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2017 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: Dec. 26-29 Bowls

By Shawn Spencer

Sep 5, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) celebrates his sack against Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Mike Bercovici (2) (not pictured)in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) celebrates his sack against Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Mike Bercovici (2) (not pictured)in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NFL Draft Brad Kaaya
Sep 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) attempts a pass against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Russell Athletic Bowl: Brad Kaaya (QB – Miami)

Although he’s taken a backseat this season to Deshaun Watson, DeShone Kizer and Mitch Trubisky, Brad Kaaya is still going to be selected early in the 2017 NFL Draft if he declares. The Miami quarterback will have one final opportunity to impress next-level decision makers in the Russell Athletic Bowl against West Virginia. Facing a Big 12 defense, Kaaya should be in line for a big day.

Like the Hurricanes, Kaaya has finished the season strong. During Miami’s current four-game winning streak, the junior signal caller has thrown 10 touchdowns to just one interception. He’s been a much more decisive thrower over the last month of the season, and his 2017 NFL Draft has risen as a result.

One aspect of Kaaya’s game that has greatly improved this season is his ability to bounce back from a mistake. Last season, he turned the ball over seven times. On the seven drives following those turnovers, Miami managed just a single field goal. This season, Kaaya has played with a shorter memory and has led the Hurricanes to three touchdowns on eight drives following one of his turnovers.

While only a junior, the NFL has plenty of tape and notes on Kaaya. The Russell Athletic Bowl will be his 38th career start, more than Kizer and Trubisky have combined. While he may no longer be in the running to be the first QB off the board, Kaaya does have the potential to be a late first or early second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

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