Saturday Blitz
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
17 of 25
Next
Nov 5, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Music City Bowl (Dec. 30, 3:30 pm ET on ESPN): Nebraska vs Tennessee

Nebraska Cornhuskers: Nathan Gerry, S

It has been an emotional season for the Nebraska Cornhuskers after the loss of Sam Foltz, but the team was able to work their way to a bowl game. Safety Nathan Gerry has been one of the key contributors to the defense, and that could help him find a home at the next level.

Gerry isn’t the fastest or most physically gifted defensive back, but he does have nice size at 6’2” and 220 pounds. He was a productive player this season and showcased some solid ball skills with four interceptions and eight passes broken up. If scouts can overlook his physical limitations, Gerry could be a Day 3 draft pick.

Tennessee Volunteers: Derek Barnett, EDGE

As far as NFL prospects go, there have been few guys who have jumped out on tape this season as much as Tennessee’s Derek Barnett. He’s been a dominant leader for the Volunteers defense, racking up 18 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and 12 quarterback hurries.

At 6’3” and 265 pounds, Barnett looks like a dominant NFL edge rusher. Not only is he capable of exploding off of the snap to get to the quarterback, but he also has great gap discipline and the strength to shed blockers to make plays against the run. While Tennessee fell off later in the season, Barnett should still be a potential top-10 pick in April.

Other players to watch: RB Alvin Kamara, LB Jalen-Reeves Maybin

Home/NFL Draft