I hope everybody enjoyed the holidays. We're a day away from ending this decade and bringing in a new year. The NFL playoffs are set, the majority of the teams have turned their attention to the NFL Draft, and the bowl games are heating up. It's quite an exciting time of year.

After two previous editions breaking down the early bowl games, this edition will be the final one of the year, looking at all of the remaining bowl games with potentially fantasy-relevant players.

I'm not including the National Championship game, but I broke down those players in the second Bowl Week edition of this piece, so I encourage you to check it out.

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Bowl Week 3 - Matchups to Watch

I hope to give you a few guys to key in on during each game to give you a leg up in fantasy football dynasty leagues or on some early research for redraft leagues. Also, as fantasy has shown us, having specific rooting interests or players to follow just makes every game more interesting.

 

Monday, December 30th

Western Kentucky - Western Michigan, 12:30 PM ET

LeVante Bellamy, RB Western Michigan

Projection: Fifth - Sixth Round Pick

Bellamy is a small-school running back in a deep class, so not many people are talking about him, but he has an intriguing skill set for the next level. He's a small back at 5'9" but he has the frame (190 pounds) to take a beating and a low center of gravity to fight through contact and cut through the line, which is why he has 23 touchdowns on the year. However, his value is in his speed. He has legit 4.3 speed and can vanish in the open field. His size limits his NFL future to a change-of-pace back, and he needs to show more in the passing game to have consistent value as a committee back; this year he has half the amount of receptions he had last year, so that's worrying.

 

Dontavian "Lucky" Jackson, WR Western Kentucky

Projection: Sixth Round Pick

Jackson isn't on here just because he goes by "Lucky." Jackson is the Hilltoppers leading receiver with 77 catches. He has good NFL size at 6'1" 185 pounds and solid hands. He's more of a possession receiver with high 4.4 or low 4.5 speed, but guys like that - Mohamed Sanu and Jordan Matthews for a start - have carved out fantasy value in the right offense.

 

Mississippi State - Louisville, 4:00 PM ET

Kylin Hill, RB Mississippi State

Projection: Third to Fourth Round Pick

In any other year, Kylin Hill would be a draft darling. In this loaded running back class, he's likely going to be an afterthought that could emerge as a starting NFL running back. He has great footwork in out of out cuts, and when he sees a hole he hits it hard. He shows good instincts as a runner and uses his low center of gravity to withstand contact. He has the patience to let things develop and then packs a wallop in his 215-pound frame. He's not used a lot in the passing game, but if he uses the post-season testing to show soft hands to pair with his good open-field ability, Hill could emerge as a true three-down back and a sneaky fantasy option.

 

Florida - Virginia 8:00 PM ET

Van Jefferson, WR Florida

Projection: Fifth - Sixth Round Pick 

Van Jefferson is going to be drafted on his intelligence and route-running and not his stats. The senior has never put up more than 543 yards in a season, but he's the son of a former NFL player and knows the mental part of the game. He runs precise routes and competes on every possession. He's not going to be a game-changer for anybody, but he has value as a solid possession receiver in the NFL with the size - 6'2" 200 pounds - to emerge as a red-zone option.

 

Lamical Perine, RB Florida

Projection: Sixth Round Pick 

At 5'11" 220 pounds, Perine is more of a power back. He has good vision and hits the hole with aggression and a strong balance. He's not going to make defenders miss with any regularity, but he sets up solid angles and is tough to bring down on first contact. Most crucially for his value, Perine caught 35 passes this year, showing that he has more versatility than just as an inside runner. He's likely a committee back, but he could have value if given an opportunity.

 

Joe Reed, WR Virginia

Projection: Fifth - Sixth Round Pick

Joe Reed is a well-built wide receiver at 6'1" 215 pounds and he has legit 4.4 speed. He never quite produced in a Virginia system with a running quarterback, but Reed's raw ability makes him intriguing at the next level. His route tree is a little limited, which will likely cause some teams to pass on him, but Reed is also a dynamic return man, taking back five kicks for touchdowns over the last three seasons. He'll be drafted for his special teams value but could grow into a more well-rounded playmaker.

Tuesday, December 31st 

Virginia Tech - Kentucky 12:00 PM ET

Lynn Bowden, RB/WR Kentucky

Projection: Third - Fourth Round Pick

Bowden has become a do-it-all player for the Wildcats, even having to play quarterback for them during the season. However, Bowden's future is likely as a running back or gadget player. At 6'1" 200 pounds, he has more of the size of a wide receiver, but he's been dynamic as Kentucky's leading rusher, totaling 1,235 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground to go along with 348 yards and a touchdown through the air. Kentucky chose to transition Bowden to running back full-time because he's dynamic with the ball in his hands and elusive in the open field. It might be the best decision for his future. There are a few people that have compared Bowden to Tony Pollard, which means the Kentucky product could become a sexy fantasy option over the summer.

 

Ahmad Wagner, TE Kentucky

Projection: Sixth - Seventh Round Pick

Wagner is a pick simply based on upside. He's 6'6" 235 pounds with a 6'10" wingspan and spent three years playing basketball at Iowa. Then he switched sports and transferred, despite playing only one year of high school football. He battled a leg injury for a few games during the season but will be an intriguing project to watch for players who play in dynasty leagues.

 

Florida State - Arizona State 2:00 PM ET

Brandon Aiyuk, WR Arizona State

Projection: Second - Third Round Pick

Eno Benjamin, RB Arizona State

Projection: Fourth Round Pick

Cam Akers, RB Florida State

Projection: Third Round Pick

There's not going to be anything to watch with these guys since they will all be skipping in the game to prepare for the NFL Draft, but they are all potential fantasy assets next year. Aiyuk is a speed threat with impressive change-of-direction skills and solid hands. Benjamin is a runner with good vision and solid receiving chops, and Akers is a dynamic rusher with top-level elusiveness. All could see legitimate playing time next season; although I'd bank on Aiyuk to have the most fantasy value.

 

Tamorrion Terry, WR Florida State

Projection: 2021 Second Round Pick

Terry is a red-shirt sophomore, and I don't think he'll declare in such a deep draft, but stranger things have happened. At 6'4" Terry is an athletic marvel with good speed and impressive natural ability. He's also raw, has issues with drops, and can get pushed off his routes. He has real fantasy upside if he can continue to improve his foundation and consistency.

 

Navy - Kansas State 3:45 PM ET

Malcolm Perry, WR/RB Navy

Projection: Seventh Round Pick

Perry is currently the quarterback for Navy, but at 5'9" 185 pounds, he will not stick there in the pros. Perry was a slotback for two years at Navy, so he's run routes before and will likely try to transition there once the season ends. There are some people talking about him as if he will be the next Julian Edelman and while I don't envision that level of success for him, he has clear athletic ability and a diverse skill set that could make him an intriguing fantasy option if he's given the reps.

 

Utah - Texas 7:00 PM ET

Collin Johnson, WR Texas

Projection: Third - Fourth Round Pick

Johnson is a huge wide receiver at 6'6" 220 pounds. When you pair that with his strong hands you get an impressive catch radius and the ability to make some incredible catches. However, Johnson is not overly quick and doesn't run routes with the type of precision to get regular separation. His lack of consistency when dealing with physicality will prevent him from being a team's lead receiver, but his size and hands will make him a natural red zone threat, and the touchdowns could make him fantasy viable.

 

Devin Duvernay, WR Texas

Projection: Fourth - Fifth Round Pick

Duvernay is a well-built slot receiver who is also the nation's leading receiver with 103 catches. He has good deep speed but also quickness in and out of his breaks. It's the reason why he can beat safeties deep and also make guys miss while racking up yards after the catch. He has great hands, which helps because his routes are inconsistent, so he has to make a fair few contested catches. He has enough game-breaking ability to be fantasy friendly if drafted to an offense that makes good use of the slot.

 

Zack Moss, RB Utah

Projection: Third Round Pick

Moss is another on a long list of running backs who might get lost in the shuffle in a deep class. He has good vision and patience to allow his blockers to engage. He runs with elite balance and the quick feet to make defenders miss in space. What's more, at 220 pounds, he can withstand contact well and finish runs with power if he can't make the defender miss in space. With solid receiving chops as well, Moss is a well-rounded back who would likely be in discussion to be the top running back off the board in another year.

 

 

Wednesday, January 1st

Michigan - Alabama, 1:00 PM ET

Tua Tagovailoa, QB Alabama

Projection: Top 10 Pick

We've talked about Tua a lot this year. He's an intellectually advanced quarterback, who makes good reads and throws with anticipation and accuracy. He's not going to blow people away with his athleticism, but he's mobile enough in the pocket to extend plays and find the right option. Obviously, the biggest question will be how he recovers from his hip injury.

 

Jerry Jeudy, WR Alabama

Projection: Lottery Pick

Jeudy is another player we've discussed at length on here. He has incredibly good feet, which he uses to set up exceptional routes. He has strong hands and good speed to beat defenders once he gains separation. He's not going to test off the charts, but he's an elite playmaker, which is why many have compared his style of play to Odell Beckham Jr.

 

Henry Ruggs III, WR Alabama

Projection: First Round Pick

Ruggs is the opposite of Jeudy in many ways. He has insane natural athleticism and exceptional speed that has many people thinking he'll run a 4.2 at the combine. His whole game is built on explosive plays, but he lacks the precision in routes that Jeudy has or the technical skill. If he can continue to tweak the fundamentals of his route running and disengaging with defenders, he could become a special player in the hold of a Tyreek Hill.

 

DeVonta Smith, WR Alabama

Projection: Second Round Pick

Smith gives Alabama the chance to have three wide receivers taken in the first round. He saw the least usage of the three during the season, but he likely possesses the best hands of the trio. Much like Jeudy, he runs good routes, and he has elite change of direction skills, which allows him to get consistent separation. He has a lean frame at 6'1" 175, so he can lose some battles to physical corners, but his agility and speed make him tough to cover.

 

Najee Harris, RB Alabama

Projection: Third Round Pick

Harris gets lost in the shuffle a bit with all the talent at Alabama, but he quietly emerged as a real fantasy asset this year. At 6'2" 230 pounds, many have viewed Harris as a bruiser, and he is. He rarely goes down on first contact, and he runs with clear power and aggression. However, he has good feet and changes directions with ease for a man his size. Most importantly, he caught 27 passes and had seven receiving touchdowns this year, which showed that he can be an asset as a pass-catcher when asked. Much like Derrick Henry before him, Harris is a physical back who has more athleticism and receiving chops than he was asked to show at Alabama.

 

Shea Patterson, QB Michigan

Projection: Fifth - Sixth Round Pick

For much of the year, Patterson failed to capitalize on his athletic gifts and seemed headed to an undrafted future despite entering his time at Michigan as a potential first-round pick. But as Michigan began to open up the offense in the final weeks, Patterson began throwing with confidence and showed the play-making ability people once raved about. What stands out most about Patterson is his mobility in the pocket and play-making ability outside of it. He can tuck and run or make impressive throws on the move. He seems better when the play breaks down. He's often antsy in the pocket, which can cause him to lose his mechanics or force passes. His natural athleticism makes him intriguing as a fantasy prospect, but he's likely an NFL back-up with a chance to make an impact with his legs.

 

Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR Michigan

Projection: Second - Third Round Pick

Peoples-Jones will be drafted more on his elite physical upside than on his stats. He's never had more than 612 yards receiving at Michigan, but he's 6'2" 210 pounds, with good speed and impressive agility and body control. He has the speed to get behind defenders and has the focus to go up and make tough catches in contested situations. He's not overly shifty, but he will be a solid NFL wide receiver despite his lack of NFL-worthy stats.

 

Nico Collins, WR Michigan

Projection: Fourth Round Pick

Nico Collins is another receiver whose perceived value is limited by Michigan's system. At 6'4" 220 pounds, he's a physical receiver who uses his frame to box out defenders or out-muscle them on jump balls. However, he also has good enough speed to find a lane and scoot passed defenders. He doesn't have the suddenness of Peoples-Jones or the Alabama receivers, but there is fantasy value in strength and physicality, as Allen Robinson has proven during his time in the league.

 

Minnesota - Auburn 1:00 PM ET

Tyler Johnson, WR Minnesota 

Projection: Second - Third Round Pick

Johnson emerged this year with some acrobatic catches. At 6'2" 205 pounds, he has the physicality to make contested catches but he also possesses the intelligence to run precise and often crafty routes that create separation for himself. He's not a true deep threat and doesn't possess the speed to run past defenders or the strength to consistently run over them, so he's not going to make hay after the catch. His aggressive nature when the ball is in the air leads to some drops, which he'll need to clean up to reach his true potential, but the natural ability and intelligence suggest that he has some real upside in an offense that will push the ball down the field.

 

Oregon - Wisconsin 5:00 PM ET

Jonathan Taylor, RB Wisconsin

Projection: First - Second Round Pick

Taylor is in the discussion to be the first running back off the board. Because of his 218-pound frame, many people think of Taylor as a power back, which isn't entirely far off given his ability to run through contact; however, he also has true 4.4 speed and can hit and hole and take it to the house. Taylor also caught 24 passes this year, which was his most involvement in the passing game so far, suggesting that he may have true three-down value at the next level. He should be a fantasy target in any size league.

 

Justin Herbert, QB Oregon

Projection: First Round Pick

Herbert is a polarizing prospect. He has great arm strength and the mobility to be a fantasy threat. When you watch Herbert, he makes some plays that few quarterbacks can make. He also makes some mistakes that are equally as head-scratching. His pocket awareness is iffy, and he's had some issues holding onto the ball. When he improvises, he also loses some accuracy and can misread the defense. He can be an elite fantasy asset, but he needs to be coached up with some pre-read issues like the Bills have done with Josh Allen, and he also needs to be behind an offensive line that will give him time and not force him to improvise so often.

 

Georgia - Baylor 8:45 PM ET

D'Andre Swift, RB Georgia

Projection: First Round Pick

As the likely first running back off the board, Swift has been a frequent part of this column. He has game-breaking ability out in space, with the footwork and vision to take any handoff for a touchdown. On the field, he looks and runs similar to Christian McCaffrey; he runs hard, takes contact well, and catches with ease. He's a little on the small side, so the same concerns McCaffrey had coming out of college will be there. Swift needs to prove he can block enough and withstand contact to play a large complement of snaps at the next level.

 

Jake Fromm, QB Georgia

Projection: Third Round Pick

Fromm doesn't have the upside of Joe Burrow, Jordan Love or Tua, but he's a smart and experienced leader who has the poise that teams want from their quarterback. None of his traits jump off the page - size, arm strength, mobility - but he knows how to get the most out of them. He reads the defense well, throws with anticipation, handles even the biggest of moments with seeming calm. He'll be more game-manager than fantasy star, but I don't see him making a ton of mistakes, which should make him a high-floor fantasy option.

 

Denzel Mims, WR Baylor

Projection: Third - Fourth Round Pick

Denzel Mims has become an internet darling with some exceptional catches. He has the length and body control to toe-tap the sideline or sky over defenders and the speed to take the top off a defense. In terms of natural ability, Mims is an exciting prospect. He does struggle with some of the more precise fundamental components of the game. He has more drops than you'd like to see, and his routes are particularly sharp; however, if he's able to clean up those aspects of his game, he'll get even more out of his natural gifts at the next level, so being drafted to a team with an eye on coaching up the details of the position would be the best for his fantasy outlook.

 

 

Thursday, January 2nd

Cincinnati - Boston College 3:00 PM ET

AJ Dillon, RB Boston College

Projection: Fourth Round Pick

Dillon will skip this game to prepare for the draft. Expect his role next year to be more of an early-down and short-yardage grinder where he can put his 250 pounds to good use, much like LeGarrette Blount. If he's on a good offense, there will be some fantasy value based on his likely goalline role.

 

Michael Warren, RB Cincinnati

Projection: Sixth Round Pick

Warren is another player who gets the most out of his abilities. He doesn't have elite speed or agility, but he runs hard and is tough to tackle. At 5'11" 220 pounds, he has the frame to withstand contact and runs with good balance through the line of scrimmage. His game tape shows that he has more receiving chops than he showed in Cincinnati's system. He has good hands and solid concentration but could use some more work on his routes. If he can grow more as a pass-catcher, Warren could find himself with real three-down value.

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