10 NFL Draft prospects to watch in bowl games: JJ McCarthy’s big chance

When NFL scouts and decision makers prioritize scouting prospects, they look first to the biggest games under the brightest lights. For years, I used the quality of my opponents to determine where to look for answers. Bowl games often offer prospects the opportunity to put the finishing touches on their resumes against top competition.

I would say about 70 percent of potential buyers have hay in their barn. But for many, factors like name, image, and likeness add new questions to consider when making decisions about whether to enter the transfer portal, draft pool, or return to school.

In recent weeks, many NFL leaders have called in college scouts to gather information on prospects collected on the road during the fall. For the first time, scouts, many of whom have visited a particular school up to three times and talked to sources, coaches and players themselves, will directly share what they find.

Many of the NFL’s decision-makers haven’t worked in film yet. For some coaches, a bowl game or even an All-Star Game may be their first impression. They will likely place particular emphasis on these impressions rather than the early regular season games.

So, as college bowl season gets into full swing, here are seven games and 10 prospects to keep an eye on, sorted by the date of each game.

Tuesday — Guaranteed Rate Bowl: Kansas vs. UNLV

Featured players: Dominic Puni, OL (67th), Kansas State (6-foot-5, 320 pounds)

Puni played four years at Central Missouri State and transferred to Kansas State two years ago. He plays offensive tackle, but most people at the NFL level see him as a guy who slides into guard. Using a college tackle (with good feet and athleticism) as a guard is a solid plan. Puni’s early quickness, base, and powerful punch all make sense for NFL teams looking to solidify the middle of the pocket, especially quarterbacks who are smaller and have vision issues. He also leans on defenders in the run game and gains movement through impact. His size covers a smaller linebacker at the second level. As a moderate possibility, he makes a lot of sense. Maybe the Carolina Panthers?

Dec. 29 — Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Oregon State vs. Notre Dame

Featured players: Talese Fuaga, OT (75), Oregon State (6-6, 334)

Fuaga, a junior, is said to be eligible for the 2024 draft. He played right tackle at Oregon State, but his top-class lateral defensive range and athleticism allow him to single-block good rushers on the island, and he could be moved to the left side at the NFL level. I may be able to do it. He’s a big guy with good arm length, but he also has an explosive punch and good quickness. He needs to improve his technique and his consistency is questionable at times, but he has all the tools to be a starter at the next level. A bowl game against a top-tier opponent could determine whether he breaks into the first round. Left tackle teammate Joshua Gray (No. 67) has draftable length but could be better suited to be moved inside. It’s easy to see what a great year Oregon State had for him with the two of them as bookends in what amounts to a pro-style offense. Fuaga has skills that are difficult to find. He should be taken off the board by the third round.

Dec. 29 — Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: Missouri vs. Ohio State

Featured players: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB (2), Missouri State (6-0, 188)

Rakestraw is a redshirt junior who has hinted at a jump to the NFL. He’s had a bit of a disjointed season due to an injury (groin) and missed some important games. NFL teams will have to get used to his knee, as he also tore his ACL in October 2021. Scouts want to see him healthy for the next game, which will add to his body of work. Playing against Ohio State’s receivers, especially Marvin Harrison Jr., would be invaluable exposure if he plays. Rakstro plays all spots, including on the field, on the boundary, and inside as part of a sub-package, and his versatility will add value to his NFL team. He was a 200 meter sprinter in high school and clearly has the speed to close down without using technique and the speed to catch up when running in the open field or deep.

Dec. 30 — Capital One Orange Bowl: Georgia vs. Florida State

Featured players: Darrell Jackson Jr., DL (14), Florida State (6-5, 334)

A two-time transfer, Jackson started at Maryland, appearing in all 13 games as a freshman, and started all 12 games at Miami in 2022. He was cleared to play in the postseason, although his job description is very limited because the NCAA denied him a transfer waiver before the season. Jackson has the size and strength to play five techniques at the NFL level, and few players have his skill set. Even though he hasn’t played much college football, he will likely be drafted high. The NIL may be the reason he stays here and builds a body of work, but if he plays lights out against Georgia, he’ll have to make a decision because the pros will be calling. He’s a fun guy to watch. He’s an exceptional run player, but he’s also very raw as a pass rusher, a skill that can definitely be developed with NFL coaching.

Jan. 1 — LilliaQuest Bowl: Wisconsin vs. LSU

Featured players: Marson Smith, DT (0), LSU (6-6, 315)

Both rosters will attract a lot of NFL attention, but one player with significant upside who will need to increase his workload is Smith. He hasn’t decided whether he will return or enter the draft, but he has all the five-technique and physical tools needed at the next level as a defensive tackle. He’s just so raw and unsophisticated. As a redshirt sophomore, his development showed more potential than production. Unfortunately, he played in just nine games as a true freshman, tore his ACL in the first quarter of the 2022 season opener, and was suspended for the season opener due to nagging injuries. I have suffered from Because of this, his stamina and strength are inconsistent. If he actually comes out, as many scouts predict, the big bowl game will put extra money in his pocket.

January 1 — Rose Bowl (CFP Semifinals): Alabama vs. Michigan

Featured players: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB (1), Alabama (6-1, 195)

The former No. 1 cornerback recruit in the nation has been with the team for three years and is expected to enter the draft. At Bama, he was replaced by a first-round pick, Pat Surtain II, who was a top-10 pick by Denver. McKinstry is returning from a concussion but is scheduled to play against Michigan. He has the length and straight line speed to play press techniques and is also getting reps in bail techniques. What NFL teams are still trying to figure out is whether he can play “off and pedal” and how he will play the run at the next level. Against Michigan, he should establish an advantage against a strong running game and get plenty of chances to make tackles. The good news for McKinstry is that no position group is more ready for the pros every year than Nick Saban’s defensive backs. Saban is the best I’ve ever come across when it comes to coaching DB techniques.

Featured players: JJ McCarthy, QB (9), Michigan State (6-3, 202)

The third-year college quarterback has not yet committed to returning or entering the draft. He doesn’t turn 21 until January 20th, so he can’t even legally order a beer. But the movie doesn’t lie. His skill set may challenge the best in this year’s QB class, perhaps even with Caleb. Williams. A highlight performance in the playoffs against a great college coach and Crimson Tide defense could change the landscape at the top of the NFL Draft. And yes, I’m talking about the top one. McCarthy has the size, athleticism and accurate arm to back up his 74.2 percent completion rate with career marks of 46 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this year. Even if his intangibles check out, and I have no reason to think they won’t, his ability to take the ball out of the pocket and run with it will convince NFL decision makers that he’s a legitimate franchise player. It will give you some serious consideration as to whether or not he’s a QB. He’s only been out of high school for three years, so many in NFL circles haven’t studied his film yet. The offense is basic, but aggressive exposure on national television during college playoff games will send GMs and offensive coaches into the film room. The drop dead date declared by underclassmen is January 15th.

Jan. 1 — Allstate Sugar Bowl (CFP Semifinals): Washington vs. Texas

Players to watch: Roman Odunze (1) (6-3, 215), Jalyn Polk (2) (6-2, 204), Jalen McMillan (11) (6-1, 192), WR, Washington

I’m focusing on all three Huskies receivers. They might just be the most talented, NFL-like receiver corps in the country (I know LSU might prefer that term). What I like most is that they are soccer players and not divas. Odunze has received most of the media attention and rightly so. Although he is big, he has good speed and body control, allowing him to run a perfect route tree and get out of tight coverage.he can catch outside his box and When he is covered. This is just…we’ve got you covered at the NFL level. He also has a willingness to block in the run game and plays with a physicality that is rare for the position. Some may be surprised to learn that he is competing with Marvin Harrison Jr. in many NFL teams’ draft rooms as the top wideout in his class. A playoff game against a top-tier opponent would be a very good way to separate them.

Polk, a junior who has yet to declare, is another route runner with an NFL slot. He has the size to work the inside zone and plays with a high football IQ.

McMillan is a senior with one year of eligibility remaining and I expect him to return in 2024. He battled injuries in the second half of the season, and 2024 was a year in which he was “that guy.” That may be just what the doctor ordered for his career.

This Washington team is loaded with NFL prospects and will be fun to play against top teams in the College Football Playoff.

(Photo by Roma Odunze, JJ McCarthy, Marson Smith: Jesse Beals, Michael Hickey, Ken Murray/Getty Images)

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