The college football bowl season is here! Seven games get underway on Saturday, and one of the more fun battles begins at 5:45 p.m. ET. The New Mexico State Aggies take on the Fresno State Bulldogs.
The 2024 NFL Draft is coming into focus as the bowl games begin. We’re looking at the top NFL prospects in the New Mexico Bowl. Will we see anyone drafted from this contest?
Top NFL Draft Prospects in New Mexico Bowl
The New Mexico Bowl has a few prospects to watch, but the transfer portal has impacted this game.
According to College Football Network’s bowl game opt-out tracker, 15 players are slated to miss this game.
Fresno State Bulldogs Prospects
Jaelen Gill, WR
A former Ohio State and Boston College playmaker, the 5’11”, 187-pounder has had some moments every stop he’s played. Jaelen Gill has standout quickness and enough deep speed to garner respect from defenders. However, he’s never been able to produce more than his 44 catches, 447 yards, and five touchdowns this season.
Despite his modest stats over six seasons, Gill is still someone I’d love to see get an invite to an all-star game. He has the skill set to be better in a more spread offense that can pepper defenses with quick throws. None of Gill’s career stops have offered a higher-volume role for him to excel in.
Morice Norris Jr., DB
Fresno State’s star nickelback was impossible to miss this season. Morice Norris Jr. is a magnet for impact plays with 55 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, and nine pass breakups.
Most college nickel corners are tiny, but Norris has an NFL frame, standing 5’11” and 198 pounds. There’s no question that he’s an under-the-radar prospect right now.
Norris is aggressive in space and loves coming downhill to stick his nose in the action. We’d love more exposure in man coverage, but he’s a playmaker in zone assignments.
Levelle Bailey, LB
Built as a hybrid linebacker-safety at 6’2″ and 217 pounds, Levelle Bailey can fly around the field and play various roles. His build will be an issue for most NFL teams because he’s a liability when 1-on-1 with blockers, so chances are long he’ll get drafted. But fighting for a roster spot as a UDFA isn’t out of the question.
MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Big Board
That’s because Bailey is super competitive and a fast closer in space. He’s finished with at least 74 tackles in the last two seasons and upped his impact level as a senior by notching three picks. He could fill a role as a third safety who rotates in for subpackages.
New Mexico State Aggies Prospects
Diego Pavia, QB
The most intriguing prospect in this matchup is QB Diego Pavia. The junior earned second-team All-Conference USA honors from College Football Network for good reason. Pavia is aggressive as a runner and thrower but smart enough to protect the ball while pushing the unit’s limits.
Pavia is this team’s offense, with almost 3,800 total yards and 32 scores on the year. He’s small at only 6’0″, 200 pounds, and unlikely to enter the NFL yet.
Nevertheless, he would be a dynamic backup at the next level. Pavia’s good enough to watch this game for, even if you’re an otherwise uninterested viewer.