The college football bowl season is well underway. Thursday at 5:45 p.m. ET, the NC State Wolfpack take on the Kansas State Wildcats on ESPN.
The 2024 NFL Draft is coming into focus as the bowl games begin. We’re looking at the top NFL prospects in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Will we see anyone drafted from this contest?
Top NFL Draft Prospects in Pop-Tarts Bowl
The Pop-Tarts Bowl has a few prospects to watch, but the transfer portal has significantly impacted this game. According to College Football Network’s bowl game opt-out tracker, 33 players are slated to miss this game.
The most notable prospects are on Kansas State’s side, as QB Will Howard, RB Treshaun Ward, and S Kobe Savage are out. North Carolina will be without star LB Payton Wilson.
NC State Wolfpack Prospects
Brennan Armstrong, QB
A sixth-year senior who is two years removed from putting up massive numbers at Virginia, Brennan Armstrong is a fringe prospect. The 6’2″, 215-pounder may have thrown for 4,449 yards and 31 TDs in 2021, but his physical tools are limiting. He’s tough and athletic enough to escape the pocket a bit, but he projects as a third-stringer at the next level.
His lack of arm talent and consistent accuracy have kept Armstrong from ascending beyond his huge statistical outbreak. Because his tools don’t match the numbers, teams will be hard-pressed to keep him on the roster beyond emergencies.
Payton Wilson, LB
Wilson is someone who has both immense physical traits and production. The 6’4″, 235-pounder is huge and moves incredibly well. Wilson put up 402 tackles, 48 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, and seven picks in his 47 career games.
Unfortunately, Wilson will not play in this game as he prepares for the NFL Draft.
MORE: Top LBs in the 2024 NFL Draft
His profile screams first-round pick, but the fifth-year senior has to pass medical tests before getting a firm grade from evaluators. He has an extensive injury history, including a torn ACL in high school and a season-ending shoulder injury in 2021. Wilson’s at his best working downhill, so his ailments haven’t impacted his range.
I’d like to see Wilson improve his overall play strength at the point of attack, as he’s prone to getting pushed back by blockers. However, he is a tremendous gap-shooter with closing speed for days. We have a Day 2 grade on him.
Davin Vann, DL
At 6’2″ and almost 300 pounds, Davin Vann will certainly get NFL looks. The versatile defensive lineman can play as a penetrating 3-technique or a 3-4 end. As you’d expect for his size, he’s quick, leading to solid production.
His 14 career sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss only tell part of Vann’s story. He’s not the best athlete in space or someone who projects as a full-time player in the NFL without improved strength, but he anticipates plays effectively and can finish in the backfield. He’ll warrant Day 3 grades.
Kansas State Wildcats Prospects
Will Howard, QB
Howard won’t be playing in this game, and it’s surprising to see him in the transfer portal. He spent four seasons at Kansas State, sometimes struggling with accuracy and decision-making. The 6’4″, 235-pounder is a throwback QB with little mobility and a strong arm, but you don’t always know where the ball is headed.
He’s an intriguing talent because of his build and arm talent, but Howard will benefit from another season of experience. He must improve his field vision and throwing mechanics to get a draftable grade.
DJ Giddens, RB
The best ball carrier in this game is DJ Giddens. The third-year sophomore is 6’1″ but only 200 pounds, so his tall, lanky frame concerns evaluators. But he plays a physical game, has a good pad level, and is agile for his high-cut build.
Giddens’ three-down ability is really what makes him an intriguing prospect. He’s a legitimately good player with the ball in his hands, and he’ll wiggle through defenders to find more grass. Although he’s not the fastest or most twitched-up player, Giddens is well-rounded and would earn a Day 3 draftable grade.
Ben Sinnott, TE
Our team of evaluators loves Ben Sinnott. The versatile H-back talent can win from all over the field. He’s surprisingly smooth and agile for being 6’4″ and 245 pounds, but he brings the expected power and hands you’d expect for the position.
His role grew considerably in 2023 as he showed comfort in various situations. He should garner interest early on Day 3 in offenses that want to be more unique and include motion into their game plan. We’re even bullish on his outlook as a pure tight end.