NFL Draft: Popeyes Bahamas Bowl

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

College football bowl season is under way. If you are like most NFL fans, you know some players on the top college football teams but that is about it. As a Bears fan, my NFL season has been over for weeks so I’ve gotten an early start on my scouting for next year’s NFL draft.

I love watching football even if it’s games I have no rooting interest in, so over the holidays I end watching a lot of random bowl games. One thing that makes the bowl games more interesting for me is to keep an eye on players who will be drafted next season. This year I will breaking down the players who have a shot at getting drafted for most of the remaining bowl games. If you end up watching the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl, here are some players to keep an eye on.

More from Chicago Bears Draft

Popeye’s Bahamas Bowl: Central Michigan vs Western Kentucky

When: Dec. 24th, Noon (EST)

Central Michigan

WR Titus Davis, SR #84 (6’2, 186, 4.49)

Scouting report – Underrated NFL prospect. Davis has the size and speed to play at the next level and runs crisp routes. The lack of competition in the MAC is a concern, but he has dominated since stepping on the field as a freshman (34 career TDs, 18 yards per reception). The primary knock on Davis is a lack of strength, but if he can beat jams at the line of scrimmage he should be able to get open at the next level. His performance in the pre-draft all star games against future NFL talent will go a long way in determining where Davis ends up in the draft. I could see him going as high as the 3rd round and as low as sometime in day 3.

Projection: 3rd-4th round

Western Kentucky

Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

CB Cam Thomas, SR #19 (6’1, 190, 4.53)

Scouting report – Has good size and the prerequisite confidence it takes to play corner in the league. In 2013 Thomas was one of the best players on a top 20 defense finishing among the leaders in pass defends (15) and interceptions (5). This year the Hilltoppers have one of the worst defenses in the country and teams rarely throw Thomas’ direction (1 INT). Thomas excels in press coverage and is active in run support. The knocks on Thomas are inconsistent technique and the tendency to wander from his man. I don’t see the latter as a serious problem as he didn’t do it as often in 2013 and it could just be a result of frustration over teams not throwing in his direction. If teams watch the tape from 2013, Thomas should end up being drafted in the middle rounds. Some scouts have talked about Thomas potentially moving to safety in the NFL, but I think he has the athleticism to stick at corner especially if he ends up in a press scheme like the Seahawks.

Projection: 3rd-4th round

OT Cameron Clemmons, SR #52 (6’6, 305, 5.28)

Scouting report – Above average height and and a frame that should be able to add 15-20 pounds. Clemmons will need to add weight / strength to play tackle at the next level, but he has good feet in pass pro which could get him drafted on day 3 as a developmental left tackle.

Projection: 6th-7th round

Home/Chicago Bears Draft