The Russell Athletic Bowl features two of the most explosive offenses in the country. North Carolina has flourished under Larry Fedora’s up-tempo spread offense and Baylor has a wealth of talent on offense despite suffering through numerous injuries at quarterback.
Here’s a glimpse at some of the top draft eligible prospects on both teams.
By: Charles McDonald
Baylor
Corey Coleman, WR, #1 (JR)
Through the first eight games of the season, Corey Coleman racked up an absurd 20 touchdowns. His production fell off as Baylor’s first, second, and third string quarterbacks got injured, but Coleman is still a dangerous playmaker. With his freakish athletic ability and knack for the endzone, he’s a late first/early second round prospect.
Shawn Oakman, DE, #2
Oakman is one of the most polarizing prospects in the entire draft. His size (6’8”, 276) is eye popping, but his play on the field can be ugly at times. Despite being 24 years old, he’s still an extremely raw prospect. He projects better to five technique than a prototypical defensive end and he’s going to need to put some weight on to fulfill that role. Right now Oakman looks like developmental Day 3 prospect.
Andrew Billings, DT, #75
One of the premier nose tackle prospects in the draft, Billings has shut down the A-gaps all season long for Baylor. His tape this season wasn’t as good as last season, but he still put forth enough good football to convince NFL teams that he can be the anchor for three man fronts and 4-3 teams that heavily utilize the “Under” front. For a video breakdown of the first half of Billings’ game against Kansas, click here. Billings hasn’t officially declared yet, but he looks like a fringe first round prospect at this point.
Spencer Drango, OL, #58
Drango was a player that had a lot of hype coming into the season. He was listed among the top draft eligible offensive tackles with Laremy Tunsil, Ronnie Stanley, and Taylor Decker, but that may have been an overstatement. Drango is probably best suited for guard in the NFL. He isn’t the most physical player, but he moves well. He’d be a nice fit in a zone-blocking scheme moving forward. Drango is a fringe Day 2 prospect whose combine will be huge in regards to determining his draft stock.
North Carolina
Landon Turner, OG, #78
Landon Turner is an excellent offensive line prospect. Turner has excelled in Larry Fedora’s system acting as a steamroller for quarterback Marquise Williams and running back Elijah Hood. Turner isn’t the greatest athlete, but he’s technically sound, plays with great leverage, and possesses the tenacity necessary to thrive in the NFL. Turner looks like an early second round prospect with the ability to sneak into the end of the first round.
Quinshad Davis, WR, #14
Davis started off his career at UNC well enough that he looked like a future star at wide receiver. He didn’t quite fit Larry Fedora’s offensive system and his production dropped over his career. Davis is an intriguing prospect; he projects to be a much better pro than collegiate player. He has good size (6’3”, 220) and an element of nuance to his game. Davis could be a gem found on the third day of the draft.
Marquise Williams, QB, #12
If this game took place a year ago, Marquise Williams wouldn’t be on this list. He’s improved tremendously from last season. Williams has had size and above average athleticism, but his work as a passer needed serious work. He’s improved his ball placement, timing, and accuracy to a degree where a team might spend a late round flyer on him. Williams is an intriguing developmental prospect heading into the NFL.
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