In a battle of the Big Ten vs. the MAC, it’s surprising that the MAC conference team has more NFL prospects, but that’s exactly the case in this match-up. A really up and down season for a struggling Purdue program, they’ve beat teams like Illinois and Ohio State, yet loss a game to very beatable game to Rice and nearly lost to Middle Tennessee State. They only finished with 5 wins against FBS opponents.
On the other hand, their opponent in the “Little Caesers Bowl”, Western Michigan, was undefeated at home, nearly beat Illinois and Toledo on the road, and won vs. UConn this season. In a match-up of two mid-northern teams, look for a battle of big plays and under-appreciated offenses.
1. Kawan Short, DT, Purdue (JR)
A massive nose tackle who has played with great leverage, keeping his hands out long in front, and knows how to position himself to the quarterback. If he declares, which I wouldn’t be shocked about, he’ll be a 3rd rounder.
2. Jordan White, WR, Western Michigan
White has the speed, quickness, developed routes, and versatility to play in the NFL, should be a Top 150 pick, and has been half of one of the best combinations in the country along with junior quarterback Alex Carder. Injured last year, came back nicely this season as one of the most productive receivers in FBS football, and should look to finish his career strong in this one.
3. Drew Nowak, DT, Western Michigan
Nowak isn’t as physically gifted as his game- DT counterpart Short, but as a 3-technique, he plays with very good balance and leverage and takes advantage of poor technique well. He’s been productive over his career and is respected throughout the MAC as a top notch defensive tackle.
4. Anthony Parker, OT/OG, Western Michigan
Parker doesn’t play well in space and struggles mightily on the move and in-space, especially in pass blocking. He will need to move inside at the next level, but has the size to at least get a look as a camp body in the NFL.
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