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