2017 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: Dec 30th Bowl Games feature Dalvin Cook, Jabrill Peppers, & Derek Barnett

Well, about a month ago our beloved thirteen time world champion Green Bay Packers were on the verge of firing Mike McCarthy and Dom Capers and Ted Thompson and benching Aaron Rodgers for Brett Hundley and cutting Davante Adams and Jeff Janis. BUT, the GOAT that plays quarterback for the thirteen-time world champion Green Bay Packers has reverted to Godgers Mode with the team’s back against the wall and no longer are we looking at a 5-11 Packers team; instead, this is potentially a 10-6 Packers team that wins the NFC North with a victory over the team of lions from Detroit.

Now that the Draft szn has cooled a bit for the Pack, it’s time to enjoy the Bowl games for what they are the beauty of the game of football as a whole. However, even if subconsciously, there are guys that the gawd Teddy T will look at since he watches like 27 hours of tape per day. So here is a little guide of some guys to watch in these upcoming, generally more important bowl games:

Georgia vs TCU
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
12 pm EST, ESPN

This game doesn’t carry the merit that it would have in 2012, but in a Green Bay lens, there’s likely only one prospect worth watching in this game. Josh Carraway, a defensive end for TCU is the one to watch. He’s 6’4” and 250, and has the body type that Thompson likes to transition to outside linebacker in Green Bay’s 3-4 base scheme. He’s really the only prospect worth caring about in this bowl game for the 2017 Draft. Georgia’s nose tackle is a #dog and will be a top pick in 2018.

Stanford vs North Carolina
Hyundai Sun Bowl
2 pm EST, CBS

Unlike the previous game, this game has a ton of intrigue as far as the draft is concerned. While indifferent for the Packers, Mitch Trubisky will likely be a first round pick in this class if he decides to declare, which would be Matt Leinart level surprising decision if he were to stay.

Stanford has a receiver named Michael Rector who really isn’t a huge name but he’s a track guy who’s real fast, and could be a late round flier type. The real man to watch for the Cardinal is Soloman Thomas, the defensive lineman for Stanford. He’s likely going to end up a top-half of the first round talent. He’s likely out of reach for the Packers, but he’s a dynamic talent.

The Tar Heels have a bevy of talent on the offensive side of the football. Elijah Hood is a good back but has already announced he’ll return to Chapel Hill next year. The main talent is at wide receiver, namely Ryan Switzer. Call him any cliche’ white slot receiver name in the book, he’s that dude. He’s electric in the return game, and nearly uncoverable in the slot. He’s a sure fire future New England Patriot, but on the off chance the Packers decide to let Randall Cobb go, Switzer could be a replacement plan. Bug Howard is a large bodied wide receiver also for Trubisky to throw to.

Nebraska vs Tennessee
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
3:30 pm EST, ESPN

Nebraska is a pretty decent college team but most of their guys this year don’t really translate to NFL success. Tommy “Yoloballs” Armstrong is likely a running back in the NFL if anything. Terrell Newby could be a very, very poor man’s Kevin Faulk third down back type. Jordan Westerkamp is a good college receiver who is probably more Jared Abbrederis than Danny Amendola, but he’ll garner looks. Defensively Nate Gerry is their top guy, but he’s more of a man without a country in the league, as he’s a safety/linebacker type.

Tennessee has ended the season a bit underwhelmingly, but still has some talent. Josh Dobbs has a Senior Bowl invite at quarterback. He’s a major project, but could be a late round type. Alvin Kamara is a beast at running back, and if he declares could be a Day 2 back. Defensively Cam Sutton is a good cornerback, but Derek Barnett is a first round pass rusher. Barnett could be a Packer target, keep an eye on him.

Florida State vs Michigan
Capital One Orange Bowl
8pm EST, ESPN

This game is absolutely loaded with future NFL talent, let’s get to it.

Florida State has Dalvin Cook, one of, possibly the best running back in this class. Travis Rudolph is a good mid-round receiver who might declare. Roderick Johnson plays left tackle and is athletic, but take it from me, don’t let anyone tell you he’s good; he’s not. Defensively DeMarcus Walker is a tank, and is probably a 2nd round player along the lines of Mario Edwards Jr in 2015. Derrick Nnadi is a nose tackle and should garner late Day 2 attention. Our buddy Justis Mosqueda (@Jumosq) liked Nnadi a ton before the season, he’s worth a watch. Marquez White is an underrated corner who could also be of note.

Michigan is also stacked, mostly on defense. De’Veon Smith is a late round- UDFA type back who will likely stick around. Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson are both receivers that will be drafted, and Jake Butt is one of the best tight ends in the country. Defensively Chris Wormley and Ryan Glasgow are defensive linemen worth watching, and my man Taco Charlton, aka Vidaunte Charlton, is a #good player. Jourdan Lewis and Channing Stribling are also good corners, and Lewis could get taken in round two.

This is all I’m going to say about Jabrill Peppers. He’s a good player, but I don’t know where you value a guy in the NFL who’s most impressive play is a kick return and he plays linebacker at 6’0” 205 lbs. Do with that what you will.