College football’s best matchup of the weekend is a late one at 9:45 p.m. ET. We’ll see the Cal Golden Bears take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders. This should be a high-scoring game with little defense played.
The 2024 NFL Draft is coming into focus as the bowl games begin. We’re looking at the top NFL prospects in the Independence Bowl. Will we see anyone drafted from this contest?
Independence Bowl NFL Prospect Preview
The Independence Bowl has a few prospects to watch, but the transfer portal has impacted this game. According to College Football Network’s bowl game opt-out tracker, 24 players are slated to miss this game. That includes Texas Tech prospects like WRs Jerand Bradley and Myles Price.
Texas Tech Red Raiders Prospects
Tahj Brooks, RB
We thought Tahj Brooks might enter the NFL after his breakout 2023 season, but the senior will use up his final year of eligibility to return to school. Brooks was in a rotation until this season when he exploded for 1,443 yards and nine touchdowns.
I graded Brooks as a Day 3 value entering the year. His grade is unlikely to change much, even if he repeats this year’s success.
The 5’10”, 220-pounder is a tough-nosed player who isn’t overly explosive or a great pass catcher. But he’s effective, playing with balance and vision, and has enough juice to be a quality backup at the next level.
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, DB
The leader of an experienced secondary, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson is headed to the 2024 Shrine Bowl thanks to his efforts. The 5’11”, 195-pound defensive back can play safety and as a nickel defender. He racked up 140 tackles, seven picks, and 11 pass breakups over his two seasons with the Red Raiders.
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His ability to hold his own in coverage gives him at least depth value in the NFL. His lack of bulk and elite speed are concerns, but his instincts and positioning are noteworthy positives. We like his versatility and feel for the game, earning him a Day 3 grade.
Tony Bradford Jr., DL
Although Tony Bradford Jr. is only 6’1″ and 290 pounds, he plays to his strengths enough to somewhat overlook the inevitable size concerns with his build. Bradford is quick out of his stance and challenges blockers to get their hands onto his pads before he wins the leverage battle. His speed and closing ability have allowed him to produce 30.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks in his five-year career.
Bradford’s lack of bulk and run-defending prowess likely cap his draft stock as a late-round pick. However, he could earn rotational snaps and continue developing at the next level.
Steve Linton, EDGE
At 6’5″ and 225 pounds, Steve Linton looks the part of a dynamic speed rusher. He had some hype early in the season as he won on stunts and delayed blitzes, but offenses figured out he struggles to win on his own more often than not. He’s tall and lanky for an edge defender, forcing him to rely too much on his first step to win.
All three of his sacks came in one game. Linton is still worth watching because subpackage-heavy defenses could always use a rotational player. But he’s more likely to return for 2024 than to make the jump this year.
Myles Cole, EDGE
Already confirmed to join his teammate Taylor-Demerson at the Shrine Bowl, Myles Cole looks like an NFL stud. The gangly 6’6″, 266-pounder is a sixth-year senior, but he played relatively sparingly until this past year. He totaled 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 2023.
Cole is best described as a moldable piece of clay. He barely played at Louisiana-Monroe until he transferred to Texas Tech in 2022, but maybe he’s just a late bloomer who needs better coaching.
Malik Dunlap, CB
I like Texas Tech’s massive senior cornerbacks, Malik Dunlap and Rayshad Williams. The 6’3″, 215-pound Dunlap had the better 2023 season of the two, notching three picks and six pass breakups. The sixth-year senior is a hulking presence but wasn’t out of place at cornerback despite his size.
His deep speed is the primary concern, and Dunlap can better play the ball more often. However, there was clear improvement this season with his consistency in mirroring receivers and avoiding penalties. He should be a late-round consideration for zone-heavy units that still desire length and strength.
Cal Golden Bears Prospects
Jaydn Ott, RB
The best prospect in this game isn’t yet eligible for the NFL. Jaydn Ott might be the RB1 in the 2025 NFL Draft class, as he’s a true sophomore. He compiled 1,260 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground this season, carrying the Cal offense through the mud.
Ott is tough and explosive, using excellent quickness and reaction ability to avoid would-be tacklers. He’s a three-down back who can hit a home run while handling 36 carries in a game. Now’s the time to watch one of the best few backs in the country if you haven’t yet.
Jeremiah Hunter, WR
Jeremiah Hunter entered the year with an early Day 3 grade on my board, and little has changed despite 2023 featuring fewer explosive plays. Hunter was more of a possession threat with 669 yards and seven scores on 58 receptions than his big-play presence in 2022. With his 6’2″, 200-pound frame, it’s good to know he can fill whatever role he’s needed for.
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Hunter has good quickness and fluidity for his size. His body control stands out most, maximizing his length to haul in tough passes before turning upfield to create after the catch. He projects as a solid rotational receiver, but he’s only a junior.
Patrick McMorris, S
A breakout performer in his first season with Cal, Patrick McMorris made the most out of his transfer from San Diego State last offseason.
The 6’0″, 210-pounder checks a lot of boxes at the position. He totaled 229 tackles, nine tackles for loss, six picks, and 22 pass breakups over the last three years.
McMorris is a good asset in run support and coverage alike. His well-rounded nature projects especially well as NFL defenses want competence in both areas more than ever. A good showing at the combine in short-area explosiveness and speed can give McMorris a major boost into the late Day 2 range.
