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Best 2017 NFL Draft prospects from biggest Bowl Games

By Tyler Brooke

Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks off the field after a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Clemson Tigers won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks off the field after a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Clemson Tigers won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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As we head into bowl season, here are the players who NFL scouts will be paying the most attention to in every game.

The college football season is winding down, but before it’s over, we still have a ton of bowl games to watch. Meanwhile, NFL scouts around the country will be traveling to watch NFL draft prospects in each of these contests.

A number of players, including LSU star running back Leonard Fournette and Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson, have already declared for the NFL draft. There will be plenty of NFL-caliber talent to keep an eye on, so here are the most talented draft prospects to keep an eye on in the biggest bowl games.

Nov 5, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) runs the ball against the Hawaii Warriors during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) runs the ball against the Hawaii Warriors during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Bowl (Dec. 17, 3:30 pm ET on ABC): Houston vs San Diego State

Houston Cougars: Greg Ward Jr., QB

This year’s class of quarterbacks is less than stellar, and there’s a good chance that Greg Ward Jr.’s best chance of playing in the NFL is at another position. Ward is undersized for an NFL QB at 5’11” and 185 pounds, but he has the speed and elusiveness to potentially play WR at the next level if he’s willing to make the switch like Braxton Miller did.

Be sure to also keep an eye out for true freshman defensive lineman Ed Oliver, who could be an early first-round pick in a couple of years.

San Diego State Aztecs: Donnel Pumphrey, RB

Prior to bowl season, only two running backs in the FBS have run for over 2,000 yards. One of those is San Diego State running back Donnel Pumphrey.

Pumphrey isn’t getting the attention that guys like Leonard Fournette or Dalvin Cook are as NFL draft prospects, but the Aztecs star could have a bright future. He’s not going to be a workhorse back at 5’9” and 180 pounds, but his speed and ability to break off big plays in space will make plenty of teams in the middle rounds consider picking him up to be their third-down back.

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