It’s your last chance to get a glimpse of draft-eligible players in action on a college field.
MORE: NFL Draft watch: Unheralded players shine early
With 40 bowl games this season, there are plenty of opportunities to key in on players that can use this last game to boost their draft status.
We’ve highlighted some of the noteworthy players you should keep an eye on in each bowl.
These reports and final evaluations come from Optimum Scouting’s scouting staff: Eric Galko (Director), Dan Matney, Christian Page, Filip Prus, Ben Natan, Parker Henry, and Ryan Cushman.
Boca Raton Bowl: Akron vs. Florida Atlantic
Austin Wolf, WR, Akron
John Franklin, ATH, Florida Atlantic Franklin offers elite speed and open-field ability but hasn’t done much to prove he’s a true NFL running back or receiver. He’s more an athlete than receiver or running back, and didn’t earn substantial playing time until later this senior season. He showed his top-end speed as a wildcat/gadget player.
Frisco Bowl: Louisiana Tech vs. SMU
Trey Quinn, WR, SMU (JR) Evan Brown, C, SMU Mason Gentry, DT, SMU Justin Lawler, DE, SMU
Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU (JR) Sutton’s fluid movements, remarkable body control and finishing ability remind of AJ Green. He’s dominant in one-on-one and red zone opportunities, but his late-breaking route definition and hand placement as a pass-catcher needs work.
Secdrick Cooper, S, Louisiana Tech Joshua Outlaw, OT, Louisiana Tech
Gasparilla Bowl: Temple vs. Florida International
Treyvon Williams, OLB, FIU
Thomas Owens, WR, FIU Owens is a consistent hands-catcher and does a good job of adjusting his body to low throws and get his hands under the football. Ultimately, Owens is a complete receiver, with a perfect blend of power and quickness and grades out as a fringe NFL starter.
Delvon Randall, S, Temple (JR) Nick Sharga, FB, Temple Keith Kirkwood, WR, Temple Mike Jones, CB, Temple Sean Chandler, S, Temple
Bahamas Bowl: UAB vs. Ohio
Darious Williams, CB, UAB
Teko Powell, DT, UAB Powell has great size and the majority of his bulk is distributed in his quads and base. Powell is an extremely strong player who has good athleticism and lateral movement ability, and he combines these two traits to stack and shed players at the line of scrimmage with ease.
Bradd Ellis, CB, Ohio Jake Pruehs, C, Ohio Quentin Poling, LB, Ohio
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Wyoming
Ryan Cummings, OT, Wyoming
Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming (JR) Allen has special arm talent, and his flashes of downfield throws that excite NFL decision makers, but is a far less refined prospect with more glaring holes as a passer.
Tyler Conklin, TE, Central Michigan Joe Ostman, OLB, Central Michigan Amari Coleman, CB, Central Michigan Josh Cox, S, Central Michigan
Birmingham Bowl: Texas Tech vs. South Florida
Nik Shimonek, QB, Texas Tech Dakota Allen, OLB, Texas Tech (JR)
Keke Coutee, WR, Texas Tech (JR) Coutee possesses adequate size with outstanding foot speed with a second gear to run away from defenders in the open field. Coutee shows good ability to adjust his body to balls thrown behind him and demonstrates good leaping ability and kinesthetic sense.
Deadrin Senat, DT, South Florida Auggie Sanchez, LB, South Florida Deatrick Nichols, CB, South Florida
Armed Forces Bowl: San Diego State vs. Army
Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
Kameron Kelly, CB, San Diego State Kelly offers tremendous upside at both safety and cornerback, both of which he has experience playing. Kelly flips his hips naturally without losing receiver or ball contact. He has some tackling inconsistencies and needs to be more physical in protecting against interior routes.
Brett Toth, OT, Army
Dollar General Bowl: Appalachian State vs. Toledo
Cody Thompson, WR, Toledo Ola Adeniyi, OLB, Toledo (JR)
Logan Woodside, QB, Toledo Woodside has a slight frame and limited strength across his body, which inhibits his ability to work through contact in the pocket. His arm talent lacks downfield finishing ability to maximize his underneath efficiency and ball placement.
Jalin Moore, RB, Appalachian State (JR) Colby Gossett, G, Appalachian State Antonius Sims, DE, Appalachian State A.J. Howard, S, Appalachian State
Hawaii Bowl: Fresno State vs. Houston
Steven Dunbar, WR, Houston Linell Bonner, WR, Houston Na’Ty Rodgers, OT, Houston D’Juan Hines, OLB, Houston
Terrell Williams, S, Houston Williams has the body type of an NFL free safety, with 6-3, 200-plus-pound measurables and a frame to add weight. He has the athleticism and quick reactions to be a force in the NFL in the mid-field and in the run game.
Aaron Mitchell, G, Fresno State Malik Forrester, DT, Fresno State
Heart of Dallas Bowl: Utah vs. West Virginia
Justin Crawford, RB, West Virginia David Sills, WR, West Virginia (JR) Ka’Raun White, WR, West Virginia Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia (JR)
Kyzir White, S, West Virginia White is built like a prototype box safety with outstanding length and size with ripped forearms. White is an explosive, coordinated athlete with great lateral control and center of gravity. White relies on physicality and long arms to stifle routes before they are allowed to develop.
Lowell Lotulelei, DT, Utah Darren Carrington, WR, Utah Harrison Handley, TE, Utah
BOWLS: Rankings | Picks
Quick Lane Bowl: Duke vs. Northern Illinois
Mike Ramsay, DE, Duke Bryon Fields, S, Duke
Gabe Brandner, OT, Duke Brandner is the most experienced player on Duke’s offensive line, with over 30 starts to his name. He has great technique in pass blocking and has attitude as a run blocker, though his lack of size hurts him against power rushers.
Shawun Lurry, CB, Northern Illinois
Cactus Bowl: Kansas State vs. UCLA
Scott Quessenberry, C, UCLA Kenny Young, OLB, UCLA Jaleel Wadood, S, UCLA
Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA (JR) Rosen understands how to maneuver within the pocket, often stepping up and sliding with two hands on the ball to avoid pressure ready to fire. Rosen has terrific placement and accuracy to all parts of the field and also makes throws with touch and anticipation.
Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State (JR) Will Geary, DT, Kansas State
Independence Bowl: FSU vs. Southern Miss
Ito Smith, RB, Southern Miss
Xavier Thigpen, DE, Southern Miss Thigpen relies on his size and athleticism and lacks a plan when attacking from the edge. Thigpen has a long way to go to develop the nuances and technique for playing as an edge rusher, but there are a ton of physical tools there for teams to fall in love.
Auden Tate, WR, FSU (JR) Ryan Izzo, TE, FSU (JR) Derrick Nnadi, DT, FSU Matthew Thomas, LB, FSU Jacob Pugh, LB, FSU
Pinstripe Bowl: Iowa vs. Boston College
Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa Sean Welsh, C, Iowa Nathan Bazata, DT, Iowa Josey Jewell, LB, Iowa Bo Bower, LB, Iowa
Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa (JR) Jackson is not only a stout tackler with plus length and physicality, he has outstanding instincts, anticipation, and ball skills that give him a first-round grade if he enters the 2018 NFL Draft.
Harold Landry, DE, Boston College Marcell Lazard, OT, Boston College Zach Allen, DE, Boston College (JR) Ty Schwab, OLB, Boston College Kamrin Moore, CB, Boston College Isaac Yiadom, CB, Boston College
Foster Farms Bowl: Arizona vs. Purdue
Jacob Alsadek, G, Arizona Gerhard De Beer, OT, Arizona
Dane Cruikshank, CB, Arizona Cruikshank boasts great length and ball skills for the position. He attacks the ball with the mindset of a receiver, though his feel for the receiver and ability to stay tight on the inside needs improvement
JaWhaun Bentley, LB, Purdue Gelen Robinson, DT, Purdue TJ.. McCollum, LB, Purdue
Texas Bowl: Texas vs. Missouri
Poona Ford, DT, Texas Malik Jefferson, OLB, Texas Naashon Hughes, OLB, Texas Holton Hill, CB, Texas (JR) P.J. Locke III, CB, Texas (JR) Jason Hall, CB, Texas DeShon Elliott, S, Texas (JR)
Connor Williams, OT, Texas (JR) Williams is a coordinated athlete who showcases outstanding agility and lateral quickness, while winning in pass protection with hand strength by extending long arms. Connor Williams compares in body type and style of play to Jake Matthews.
Marcell Frazier, DE, Missouri Ish Witter, RB, Missouri J’Mon More, WR, Missouri Terry Beckner, DT, Missouri (JR) Eric Beisel, LB, Missouri
Military Bowl: Virginia vs. Navy
Kurt Benkert, QB, Virginia Micah Kiser, LB, Virginia Quin Blanding, S, Virginia
Andrew Brown, DT, Virginia Brown is a versatile defensive lineman with an ability to read blocks and control his gap, regardless of alignment. When working to engage, Brown does an excellent job getting his hands in and vying for positioning.
D.J. Palmore, OLB, Navy
Camping World Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Oklahoma State
James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State Zachary Crabtree, OT, Oklahoma State Aaron Cochran, OT, Oklahoma State (JR) Tralund Webber, DE, Oklahoma State Tre Flowers, S, Oklahoma State Ramon Richards, S, Oklahoma State
Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State Rudolph exhibits good footwork and is extremely consistent when delivering a strike. He has outstanding pocket awareness and can maneuver to buy time in the pocket. He’s a natural thrower with a quick release and good arm strength.
Brandon Facyson, CB, Virginia Tech Cam Phillips, WR, Virginia Tech Wyatt Teller, G, Virginia Tech Eric Gallo, C, Virginia Tech Yosuah Nijman, OT, Virginia Tech (JR) Andrew Motuapuaka, LB, Virginia Tech Tremaine Edmunds, ILB, Virginia Tech (JR) Greg Stroman, CB, Virginia Tech Adonis Alexander, CB, Virginia Tech (JR)
Alamo Bowl: Stanford vs. TCU
David Bright, OT, Stanford Casey Tucker, G, Stanford Jesse Burkett, C, Stanford Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford Peter Kalambayi, OLB, Stanford Quenton Meeks, CB, Stanford (JR) Justin Reid, S, Stanford (JR)
Bryce Love, RB, Stanford (JR) Love plays with good patience and vision, bursting through holes after allowing them to develop. He has good flexibility in his hips and ankles, allowing him to make hard, fluid cuts.
John Diarse, WR, TCU Kyle Hicks, RB, TCU Joseph Noteboom, OT, TCU Matt Pryor, G, TCU Mat Boesen, DE, TCU Travin Howard, OLB, TCU
Holiday Bowl: Washington State vs. Michigan State
Jamal Morrow, RB, Washington State Cody O’Connell, G, Washington State Cole Madison, OT, Washington State Garrett McBroom, DT, Washington State Hercules Mata’afa, DT, Washington State (JR)
Luke Falk, QB, Washington State The Pac-12’s all-time passing leader, Falk has the ideal size for a pocket passing quarterback. He plays with great footwork and can side step and slide up in pocket to find open throwing lanes. Falk is mentally tough but makes bad decisions when pressing and under pressure.
Brian Allen, C, Michigan State Demetrius Cooper, DT, Michigan State Chris Frey, OLB, Michigan State
MORE: College football bowl matchups: Stats, advice
Belk Bowl: Wake Forest vs. Texas A&M
Damion Ratley, WR, Texas A&M Zaycoven Henderson, DT, Texas A&M Kingsley Keke, DT, Texas A&M (JR) Priest Willis, CB, Texas A&M Armani Watts, S, Texas A&M
Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M (JR) Kirk has elite-level acceleration, and has the build to not only play strictly as a slot receiver but also to match the boundary corners. Kirk is a polished route-runner with disciplined feet and elite quickness to break away from his matchup on any given play.
Duke Ejiofor, DE, Wake Forest John Wolford, QB, Wake Forest Cam Serigne, TE, Wake Forest
Sun Bowl: N.C. State vs. Arizona State
Nyheim Hines, RB, N.C. State (JR) Jaylen Samuels, FB, N.C. State Tony Adams, G, N.C. State Will Richardson, OT, N.C. State (JR) B.J. Hill, DT, N.C. State Justin Jones, DT, N.C. State Kentavius Street, DE, N.C. State Johnathan Alston, CB, N.C. State
Bradley Chubb, DE, N.C. State Chubb has developed the nuances of his pass rushes, utilizing outstanding inside rip moves and bending with plus shoulder strength and alignment. He consistently wins with his hand placement and leverage, timing his adjustment as a pass rusher.
Kalen Ballage, RB, Arizona State AJ McCollum, G, Arizona State Tashon Smallwood, DT, Arizona State Koron Crump, OLB, Arizona State
Music City Bowl: Kentucky vs. Northwestern
Kyle Meadows, OT, Kentucky Nick Haynes, OT, Kentucky
Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky (JR) A long pass-rushing outside linebacker, Allen leads the team with seven sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. He uses his 6-5 frame to keep extension and blockers off his chest. His strength at the point of attack is lacking, but that’s not his playing style.
Justin Jackson, RB, Northwestern Clayton Thorson, QB, Northwestern (JR) Tyler Lancaster, DT, Northwestern Godwin Igwebuike, S, Northwestern Kyle Queiro, S, Northwestern
Arizona Bowl: Utah State vs. New Mexico State
Jaleel Scott, WR, New Mexico State Scott is a smooth athlete with plenty of lateral and vertical speed. Scott shows off strong hands in traffic and has a casual approach to catching the ball, showing plenty of natural pass-catching ability.
Preston Brooksby, OT, Utah State
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: USC vs. Ohio State
Ronald Jones, RB, USC (JR) Deontay Burnett, WR, USC (JR) Uchenna Nwosu, OLB, USC Chris Hawkins, S, USC Iman Marshall, CB, USC (JR)
Sam Darnold, QB, USC (JR) Darnold remains, for most NFL teams, the top quarterback prospect for the 2018 or 2019 NFL Draft. While his winding release, inconsistent decision-making and need for substantially improved footwork are concerns, his cerebral upside, flashes of pocket navigation, and ideal poise and passing confidence still has NFL teams bullish on his projection.
J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State Marcus Baugh, TE, Ohio State Jamarco Jones, OT, Ohio State Billy Price, C, Ohio State Dre’Mont Jones, Ohio State (JR) Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State (JR) Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State Jerome Baker, OLB, Ohio State (JR) Damon Webb, S, Ohio State
Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State (JR) Ward is another in a long line of Ohio State cornerbacks with elite athletic upside and is ready to contribute immediately in the NFL. He consistently stays low in his backpedal and as he turns and runs, staying physical with receives and finishing at the catch point.
TaxSlayer Bowl: Louisville vs. Mississippi State
Trevon Young, DE, Louisville James Hearns, OLB, Louisville Trumaine Washington, CB, Louisville Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville (JR)
Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville (JR) Jackson is a dynamic athlete who has the long speed to outrun defenses and agility to juke out defenders. Mechanical issues have made his downfield passing erratic, but he does a great job pre-snap and in the intermediate game. He’ll need to add weight in the NFL, but does a good job maneuvering the pocket and avoiding big hits.
Martinas Rankin, OT, Mississippi State Donald Gray, WR, Mississippi State Jordan Thomas, TE, Mississippi State
Liberty Bowl: Iowa State vs. Memphis
Riley Ferguson, QB, Memphis Genard Avery, OLB, Memphis Jonathan Cook, CB, Memphis
Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis Miller might not have outstanding traits, but is as polished a receiver as there is in college football. He’s a savvy route-runner with soft hands and the toughness to make catches all over the field.
Allen Lazard, WR, Iowa State Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State (JR) Jake Campos, OT, Iowa State Joel Lanning, ILB, Iowa State
Fiesta Bowl: Washington vs. Penn State
Lavon Coleman, RB, Washington Dante Pettis, WR, Washington Azeem Victor, ILB, Washington Keishawn Bierria, LB, Washington
Vita Vea, DT, Washington (JR) Vea has a special blend of size and athleticism with a trimmed up and hulking body for a player of his size (6-5, 340 pounds). Vea shows good strength to drive and create pressure while also showcasing a nice spin move. He plays his position well and can fit in different schemes.
Juwan Johnson, WR, Penn State (JR) DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State Curtis Cothran, DT, Penn State Jason Cabinda, ILB, Penn State Christian Campbell, CB, Penn State Marcus Allen, S, Penn State
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State (JR) A dynamic, versatile running back whose production dropped in large part thanks to offensive line struggles. Barkley is on the same level as Todd Gurley, Ezekiel Elliott, and Leonard Fournette as a draft prospect.
Capital One Orange Bowl: Miami vs. Wisconsin
Braxton Berrios, WR, Miami Dee Delaney, CB, Miami
Chad Thomas, DE, Miami Thomas is a massive player with long arms and obvious strength, but is not an elite athlete from a movement perspective. He has physical power and is a difference-maker against the run who can push the pocket on passing downs.
Michael Deiter, OT, Wisconsin (JR) Conor Sheehy, DT, Wisconsin Derrick Tindal, CB, Wisconsin
Troy Fumagalli, TE, Wisconsin Fumagali has the frame of an NFL tight end at 6-6 and 250 pounds. Fumagali can start right away: He’s a good receiver when using his frame, speed and hands and can stay in on blocking downs and help the run game.
Outback Bowl: Michigan vs. South Carolina
Mason Cole, OT, Michigan Chase Winovich, DE, Michigan (JR) Mike McCray, OLB, Michigan
Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan Hurst is one of the most powerful players in this draft class. He plays 3-technique and has the ideal size and bulk to play there at the next level, although he has the skills to kick in or out a technique if needed.
Skai Moore, OLB, South Carolina Cory Helms, G, South Carolina Alan Knott, G, South Carolina Taylor Stallworth, DT, South Carolina Jamarcus King, CB, South Carolina
Peach Bowl: Auburn vs. UCF
Jordan Akins, WR, UCF Jamiyus Pittman, DT, UCF
Shaquem Griffin, ILB, UCF Griffin lost his left hand at the age of 4 due to a pre-birth condition, yet was named AAC Defensive player of the Year in 2016. He thrives in space when he can diagnose plays. His size may mean he should move full time to an off-ball role as a weak side linebacker.
Braden Smith, G, Auburn Austin Golson, OT, Auburn Tre’ Williams, OLB, Auburn Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn (JR) Tray Matthews, S, Auburn
Citrus Bowl: Notre Dame vs. LSU
Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame (JR) Jay Hayes, DE, Notre Dame (JR) Drue Tranquill, OLB, Notre Dame
Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame Nelson moved from tackle to guard this season and is thriving. Nelson has clean technique, is a solid athlete and has incredible strength and attitude on the field. He is a good pass protector and even better run-blocker. He’s as safe as a prospect as there is in this draft.
DJ Chark, WR, LSU Greg Gilmore, DT, LSU Christian LaCouture, DE, LSU Arden Key, DE, LSU (JR) Donnie Alexander, ILB, LSU Donte Jackson, CB, LSU (JR) Kevin Toliver II, CB, LSU (JR)
Derrius Guice, RB, LSU (JR) Guice has elite body control as he maintains his balance and speed through contact and cutting. He has an impeccable ability of creating his own space and planting his foot in the ground and exploding upfield.
Rose Bowl (College Football Playoff): Georgia vs. Oklahoma
Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia Sony Michel, RB, Georgia Javon Sims, WR, Georgia Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia John Atkins, DT, Georgia Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia Davin Bellamy, OLB, Georgia Aaron Davis, CB, Georgia
Roquan Smith, ILB, Georgia (JR) Smith is a big factor against the run, quickly diagnosing and bursting out of his stance to track the ball carrier. His long speed could be in question, but he still shows enough lateral quickness out of his breaks to hunt down the ball carrier.
Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma (JR) Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma (JR) Dimitri Flowers, FB, Oklahoma Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, OLB, Oklahoma Emmanuel Beal, OLB, Oklahoma Steven Parker, S, Oklahoma
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma Mayfield can create in chaos when leaving the pocket. He has a lightning release and throws consistent catchable spiral. He also does a good job of using his feet and adjusting his release point to create throwing lanes and limit batted passes.
Sugar Bowl (College Football Playoff): Alabama vs. Clemson
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama (JR) Bradley Bozeman, C, Alabama Da’Shawn Hand, DE, Alabama Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama (JR) Rashaan Evans, OLB, Alabama Anthony Averett, CB, Alabama Tony Brown, CB, Alabama Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama (JR)
Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama (JR) Fitzpatrick is highly effective in several alignments. He is an elite athlete with smooth change of direction skills. Fitzpatrick is used as a nickelback in the Tide’s defense while also seeing time a strong and free safety.
Deon Cain, WR, Clemson (JR) Mitch Hyatt, OT, Clemson (JR) Tyrone Crowder, G, Clemson Clelin Ferrell, DT, Clemson (JR) Austin Bryant, DE, Clemson (JR) Ryan Carter, CB, Clemson
Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson (JR) Wilkins is a force on the defensive line: Despite his primary role as a defensive tackle, Wilkins has athletic flexibility to play all over the defensive line. He does a great job pushing the pocket for his teammates and is already a high-impact run-defender who can affect passing downs.
