With three games today, highlighted by the Alamo Bowl, here’s a look at some players to watch.
Wednesday NFL Draft watch notes
Military Bowl - East Carolina vs. Maryland 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Maryland junior wide receiver Torrey Smith has already made his intentions known that he'll enter the NFL Draft. Terrapins free safety Kenny Tate may do the same after tonight. In a weak safety class, the playmaking Tate could go in the second round.
Another Terrapin to watch is middle linebacker Alex Wujciak. He's a stat-stuffing linebacker that could provide solid depth in the NFL.
Some are getting high on East Carolina wide receiver Dwayne Harris. The senior enters today's game with 93 receptions for 1,055 yards and 10 touchdowns. He fits the mold of a good depth receiver with decent size at 6-foot and 205 pounds.
Texas Bowl - Illinois vs. Baylor - 6 p.m. (ESPN)
The Texas Bowl features two solid, but very different, defensive tackles. For Baylor,
is one of the few natural nose tackles in the 2011 draft. Effort and weight issues will concern some teams, but a team filling needs could pick him in third round. Illinois’
is a gap-shooting tackle who should probably return for his senior season.
One junior that may come out for Illinois is middle linebacker
. He’s been healthy all year and has shown he can make plays against the run and the pass. Past health concerns may force him to jump to the draft early.
Baylor offensive tackle
has developed into one of the better senior offensive linemen this season. He’s surprisingly good on the move and projects as a left tackle.
Alamo Bowl - Oklahoma State vs. Arizona - 9:15 p.m. (ESPN)
The scouting emphasis in this bowl is on underclassmen wide receivers
(Oklahoma State) and
(Arizona). There has bee speculation that both will enter the draft. Blackmon is having a sensational season, but isn’t quite as good as former Cowboy Dez Bryant. Criner is a big target and a security blanket for quarterback
.
Foles said earlier this month that he’ll be back for his senior season. Of course if
and
decide to return as well, he could change his mind.
Oklahoma State’s
has had a productive season season with 1,516 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns. He’s a good option as a late-round rotation running back.
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