The first of three bowl games on New Year's Eve, they all mean something but this one means a little less than the other two on this day. It happens to be the only one that isn't part of the college football playoff. That doesn't take away from the group of players on the field though and there are plenty of NFL Draft prospects in this one.
Let's take a look at the top five.
Florida State Seminoles
CB # 8 Jalen Ramsey 6' 1" 202 lbs (2015 Stats: 43 TKL, 2 TFL, 1 Sack, 10 Pass Broken Up)
Jalen Ramsey had a ridiculous 2014 campaign as a sophomore. One that left numerous NFL Scouts wondering what one more year could do for the talented Ramsey. Scouts weren't the only ones who saw the film and teams in 2015 haven't went his way as often. Ramsey can play CB, Safety, LB and shows incredible closing speed. Depending on the positiion that he is asked to play Ramsey will possibly need to bulk up. Either way, the talent is there and he is almost a guaranteed top 10 pick in this draft.
Draft Projection: Top 10
Team Projection: Jacksonville Jaguars (4th worst pass defense in 2015)
K # 19 Roberto Aguayo 6' 0" 204 lbs (2015 Stats: XP%: 100%, FG%: 83.3%)
Aguayo has long been the top kicker in the nation and that only continued into his junior season. He hasn't declared yet but for me there isn't really a question of ifhe will come out early, but how high will he actually be drafted? It won't be Steve Little (who? look it up) or Sebastian Janakowski high, but it will be an early round pick.
Draft Projection: Round 1-3
Team Projection: Cincinatti Bengals (Mike Nugent is 33 years old and the Bengals may look to upgrade there)
DT # 99 Nile Lawrence-Stample 6' 1" 305 lbs (2015 Stats: 33 TKL, 3.5 TFL, 2.5 Sacks)
Lawrence-Stample is a huge man in the middle. He really stepped up in his senior year and was very impressive in stuffing the run. A main cog in the interior and part of a unit that allowed only 7 rushing touchdowns all season. Third best in college football.
Draft Projection: Round 3-4
Team Projection: San Diego Chargers (Front seven needs help)
OLB # 24 Terrance Smith 6' 3" 230 lbs (2015 Stats: 53 TKL, 4.5 TFL, 1 Sack, 8 games)
Smith put up impressive numbers in only 8 games. He played with injuries throughout much of his college career. Has great speed for the position that allows him to get to the running backs quickly before they can get to the second level.
Draft Projection: Round 4-6
Team Projection: Carolina Panthers (should provide immediate help on special teams)
Houston Cougars
CB # 3 William Jackson 6' 1" 195 lbs (2015 Stats: 33 TKL, 1.5 TFL, 3 INT, 2 TD, 21 Pass Break Ups)
One of the more talented senior defensive backs in this class. Could be first senior DB off the board in the draft. Has good speed and size, may need to bulk up a little but shows great technique and uses the sideline to his advantage very well. Jackson may be the only Cougar to get drafted but it should be a day 2 pick.
Draft Projection: Round 2-3
Team Projection: San Diego Chargers (can you name one of their starting cornerbacks?)
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