ESPN will feature a pair of bowl games this evening starting 4:30 PM with Purdue (6-6) facing off against Western Michigan (7-5) in the Little Caesars Bowl. That bowl will be followed by Louisville (7-5) taking on North Carolina State (7-5) in the Belk Bowl at 8PM. Both games feature NFL draft prospects to keep an eye on.
Western Michigan Draft Prospect
Jordan White, WR, 6'0, 214 lbs: White has had to overcome family tragedy and multiple injuries in his time as a Bronco, but has done so admirably. He's been the best Western Michigan receiver to come along since Greg Jennings, and has registered his second consecutive 1,000 yard season. This year alone he has over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns. He can improve his route running, but White is a very athletic, reliable wide receiver. He'll likely go in the 5th or 6th round of this April's draft and could be a good fit for the Redskins.
Purdue Draft Prospects
Unlike last year with Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue does not have much senior draft talent. Do keep an eye on the cornerback tandem of Ricardo Allen and Josh Johnson though, both of whom could be drafted in coming years.
Little Caesars Bowl Prediction: High scoring affair on the fast track in Detroit. Broncos win 31-23.
Louisville Draft Prospects
Charlie Strong has the Cardinals going in the right direction, but like Purdue there isn't much pro talent for this year's draft on the squad. Keep an eye on QB Teddy Bridgewater who could be a solid pro prospect in two years.
NC State Draft Prospects
T.J. Graham, WR, 5'11, 176lbs: Graham is one of the nations most underrated receivers in my opinion. He can stretch the field and make cornerbacks miss, look for him to climb on someone's draft board and go in the 7th round. He does need to develop more in other areas of his game and would benefit by building his body more for the NFL. So far this year he has put up 641 yards and 5 touchdowns for the Wolfpack.
Audie Cole, ILB, 6'4, 243lbs: Cole is another high motor middle linebacker who could entice some teams as early as the 3rd round. He's quick to read runs and has ample experience in pass coverage, he's going to be a really solid linebacker for whomever gets him. His tackling needs to improve a bit though, to be successful at the next level.
* Also keep an eye on NC State cornerback David Amerson. He'll be a first round draft pick in 2013 and is one of the nation's premier ballhawks.
Belk Bowl Prediction: Louisville 23, NC State 17