As New Year’s Day approaches, so do the best football matchups of the season. The Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl promises an intriguing matchup between the Missouri Tigers from the SEC and the Big Ten’s own Minnesota Gophers. The Tigers enter the game with an impressive 10-3 record, and Minnesota also had a good season at 8-4.
Not only should the game be entertaining, but there are some high-quality NFL prospects that will have the chance to shine on a national stage. Let’s see who they are.
By: Ian Wharton
Minnesota
Maxx Williams, TE, #88
The redshirt sophomore recently declared intentions to enter the 2015 NFL draft, and he projects as the top tight end of the class. At 6’4” and 250 pounds, Williams moves extremely well when running his routes. He’s big, strong and fast.
Williams has the ability to adjust to the ball very well as it approaches, and he’s made some highly impressive catches in tight space. This is a trait that is very valuable at the next level. Coming from a run-first offense, he is also a solid run blocker, showing good strength and hand placement. Williams could be taken as high as the first round with a good draft process.
David Cobb, RB, #27
Minnesota’s second star is David Cobb. Cobb is a compact running back with great vision and power. He’s able to keep the legs churning and find consistently gain positive yards. Cobb won’t be confused for a highly explosive back, but he is the type of player that any team could use in a running back by committee approach. Expect his name to be called before the middle of Day 3.
Eric Murray, CB #31
The Gophers’ stud cornerback has really impressed in his junior season, but he may not declare early. Still, Murray has good size and speed and a player to pay attention to as the Tigers look to pass often. As he continues to develop, I’d like to see Murray’s ability to locate the ball early and finish plays improve.
Cedric Thompson, S, #2
A versatile defensive back, Cedric Thompson has put himself into the discussion of being draftable for a team needing a valuable backup with special teams skills. Thompson is 5’11” and 210 pounds, so he has the size needed to line up at multiple positions and still be effective. He’s not a big impact player right now, but he’s a solid one.
Damien Wilson, MLB, #5
Minnesota’s man in the middle has had a rollercoaster season, with rough games against Ohio State and Wisconsin, but some good games against other conference foes. Wilson is a limited athlete that relies on instincts. When he doesn’t read the play correctly and get into position, he doesn’t have the athleticism to make up for the mistake.
Missouri
Shane Ray, DE, #56
The star of the game is Shane Ray, a talented edge rusher that has amassed impressive sack numbers this season. Ray relies on his quickness off the snap and relentless motor to be effective. When that doesn’t work, he often over-pursues plays and gets shoved around. That’s an issue with Ray, as is his inability to bend extremely well.
But he is extraordinarily quick off the snap and that works often. It would be surprising if Ray were not selected in the first round of the draft, should he declare.
Markus Golden, DE, #33
Missouri’s other defensive end has enjoyed a good season as well. Markus Golden is more of a power rusher that relies on energy and effort, so he’s not very dynamic. But he is a big body with the ability to play in sub packages. He projects as a late round draft pick.
Bud Sasser, WR, #21
Bud Sasser is a 6’2”, 215-pound raw receiver that fits the ideal measurements of an outside threat in the NFL. He doesn’t have a lot of experience running NFL routes, so he looks to be more of a project moving forward, but he has upside.
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