2017 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: Dec. 17-24 Bowls

Sep 17, 2016; Mount Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Cooper Rush (10) throws the ball during the second quarter against the UNLV Rebels at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Mount Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Cooper Rush (10) throws the ball during the second quarter against the UNLV Rebels at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NFL Draft Xavier Woods
Dec 26, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defensive back Xavier Woods (7) returns an interception for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Heart of Dallas Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Armed Forces Bowl: Xavier Woods (SS – Louisiana Tech)

The Armed Forces Bowl is all about contrasting offenses. Navy relies heavily on the ground game with the triple-option offense, while Louisiana Tech is the third most productive passing attack in the nation. As a result, Navy should control the ball for much of this game, forcing Louisiana Tech defenders to stay on the field for long periods of time.

If the Bulldogs are going to survive the onslaught of rushing plays, the secondary is going to have to prevent the big play. Xavier Woods, who had one of his worst games of the season in the Conference USA title game, will have to step up. The strong safety was guilty of taking poor angles to the football in the loss to Western Kentucky, and will have to remain disciplined against the Navy rushing attack.

Woods is the only senior on either side with a draftable grade, however his stock is going in the wrong direction. If he wants to remain a potential pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, he’ll have to prove himself against the run and not be fooled by play action when the Midshipmen do put the ball in the air.