2017 NFL Draft: Military Bowl
College football bowl season is officially underway. If you are like most NFL fans, you know some of the top NFL draft prospects but that is about it. Since the Bears season has been over for awhile, I’ve been looking forward to the draft for a few months now and have gotten an early start on my scouting for the 2017 NFL draft.
Like last season, I will be breaking down the potential NFL players in most bowl games to give you an idea who to watch. I’ve tried to list at least one player on each team who has a shot at hearing their name called in the draft or at least getting a training camp invite.
If relevant, I’ll discuss how the player may fit in the Bears future plans. So if you end up watching the Military Bowl, here are some players to keep an eye on.
Military Bowl: Temple vs Wake Forest
Tuesday, December 27, 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Temple
#58 OLB Haason Reddick (6’1 | 230 | 4.54)
The first team All-ACC selection tied NC State’s Bradley Chubb for the FBS lead with 21.5 tackles for loss. Reddick added 9.5 sacks which was good for 2nd in the ACC. He possesses elite closing speed off the edge with rumored sub 4.5 40-times.
Reddick is undersized for an edge rusher role at the NFL level, but has shown some versatility dropping back in coverage this season (three passes defended). His speed should play in at least a pass rush specialist role and his relentless pursuit of the ball should give him a shot to earn a three-down OLB job eventually.
As a rookie, Reddick should have value as a third-down pass rusher and perhaps on special teams. He’s not going to get any taller, but if he can improve his play in space he could eventually develop into a starting-caliber 3-4 OLB.
The Bears are in good shape with Floyd, McPhee, and Young as their primary OLBs, but McPhee and Young are getting old and the Bears could use some youth off the edge to pair with Floyd. Reddick is projected as a late day two pick, but some sites think he has late first / early second round potential and a strong showing in pre-draft workouts and the Senior Bowl could boost his draft stock.
Projection: 3rd round
#66 OT Dion Dawkins (6’5 | 320 | 5.27)
Another All-ACC first team selection for the Owls who was a four-year starter despite barely being recruited nationally. Dawkins has been a rock at left tackle, providing reliable blindside protection and excelling as a run blocker.
He has impressive arm length which he uses well to keep pass rushers at bay, but it’s his run blocking that really makes him a prospect at the next level. Dawkins has a shot to stay on the left side in the NFL, but I think he’s a prototype right tackle. He’s got a mean streak as a run blocker and plays with the power, quickness, and nastiness to open plenty of holes in the run game.
The Bears need depth badly at the tackle position and a versatile player like Dawkins who could play on either side of the line at the next level would have a lot of value. If Dawkins were to fall to the fourth round, the Bears should pull the trigger.
Projection: 3rd round