NFL Draft: Franklin American Mortgage Music City 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 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, here are some players to keep an eye on.

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Notre Dame vs LSU

When: Dec 30th, 3 PM (EST)

Notre Dame

Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

LT Ronnie Stanley, JR #78 (6’5 | 315 | 5.40)

Scouting report – One of the fastest risers in the draft, Stanley took over for Zach Martin at LT and dominated in the 2nd half of the season. He has quick feet, long arms, and surprisingly polished technique for a young player. Stanley’s ability to neutralize speed rushers will get him drafted in the first round, but he has pretty good power as well and has been a force in the run game. He’s a well balanced left tackle prospect that could have an impact in the NFL right away.

Projection: 1st round

DT Sheldon Day, JR #91 (6’2 | 285 | 4.95)

Scouting report – Wasn’t as productive as expected in his first year at DT with only 1 sack and 5.5 TFLs. The junior should probably go back to school to raise his draft stock, since he is likely a mid-round pick right now. Day has a very quick first step, NFL athleticism and good closing speed. Day has the potential to be a starting 3-tech at the next level but needs to improve his technique.

Projection: 3rd-4th round

TE Ben Koyack, SR #18 (6’4 | 261 | 4.77)

Scouting report – Similar to Troy Niklas who was a 3rd round pick out of Notre Dame last year, in that he is a better blocker than receiver right now. Koyack has a thick build and is a solid run blocker who should be able to contribute as a blocking TE right away. His receiving skills are a bit of an unknown due to issues at QB for the Irish this year, but Koyack moves well, has good hands, and has the athletic potential to be a solid Heath Miller type receiver.

Projection: 3rd-4th round

CB Cody Riggs SR #2 (5’9 | 190 | 4.56)

Scouting report – Short, but has good strength to press receivers at the line and is a surprisingly powerful hitter vs the run. Riggs has had a lot of injuries in his college career, so his medicals will go a long way in determining where he is drafted. Riggs has good coverage technique, but his ball skills are lacking with only 2 interceptions in roughly 4 years worth of starts. He started out as a free safety for Florida and should be able to play either safety or corner in the pros, though his height is less than ideal for either position. Riggs projects as a solid dime corner with the potential to play in the slot.

Projection: 3rd-4th round

G Christian Lombard, SR #74 (6’5 | 315 | 5.26)

Scouting report – Solid run blocking guard with sub-par athleticism but good size and technique. Projects as a solid backup guard with spot-starter ability in the NFL.

Projection: 5th-6th round

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