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
9 of 25
Next
Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) carries the ball during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) carries the ball during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

Pinstripe Bowl (Dec. 28, 2 pm ET on ESPN): Pittsburgh vs Northwestern

Pittsburgh Panthers: James Conner, RB

There might not be a more fascinating running back prospect than Pittsburgh’s James Conner. After tearing his MCL and battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Conner returned this season to help the Panthers return to a bowl game behind his 1,060 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground.

It was pretty clear that Conner wasn’t the same player this season, but his powerful running style and 6’2”, 235-pound frame allowed him to run over defenders all year. He might benefit from another year of college ball, but scouts will love his leadership and mentality if he does decide to head for the NFL in April.

Northwestern Wildcats: Anthony Walker Jr., LB

It has been an up and down season for Northwestern, but on the bright side they have a player who has a legitimate chance of being drafted in the first few rounds of the NFL draft in linebacker Anthony Walker Jr..

Walker has been all over the field this season with 10 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and an interception. He’s an aggressive linebacker with solid size at 6’1” and 245 pounds, but he needs to improve on his technique and awareness before he’s ready to become an NFL starting linebacker. Still, there’s a lot of upside in Walker’s game that’ll make him an appealing prospect.

Home/NFL Draft