The Ragin-Cajuns have a bit of a home-field advantage in the “R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl”, but don’t match-up the same way talent-wise in this one. Both teams feature some solid talent as well as some fringe NFL guys.
The unique aspect is both teams each have a prospect that once was considered a fringe first round talent, with both having disappointing seasons, but will have one last shot to prove their abilities in-game.
1. Ladarius Green, TE, Louisiana-Lafayette
One of the better tight ends athletically in this draft, Green is the primary receiver for this ULL offense. However, this year, he’s struggled to be consistent as a do-it-all receiver from the tight end position like I expected. Still, he’ll need to show in the chances that he has left that he can be a starting tight end like he has the size and talent to be, and this will be one of his final showings.
2. Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego State
At one point, Lindley was a trendy non-BCS quarterback that teams were very interesting in following. He’s got a live arm, gets the ball down the field in a hurry, and has shown some gunslinger ability in the past. However, this year, he hasn’t been able to consistently and accurately make NFL throws, and he’s been reduced to a likely later round running back selection, especially with few teams needing a quarterback in this draft.
3. Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State (RS Soph)
While I wouldn’t advise Hillman to declare early for the draft (mostly because of the depth already in the junior running back class), with his production, speed, and carry total, it’s likely he’ll consider it. A quicker, inside running explosive back, Hillman has an NFL future. And if he can improve his vision as a runner, he could be a Top 3 rounder in the future.
4. Dwight Bentley, CB, Louisiana-Lafayette
A fairly fluid, quick cornerback who has a knack for getting to the ball and timing the pass in air well, Bentley has a chance as a potential late rounder at cornerback. Bentley struggles to stay tight with bigger receivers and lacks great tackling ability, but he still has NFL skills and could get a shot.
5. Miles Burris, OLB, San Diego State
A fairly athletic linebacker who can rush inside and out, Burris could make a roster as a UDFA for his versatility as a linebacker and a special teamer. A big game in this one could get him some much needed attention, as this will likely be his last showing until the San Diego State Pro Day in March sometime.
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