In the early bowl season, there have been a handful of NFL Draft prospects that may have played their last game as a collegiate player. Playing their last game as a college player, these prospects want to go out with a bang to improve their draft stock.
Surprisingly enough, there have been many more expected returning players with higher performances than senior prospects or prospects expected to declare. There have been big performances from Adam Muema (Junior RB, San Diego State), Tyler Lockett (Junior RB, Kansas State), Kapri Bibbs (Sophomore RB, Colorado State), and James Conner (Freshman RB, Pittsburgh).
As for NFL prospects likely to declare, some just had average performances in their bowl games in the likes of Eric Ebron, Davante Adams, Scott Crichton, Bishop Sankey, Brandon Coleman, Kareem Martin, Demarcus Lawrence, Deone Bucannon, and RaShede Hageman. However James Hurst fractured his left fibula in his last game playing for North Carolina against Cincinnati. Although here are prospects that performed the best in their bowl games and possibly raised their draft stock come early May.
5. Ryan Grant, WR, Tulane- The senior wide receiver has had 1,000 yards receiving in the past two years and has been a number one target for Tulane’s quarterbacks. In the New Orleans bowl, Grant had seven catches for a total of 113 yards. Playing in his last game, Grant may have got a little more attention as he is only a mid-to-late round selection in a deep wide receiver class.
4. Vintavious Cooper, RB, East Carolina- Cooper has been inconsistent in his senior year while totaling over 1,000 yards. The 5-9 running back has totaled 20 touchdowns and over 2,000 yards in his last two years at East Carolina. Like so, Cooper went off with a bang in the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s bowl rushing for 198 yards on 25 carries and reaching the end-zone twice helping his team to a victory. Cooper also hauled in three catches for 22 yards in his last game which may have helped him receive some recognition as he is projected to be a late-round pick.
3. Rashaad Reynolds, CB, Oregon State- Reynolds has been a consistent cornerback for Oregon State in his senior year, who I think is being a little underrated. Reynolds recorded a total of six interceptions and 61 tackles in 2013. Reynolds also was all over the field in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl as he recorded ten tackles and scored two touchdowns after recovering fumbles to help the Beavers end their losing streak. His performance may have also helped his draft stock as he is most likely a late second day selection to an early third day selection.
2. Marqise Lee, WR, USC- Lee is one of the most talented players in college football, and one of the top rated wide receivers in the 2014 NFL Draft. Lee also had a little of a disappointing season this year as he had inconsistent quarterback play in the beginning of the year and also battled injuries. However, Lee recorded a total of 57 catches for 791 yards and four touchdowns in 11 games in 2013. In his final game at USC, Lee hauled in seven catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns which may have helped his draft stock.
1. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville- Bridgewater is the top-ranked quarterback according to most draftniks out there, and is deservingly so. The junior threw for 3,970 yards, 31 touchdowns, and only four interceptions this year. Bridgewater also has the ability to be a playmaker with his feet if he has too. In his last game for Louisville, Bridgewater threw for 447 yards, and three touchdowns on a 77.8 competition percent in the Russell Athletic Bowl. Bridgewater is most likely to be drafted in the top five picks, and certainly could be drafted first overall.