The college football bowl season is well underway. Saturday at 7 p.m. ET, the South Alabama Jaguars take on the Eastern Michigan Eagles 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 Ventures Bowl. Will we see anyone drafted from this contest?
Top NFL Draft Prospects in Ventures Bowl
The Ventures Bowl has a few prospects to watch, and the transfer portal has some key players missing. The most relevant is South Alabama WR Caullin Lacy. According to College Football Network’s bowl game opt-out tracker, 11 players are slated to miss this game.
South Alabama Jaguars Prospects
La’Damian Webb, RB
Standing only 5’8″ and 190 pounds, the former Florida State running back has been dynamic for the Jaguars. His small frame will be a concern since he’s built as a scatback more than a three-down contributor, but the jitterbug ball carrier can still be an asset as a rusher and receiver. He proved durable and consistent throughout his three seasons, rushing 465 times for 2,443 times with 32 touchdowns.
Unfortunately, Webb will miss this game with a toe injury.
Webb has NFL-level athleticism. He’s not overly powerful but is quick and creative, and he will grind out yards wherever possible. He’s lacking the ability to hit home runs, but some of that could be due to a struggling offensive line.
We’d love to see Webb get the opportunity to play in an all-star game so he can show off his elusiveness compared to his peers, but we feel he should be considered as a late-round pick.
Carter Bradley, QB
Transferring to South Alabama from Toledo was an excellent decision for the fifth-year senior. After barely playing in his four years at Toledo, the 6’3″, 215-pounder has been great for the Jaguars. He’s completed 66% of attempts, averaging eight yards per attempt and totaling 47 touchdowns to 19 interceptions.
His turnovers were a bigger issue in 2022 than this past season. Bradley’s an aggressive passer, and his decision-making can improve. But his physical tools are good enough to be a competent NFL backup, and his downfield throwing ability can be an asset in a pinch.
He has an undrafted grade, but Bradley should be considered in a thin class that needs late-round options.
Quentin Wilfawn, LB
A thickly-built off-ball linebacker at 6’1″ and 245 pounds, Quentin Wilfawn is a big dude in the middle of the defense. He’s also instinctive and a playmaker, boasting surprising closing speed and finishing ability. His 15 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks stand out for someone often used in a downhill role.
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Wilfawn finished the year on a hot streak, logging 5.5 of his sacks in the last five weeks. His projection to the NFL is a little tough because he does not succeed in coverage or space, but competing for a special teams and backup linebacker role could work.
Jaden Voisin, S
There’s not much size in the 2024 safety class, so a 6’0″, 205-pounder who can play in the box and compete in coverage as a slot cornerback can rise. Jaden Voisin has been one of the most productive defensive backs in the country over the last two years after barely playing in his first three seasons.
In his career, Voisin has shown real NFL potential with 151 tackles, six picks, and 12 pass breakups. His biggest question is whether he has the speed and agility to survive on an island in coverage.
Eastern Michigan Eagles Prospects
Samson Evans, RB
Samson Evans saw his workload cut in half one year after producing 1,166 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground. It’s possible that was to keep Evans fresher for the NFL. A big-bodied back at 6’0″ and 218 pounds, Evans is a grinder who dragged an offense with an abysmal passing game and mediocre offensive line.
Evans doesn’t contribute much as a receiver, so his value will be a short-yardage backup. His size and power could earn him a later-round ground from teams needing his skill set.
Chase Kline, LB
Former Michigan State linebacker Chase Kline immediately made an impact upon landing at Eastern Michigan. The massive 6’4″, 245-pounder stands out as soon as you see him. And his production is insane — he’s tallied 21 or more tackles in two of his last four games.
Overall, Kline had 143 tackles on the year. But he’s more of someone who has empty stats over being truly impactful, as he had only five tackles for loss and two sacks. Could that change in a more aggressive scheme?
Maybe it could, and Kline should get Day 3 looks if he runs well at his pro day.