NFL Draft: Quick Lane Bowl

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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 Quick Lane Bowl, here are some players to keep an eye on.

Quick Lane Bowl: Rutgers vs North Carolina

When: Dec. 26th, 4:30 PM (EST)

Rutgers

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

TE Tyler Kroft, JR #86 (6’5, 240, 4.82)

Scouting report – Athletic receiving tight end with good hands and decent YAC potential. Kroft is basically a big wide receiver, but at least gives a solid effort in the blocking game. He lead Rutgers in catches, receiving yards and TDs as a sophomore, but is having a down season in 2014 (23 receptions) due to a lingering back injury. Kroft is a slick route runner who gets open consistently, but will need to clean up his technique a little to get open at the next level. His size, hands, and athleticism will get him drafted and if he gets stronger and improves his overall technique Kroft could be a starting NFL TE.

Projection: 4th round

NFL comparison: Coby Fleener

G Kaleb Johnson, SR #72 (6’4, 300, 5.23)

Scouting report – Versatile lineman who has made 47 starts at three different positions on the line (LT, RT, LG) and performed well at all of them. Johnson has NFL size and his ability to play multiple positions will improve his value to NFL teams. Johnson considered leaving for the pros after last season, but only got a 4th-7th round grade. Johnson wasn’t quite as dominant in BIG10 play this year, so his draft grade likely hasn’t changed much.

Projection: 5th-6th round

C Betim Bujari, SR #55 (6’3, 295, 5.17)

Scouting report – Former TE who has started at center for Rutgers the last two seasons. Injuries have limited his playing time and effectiveness but Bujari has played well when healthy. He plays smart, moves well and has the versatility to play guard or center. Bujari is most likely an undrafted free agent prospect, but could sneak into the 7th round if he performs well in pre-draft workouts.

Projection: 7th round – UFA

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