Best 2017 NFL Draft prospects from biggest Bowl Games
By Tyler Brooke
Alamo Bowl (Dec. 29, 9 pm ET on ESPN): Oklahoma State vs Colorado
Oklahoma State Cowboys: James Washington, WR
The Oklahoma State Cowboys have a handful of weapons on offense this year, but wide receiver James Washington has been arguably the most exciting. He’s been a big-play threat all year, picking up 1,209 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
Washington is a serious vertical threat and does a great job of attacking 50-50 balls. He has solid size for an outside receiver at 6’1” and 205 pounds, although he’ll need to work on his footwork and cleaner routes if he wants to become a more complete all-around receiver.
Other players to watch: QB Mason Rudolph
Colorado Buffaloes: Chidobe Awuzie, CB
Washington will have his hands full in the Alamo Bowl if Colorado decides to put cornerback Chidobe Awuzie on him. The Buffaloes DB only has one interception this year, but he also has 11 passes broken up and has made life difficult for opposing receivers and quarterbacks.
Awuzie’s best quality is his ability to perfect time blitzes and create problems in the backfield. In coverage, he does a great job of reading the QB’s eyes and jumping routes, although his reliance on reading the QB can lead to him getting burned deep from time to time. Still, Awuzie is extremely disruptive and could play a major factor in this game.
Other players to watch: S Tedric Thompson