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2017 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: Dec. 30-31 Bowls

By Shawn Spencer

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (8) gets the crowd into the game during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (8) gets the crowd into the game during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NFL Draft John Ross
Sep 17, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) rushes the ball against the Portland State Vikings during the second half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Peach Bowl: John Ross (WR – Washington) vs. Marlon Humphrey (CB – Alabama)

In the first national semifinal, the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide host the Washington Huskies. Alabama has the best run defense in all of college football, so in order for this game to remain close, Washington must be able to move the ball through the air. If that’s going to happen, star wide receiver John Ross will need to step up.

Ross could sneak into the end of round one of the 2017 NFL Draft if he performs well throughout the pre-draft process, but he’s more of a day two talent. In the Peach Bowl, he’ll face his biggest challenge of the season in the form of redshirt sophomore Marlon Humphrey. If he declares, Humphrey is the favorite to be the first cornerback off the board in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Ross certainly has the straight-line speed to beat just about any defensive back deep, however Washington quarterback Jake Browning won’t have all day to throw the football. The Alabama pass rush will force the Huskies to throw short, quick passes. It will be up to Ross and the rest of the Washington receivers to generate yards after the catch.

Preventing yards after the catch is one area in which Humphrey has excelled in this season. He possesses track star speed and closes on the football as fast as anyone in the nation. In the play below, Humphrey is lined up six yards off the line of scrimmage at the snap. He takes a few steps back before diagnosing the play and displaying an elite plant and drive towards the football. What initially looked like a potential first down, turns into a one yard gain on third-and-six.

This battle is one NFL teams will be watching very closely. Both prospects have a lot to gain from this matchup; not only a trip to the national championship game, but a boost in their 2017 NFL Draft stock as well.

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