NFL Draft: TicketCity Cactus 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 Valero Alamo Bowl, here are some players to keep an eye on.

TicketCity Cactus Bowl: Washington vs Oklahoma St

When: Jan. 2nd, 10:15 PM (EST)

Washington

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

OLB/RB Shaq Thompson, JR #7 (6’2 | 236 | 4.56)

Scouting report – One of the most versatile and athletic players in the 2015 draft. Thompson has played OLB, Safety, and RB for the Huskies this year and his best NFL position is still up for debate. At weak-side OLB his elite speed gives him the potential to be a sideline-to-sideline run stopper who excels in coverage with the ability to cover TEs, RBs, and even some slot receivers. Thompson has the speed and closing burst to be a force at LB, but he’s small and has had some trouble shedding blocks from bigger lineman.

Another option could be moving Thompson to strong safety in a similar role to how the Seahawks use Kam Chancellor. Thompson could be a roving run-stopper in the box and drop into coverage when needed. He is a big-time hitter and it would give opposing receivers something to think about when they cross the middle of the field. Putting Thompson at either position would make his team faster and more dynamic on defense. He’s a special athlete who has shown a knack for making big plays with 4 defensive touchdowns this season.

Projection: 1st round

DT Danny Shelton, SR #55 (6’2 | 339 | 5.16)

Scouting report – The best NT prospect in the country in my opinion. Shelton is a beast inside with a ultra-quick first step, consistently low pad level, and the strength to hold the point of attack against double teams. Coming into 2014 Shelton was considered primarily a run stopper, but the 339 pounder had 9 sacks as a senior. His quickness gets him in the backfield, but his motor in pursuit and surprising closing speed has resulted in a career high sack total. Shelton also blocked 3 kicks this year on special teams. He can do it all as a 3-4 NT and I would be shocked if Shelton falls out of the 1st round.

Projection: 1st-2nd round

DE/OLB Hau’oli Kikaha, SR #8 (6’3 | 250 | 4.74)

Scouting report – In his first season as a 3-4 OLB, Kikaha is 2nd in FBS with 18 sacks on the season. Kikaha uses an explosive first step, good bend around the edge, powerful hand work, and an above average closing burst to get to the QB. His lack of size will probably limit Kikaha to a 3-4 OLB and he has had two ACL injuries in his college career, but those are the only negatives I’ve found in Kikawa’s profile. He has the potential to be a double-digit sack guy in the NFL.

Projection: 1st-2nd round

WR Kasen Williams, SR #2 (6’2 | 221 | 4.54)

Scouting report – High school All-American who looked like a future star after leading the Huskies in receiving yards as a sophomore and scoring 12 TDs in his first two seasons. After a coaching change before Williams junior year, his production dipped significantly with only 44 catches his final two seasons in Washington. Inconsistent QB play, an injury that cost him half his junior season, and an offensive philosophy change took Williams from a projected top 100 pick to a major question mark. He still has good size, elite leaping ability, excellent body control and enough speed, but he had only 15 catches this season. Some team will take a chance on Williams on day 3 due to his NFL size/speed ratio and they may end up with the steal of the draft.

Projection: 6th-7th round

* JR CB Marcus Peters was kicked off the team in November, but is still a potential 2nd-3rd round pick.

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