2017 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: Dec. 26-29 Bowls
Alamo Bowl: Oklahoma State’s Mason Rudolph (QB) and James Washington (WR) vs. Colorado Secondary
Defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt leaving Colorado for Oregon may or may not have a significant impact in this game, but the matchup to watch is still between the Colorado secondary and Oklahoma State passing game.
It has been reported that both Mason Rudolph and James Washington are expected to return to Oklahoma State next season, however a monstrous game against a very talented Colorado defense may force the two to think twice before making an official announcement.
The Colorado secondary is loaded with talented seniors who should all be selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. The top talent is cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, with fellow cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon and strong safety Tedric Thompson not far behind. Cornerback Isaiah Oliver, who is only a sophomore, is another playmaker in the Buffaloes secondary. All three seniors will get to display their talents in front of NFL scouts not only in the Alamo Bowl, but in an all-star game as well. Awuzie is headed to the Senior Bowl, while Witherspoon and Thompson have accepted invitations to the East-West Shrine Game.
The combination of Rudolph and Washington has cooled late in the season, with Washington catching just six passes for 77 yards and no touchdowns over the final two games of the season. There’s no denying how effective the battery has been however, especially on the deep ball. Washington has caught three touchdown passes this season of more than 80 yards.
While the Colorado secondary has been very aggressive this season, the defensive backs have to be careful not to be beaten deep in this game. With Rudolph looking for Washington downfield, expect a safety to shade to his side of the field. If Rudolph and Washington can beat the coverage, don’t be surprised if one, or both, forego their senior season and declare for the 2017 NFL Draft.