add talent on the outside in the secondary, where a guy like Lewis could shine opposite CB Delvin Breaux. He’ll get the “undersized” label coming out of the draft, but Lewis has the man-coverage skills to stay with the better route-runners the NFL has to offer. He’s gotten his hands on as many passes as the receivers he’s covered this season (two interceptions and eight pass breakups vs. 10 receptions allowed on 34 targets), and his 39.8 passer rating allowed over the last three years is the equivalent of throwing the ball into the dirt on every pass.
Forrest Lamp, OT/G, Western Kentucky (Boca Raton Bowl vs. Memphis, Dec. 20)
Dan Feeney, G, Indiana (Foster Farms Bowl vs. Utah, Dec. 28)
It’s never good to go into a draft with only specific positions in mind, but with no first-round pick and a poor offensive line that has derailed a promising season, the Vikings may be in desperation mode up front. Let’s start with Lamp, who may never get first-round hype, but he’s been as good as it gets in college football at offensive tackle over the last three years. There may be competition questions that arise, but Lamp was outstanding in his one game against the Alabama defensive front, and he only allowed four QB pressures all season. Feeney is another offensive lineman to watch, as he’s been outstanding in pass protection over the last three years, allowing only 20 total QB pressures on 1,170 attempts. He’ll be tested by a strong Utah defensive front, and Vikings fans should keep both Feeney and Lamp in mind as possible offensive line upgrades on draft weekend.
Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan (Orange Bowl vs. Florida State, Dec. 30)
Rasul Douglas, CB, West Virginia (Russell Athletic Bowl vs. Miami, Dec. 28)
The cornerback position opposite Patrick Peterson needs an overhaul, and a deep crop of corners should do the trick. Lewis is a good fit for Arizona’s man-heavy scheme, and for matchup purposes, he can stay with shiftier receivers while Peterson would be able to line up opposite bigger receivers. If the Cardinals want a longer corner, Douglas is one to watch, as his 6-foot-2 frame will be coveted by NFL teams. He had a breakout season at West Virginia as our All-Big 12 cornerback, picking off eight passes, breaking up eight more, and allowing an opposing passer rating of just 35.3 into his coverage.
Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan (Cotton Bowl vs. Wisconsin, Jan. 2)
Carl Lawson, EDGE, Auburn (Sugar Bowl vs. Oklahoma, Jan. 2)
The Bengals' offense has been lacking a true No. 2 option opposite star receiver A.J. Green, and things have gotten even worse since Green went down due to injury. Davis is a perfect complement, as he’s perhaps the best route-runner in the draft class, and he has ranked among the top receivers in the nation for three straight years of PFF grading. In addition to receivers, finding a pass-rusher has been near the top of Cincinnati’s goals for a few years now, and Lawson would be a good fit as a 4-3 defensive end in their scheme. He tied for the third-best pass-rushing grade among all Power-5 edge defenders this year, at 90.9, as he was healthy for a full season for the first time since his true freshman year in 2013.
Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan (Orange Bowl vs. Florida State, Dec. 30)
Zach Banner, OT, USC (Rose Bowl vs. Penn State, Jan. 2)
Sometimes teams need to be built with the division in mind, and given the love the New England Patriots have for their tight ends, a player like Peppers is just what their rivals need. He’s capable of covering tight ends while making plays in the box in the run game, so Bills fans can watch and see what it might be like to have a movable chess piece like Peppers to combat the New England offense. The right tackle position has been weak in Buffalo for a few years now, and Banner has the size and power to upgrade the position. After a slow start to the season, he did not surrender a QB pressure over USC's last six games of the year.
Tim Williams, EDGE, Alabama (Peach Bowl vs. Washington, Dec. 31)
Ryan Anderson, EDGE, Alabama (Peach Bowl vs. Washington, Dec. 31)
How badly do the Colts need pass-rushers? Badly enough that they could nab both of Alabama’s edge defenders and upgrade their defense immediately, so Indy fans should be paying attention to both Williams and Anderson coming off the edge against Washington. Williams is more of a pure pass-rusher with his speed and power, while Anderson is more technically sound, beating up blockers and using his hands at the point of attack. Both players would fit nicely in Indianapolis’ 3-4 scheme.
Forrest Lamp, OT/G, Western Kentucky (Boca Raton Bowl vs. Memphis, Dec. 20)
Corn Elder, CB, Miami (Russell Athletic Bowl vs. West Virginia, Dec. 28)
With no first-round pick, the Rams won’t be able to pluck the top talents in the draft, but there is still plenty to watch this bowl season. Lamp could be had in the second or third round (unless he continues to increase his hype), while Elder is a good option for zone-heavy teams in this deep cornerback class. Elder is a sure tackler who should be around in the middle rounds as a strong value pick.
Carl Lawson, EDGE, Auburn (Sugar Bowl vs. Oklahoma, Jan. 2)
Mike Williams, WR, Clemson (Fiesta Bowl vs. Ohio State, Dec. 31)
Baltimore will likely have to tap into the deep class of edge rushers at some point, and Lawson would be a good fit, as he can step right in to rush the passer while developing his work in the run game. It can’t hurt to learn behind Terrell Suggs, one of the league’s best run defenders over the last 10-plus years. QB Joe Flacco has always been at his best when he can trust his receivers to make plays down the field, and Williams would be a good match, as he has the body control to catch fades and back-shoulders while using his frame to move the chains in a possession role, as well.
Desmond King, CB, Iowa (Outback Bowl vs. Florida, Jan. 2)
Jalen Robinette, WR, Air Force (Arizona Bowl vs. South Alabama, Dec. 30)
The Eagles have a solid roster, but they’re weak at two vitals positions: receiver and cornerback. They can replenish both in the draft, starting with cornerback, where King is among a number of good options that will be available in the first two rounds. He’s a strong zone corner with solid man-coverage skills, and he’s ranked among the best cornerbacks against the run over the last three years. At receiver, Robinette is a rare commodity coming out of Air Force, but his size and speed have jumped out on tape. He could provide a deep threat for rookie QB Carson Wentz, and there’s room to grow as he’s coming out of Air Force’s limited passing offense.
Mike Williams, WR, Clemson (Fiesta Bowl vs. Ohio State, Dec. 31)
Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida (Outback Bowl vs. Iowa, Jan. 2)
While the Packers’ passing offense has come alive in recent weeks, Williams would still be a fine addition to the receiving corps with his ability to win at all levels of the field. The fade/back shoulder combination is an Aaron Rodgers staple, and Williams already excels in that area with his quarterback, Deshaun Watson. The secondary has disappointed for much of the year in Green Bay, and Wilson is a player to watch, as he’s getting more hype than teammate Jalen Tabor in some circles. His numbers jump off the page, with a passer rating of only 29.9 allowed into his coverage this season, though he’s had a lot of luck in that area due to poor quarterback play. Still, he has three years of strong production in Florida’s scheme.
Sidney Jones, CB, Washington (Peach Bowl vs. Alabama, Dec. 31)
Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado (Alamo Bowl vs. Oklahoma State, Dec. 29)
The Redskins will be looking for cornerback help, and there is a nice pair of Pac-12 players to watch this bowl season. Jones has been strong on the outside for the Huskies, rarely targeted this season and covering well when teams have dared throw his way. Awuzie moves around in Colorado’s system and has produced three strong years of grading for PFF. He can play on the inside or outside at the next level.
Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt (Independence Bowl vs. NC State, Dec. 26)
O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama (Peach Bowl vs. Washington, Dec. 31)
Adding an athletic linebacker always seems to be a part of Miami’s offseason to-do list, and Cunningham will garner first-round consideration. He has the movement skills to cover in space and the aggressiveness to take on and defeat blocks in the running game—he just needs to tackle better to live up to his potential. Howard is an intriguing option for the Miami offense that is starting to put the playmakers in place to maximize QB Ryan Tannehill’s potential. He would be a fine complement to what they’re developing with WRs DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills on the outside and WR Jarvis Landry in the slot.
Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin (Russell Athletic Bowl vs. Miami, Dec. 28)
Nazair Jones, DI, North Carolina (Sun Bowl vs. Stanford, Dec. 30)
The Texans can use an influx of youth along both lines, and Ramczyk will get plenty of attention between now and the draft. He’s athletic in space and powerful at the point of attack, and he may be the best tackle prospect in the draft. Jones is an intriguing option, as we expected more of a breakout this season, but he has the length and athleticism to continue his development. He’s a great fit as a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme, and currently does his best work in the run game— that will be tested against Stanford’s power-running attack, though.
Taco Charlton, EDGE, Michigan (Orange Bowl vs. Florida State, Dec. 30)
Isaiah Ford, WR, Virginia Tech
There’s always a need for more pass-rushing in Atlanta, and Charlton figures to move up draft boards as the process continues. He’s been outstanding as part of one of the nation’s top defensive lines at Michigan, and he may just be tapping into his potential. The offense has improved greatly this season, particularly opposite superstar wide receiver Julio Jones, but Ford could add another piece to the puzzle. He can get open and win at the catch point, potentially providing another option for QB Matt Ryan.
Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin (Russell Athletic Bowl vs. Miami, Dec. 28)
Jordan Willis, EDGE, Kansas State (Texas Bowl vs. Texas A&M, Dec. 28)
The tackle position hasn’t been great in Tampa Bay, so put Ramczyk on the Buccaneers' watch list, as well. Second-year left tackle Donovan Smith hasn’t worked out and it’s not too early to look for his replacement. On the defensive side, even the solid addition of DE Noah Spence shouldn’t keep the Bucs from looking for another option on the edge. Willis will garner more first-round publicity as evaluators dive into the tape, because he posted the top overall grade among all edge defenders in the nation this year, and deserves more hype than he’s been receiving to this point.
Jamal Adams, S, LSU (Citrus Bowl vs. Louisville, Dec. 31)
DeMarcus Walker, EDGE, Florida State (Orange Bowl vs. Michigan, Dec. 30)
Even with rookie safety Sean Davis on the roster, Adams should get a long look as a do-everything safety that can work downhill in the run game as a strong tackler, while also playing a variety of back-end coverages. Pittsburgh is also in their annual search for more disruption off the edge, where Jarvis Jones has not panned out, and early returns on Bud Dupree haven’t been great. Walker brings a bigger body to a potential edge role, and unlike previous Pittsburgh edge defenders, brings the versatility to rush from the interior, as well.
Pat Elflein, G, Ohio State (Fiesta Bowl vs. Clemson, Dec. 31)
Caleb Brantley, DI, Florida (Outback Bowl vs. Iowa, Jan. 2)
The offensive line has been at the forefront of Denver’s offensive struggles this season, and players like Elflein should get a long look. He’s playing center for Ohio State, but he was a guard until this season, so Denver could look to plug him in there. He’s a powerful run-blocker who can find his targets on the move. On the defensive side, the quest to replace departed Malik Jackson may turn to a player like Brantley, who is a disruptive interior penetrator for the Gators. He should be a top-round option, as his 85.6 overall grade ranked 21st in the nation this season.
Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin (Russell Athletic Bowl vs. Miami, Dec. 28)
Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado (Alamo Bowl vs. Oklahoma State, Dec. 29)
With former basketball players and retreads holding down the tackle spots in Seattle, they should be looking to upgrade in the draft. Ramczyk is the obvious player to keep an eye on this bowl season, as he can do it all and he has the athleticism the Seahawks covet. In the secondary, Witherspoon is listed at 6-foot-2 and is in the mold of Seattle’s long corners. He’s enjoyed a breakout season in 2016, as he leads the nation with 13 pass breakups while allowing only 32.6 percent of targets to be completed into his coverage—best in the nation among corners with at least 60 targets.
Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College (Quick Lane Bowl vs. Maryland, Dec. 26)
Zach Banner, OT, USC (Rose Bowl vs. Penn State, Jan. 2)
With defensive ends Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon rarely coming off the field, more depth is needed up front for the Giants. Landry fits the bill after grading as one of the nation’s top run defenders in 2015 before upping his pass-rush game this season to grade at 89.8, good for sixth in the nation. Offensively, both tackle spots have been weaknesses for the Giants, and Banner will get a look as a powerful run blocker and strong pass protector. He still needs to prove himself after a rough start to 2016, and Penn State’s defensive line will be a good test.
Solomon Thomas, EDGE, Stanford (Sun Bowl vs. North Carolina, Dec. 30)
John Ross, WR, Washington (Peach Bowl vs. Alabama, Dec. 31)
Depth is needed along the defensive line, and Thomas is a name to know during the draft process. He was solid in 2015, and one of the nation’s best this season, grading at 89.9 to rank third among interior defensive linemen. He projects as more of an edge defender at the next level. The Detroit passing game has had success with a more conservative approach, but adding a deep threat like Ross can open things up. His deep speed could be a problem for the Alabama secondary if QB Jake Browning finds time to throw.
Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida (Outback Bowl vs. Iowa, Jan. 2)
Dalvin Tomlinson, DI, Alabama (Peach Bowl vs. Washington, Dec. 31)
The Raiders have made great strides defensively the last few years, but there’s still room to improve against the run in the middle. Davis brings an attitude and toughness to the middle of the defense, and he’s played through injury for much of the season. Tomlinson is the overlooked interior lineman at Alabama, but he’s quietly ranked eighth with an 88.2 overall grade.
Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU (Citrus Bowl vs. Louisville, Dec. 31)
Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma (Sugar Bowl vs. Auburn, Jan. 2)
With Marcus Peters holding down one cornerback spot, the other one will get a look in the draft and free agency. White has had an excellent 2016 season after a down 2015, grading third among corners at 90.1 overall. The Chiefs could look to add another playmaker on the offensive side, and Westbrook’s route-running and speed will be on display in the Sugar Bowl. His 88.3 overall grade ranked second among the nation’s wide receivers.
O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama (Peach Bowl vs. Washington, Dec. 31)
Marcus Williams, S, Utah (Foster Farms Bowl vs. Indiana, Dec. 28)
While New England is flexible offensively, they love their tight ends, and Howard has just the mix of run-blocking and receiving ability they’re looking for. He has the nation’s top run-blocking grade, and his speed can create mismatches for the defense. Williams is an intriguing prospect, as he was dominating before missing time due to injury this season. He can cover on the back end while tackling well, with only three missed tackles on 59 attempts this season. The Patriots love versatile safeties like Williams.
Jordan Willis, EDGE, Kansas State (Texas Bowl vs. Texas A&M, Dec. 28)
Caleb Brantley, DI, Florida (Outback Bowl vs. Iowa, Jan. 2)
One of the stories of the season is the Cowboys’ ability cover on the back end despite not pressuring the quarterback at a high rate. They can change that by keying in on Willis and his 94.2 pass-rush grade that featured 14 sacks, nine QB hits, and 50 hurries. Brantley is another player to watch, as he has first-round potential, but only 1,072 snaps to his name at Florida. He’s graded well both against the run and as a pass-rusher during that time.
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