'09 NFL Draft: Which prospects to watch during college bowl season

By Tony Pauline, Special to SI.com, TFYdraft.com

Shonn Greene, Iowa running back Icon SMI

With the college bowl season underway, SI.com's draft guru Tony Pauline has identified potential NFL prospects playing in all the games. Below are all the games from Jan. 1 on. For the previous bowls, click here and here.

Outback Bowl, Jan. 1: South Carolina vs. Iowa

South Carolina

Jared Cook/TE/#84/4Jr: Cook is a terrific pass catcher reminiscent of the tight ends used by Steve Spurrier throughout his coaching career. He's an exceptional athlete who easily gets downfield and creates mismatches in the secondary. Cook is expected to enter the draft and a number of NFL decision makers feel he could be the second tight end selected, somewhere during the bottom half of round one.

Jamon Meredith/OT/#77/5Sr: Meredith has had an up and down senior season, and struggled with an ankle injury besides being moved around the offensive line. He still grades out as one of the better pass blocking tackles in the senior class. Meredith is first-round material but will likely slide into the middle part of round two based on his inconsistent performance this year.

Emmanuel Cook/S/#21/3Jr: South Carolina's leading tackler the past two seasons, Cook is a hard hitting run defender who seeks out contact from his safety position. His ball skills are only average and Cook lacks classic centerfielder size. He's academically ineligible for the Outback Bowl and is expected to enter April's draft, where he'll be chosen in the late part of round two.

Captain Munnerlyn/CB/#1/3Jr: Munnerlyn is a speedy cornerback with terrific ball skills. Opposing quarterbacks purposely throw away from Munnerlyn as he offers blanket coverage. He barely touches the tape at 5-foot-9, which will depress his draft stock. Munnerlyn is another USC junior thinking hard about entering April's draft, where he grades as a second-round pick.

Eric Norwood/DE-OLB/#40/3Jr: The Gamecocks top pass rusher posted a team leading nine sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss this season. He's a college defensive end who measures 6-feet, 262 pounds but possesses the physical skills necessary to make a transition to outside linebacker.

Iowa

Shonn Greene/RB/#23/3Jr: The Iowa junior surprised Hawkeye nation by posting career numbers this season (1,729 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns) after sitting on the sidelines in '07. Greene is a big, powerful back with enough speed to beat defenders into the clearing then run to daylight. Scouts love his physical skills but are concerned about Greene's ability to handle the workload over the long haul. He will be 24 next August and Greene is expected to enter the draft where he will be selected in the middle of round two.

Mitch King/DT/#47/5Sr: King is a four-year starter and multiple All Conference selection who consistently ranks as one of the Big Ten's leaders in tackles for loss. He's a quick and explosive defender with a non-stop motor. King's measurables (6-2 and 280 pounds) will push him into the draft's middle rounds yet he has enough skill to have a long career in the NFL.

Dan Doering/OG/#74/4Jr: Doering is a well-sized guard (6-6, 300) who may eventually develop into an offensive tackle as he physically matures. He's plays a smart brand of football and offers a good degree of upside potential.

Brandon Myers/TE/#83/5Sr: Myers comes off a career season (30 receptions, 392 receiving yards) and has shown great improvement in his game the past two years. He has potential as a second tight end in the NFL if he continues his path of progress.

Gator Bowl, Jan. 1: Clemson vs. Nebraska

Clemson

C.J. Spiller/RB/#28/3Jr: Spiller, one of the nations most explosive ball carriers, answered a number of questions scouts had about his toughness and willingness to run north/south. Unfortunately the Clemson ball carrier was slowed in the middle of the season with a hamstring injury and criticisms about his ability to carry the load have blossomed. He's a specialty player who would be effective as a ball carrier, pass catcher and return specialist. Spiller, who is likely to enter the draft, grades out as a second-round pick.

Jacoby Ford/WR/#6/3Jr: Clemson's big play receiver possesses 4.4-speed and the ability to stretch the field. He's also a well rounded receiver who consistently comes away with the pass in underneath coverage. Ford has displayed steady progress and the junior presently grades as a mid-second round choice.

Ricky Sapp/DE/#7/3Jr: Sapp has been branded as the next great draft eligible pass rusher from the Clemson program. He was hobbled with injuries from the start of the season, including a partially torn ACL that required surgery in the middle of December. Even after missing two games Sapp tied for the team lead in tackles for loss (10) and sacks (2). He presently grades as a second-round choice but could move into the top half of round one with a productive and healthy senior campaign.

James Davis/RB/#1/4Sr: The Tigers reliable running back saw a decline in his production this season, posting the lowest rushing totals of his Clemson career. He's a durable and reliable ball carrier with no dominant feature to his game. Davis projects as a third-round pick who would be best served as a rotational player in the NFL.

Thomas Austin/C/#65/4Jr: Austin has been a two year starter at both guard and center for Clemson. He offers the size (6-3, 312), power and intelligence to play at the next level. Austin submitted his paperwork to the NFL Advisory Committee, seeking an opinion on where he will be drafted if he opts for the NFL.

Michael Hamlin/S/#25/5Sr: Hamlin is a superb athlete that showed flashes of brilliance the past four years as a starter for Clemson. He's an intimidating force in centerfield with a well rounded game. Hamlin teases scouts who feel he could play at a higher level on a more consistent basis. He possesses first round physical skills but is likely to fall into the third round.

Nebraska

Suh Ndamukong/DT/#93/4Jr: Ndamukong comes off a brilliant season, leading the Cornhuskers defense in tackles (68), tackles for loss (15) and sacks (5.5) besides intercepting two passes. He's an athletic lineman with terrific size and growth potential. Ndamukong will only become more dominant as he physically matures and is a future first round pick.

Larry Asante/S/#4/4Jr: Asante displayed great progress the two seasons he's been with the Huskers since transferring from junior college. He's another black shirt defender with the size and athleticism to eventually start in the NFL.

Marlon Lucky/RB/#5/4Sr: Nebraska's all purpose ball handler, Lucky rushed for 517 yards besides posting 22 receptions this season. He's perfectly skilled to be a third down back in the NFL and will receive draft consideration in the later rounds.

Capital One Bowl, Jan. 1: Michigan State vs. Georgia

Michigan State

Javon Ringer/RB/#23/4Sr: Ringer, a Heisman Trophy candidate during the first half of last season, posted personal bests of 1,590 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior. He carried the ball 370 times this season but scouts question whether his 5-9, 203-pound frame is built to take the pounding of an every down ball carrier on the NFL level. Ringer improved his draft stock this year, no doubt, but he is unlikely to be selected until the middle section of round two at the earliest.

Otis Wiley/S/#21/4Sr: Wiley has been a productive player with the first team since his sophomore season. He's twice led the defense in interceptions besides topping the tackle charts once. Wiley is a nice-sized safety best making plays between the hashes. His skills are suited for a zone system and his knack for making plays on the ball could help him eventually see starting action in the NFL.

Brian Hoyer/QB/#7/5Sr: The Spartans starting signal caller the past two seasons, Hoyer is an efficient pocket passer with a good head for the game. He's a late round pick who effectively manages the game, shows a strong arm and stays away from bad mistakes.

Georgia

Knowshon Moreno, Georgia running back Bob Rosato/SI

Knowshon Moreno/RB/#24/3So: Georgia's feature ball carrier has been a dominant presence in only two seasons on the field for the Bulldogs. Moreno is a lethal combination of size, speed and running back skill. He has the strength to churn out yardage on the inside yet is fast enough to beat defenders around the corner. Moreno is expected to enter the draft where he'll be a top ten selection.

Matt Stafford/QB/#7/3Jr: Stafford possesses a gunslinger's mentality, taking chances on the field and challenging the vertical game. He's a playmaker who comes up big when the offense needs him. Stafford also possesses an NFL arm which enables him to make all the passes. He too is likely to enter the draft and will be the first signal caller selected, somewhere in the middle of round one.

Geno Atkins/DT/#56/3Jr: Atkins is an explosive one-gap penetrator who consistently blows plays up behind the line of scrimmage. He moves well on his feet and chases ball handlers out to the flanks to make the tackle. His size (6-1, 289) is a limiting factor and will knock Atkins off a few boards around the league. He's already committed to staying at Georgia for one more season even though he presently grades as a first-round pick.

Dannell Ellerbe/OLB/#33/4Sr: Ellerbe is another Bulldog best suited for a one-gap system in the NFL as his game is also characterized by quickness and speed. He possesses the skill to be used at a variety of linebacker positions and Ellerbe has shown himself to be effective defending the run and covering the pass. Ellerbe comes of a slightly disappointing senior season and his draft stock has dipped. Originally graded as a possible second round choice, Ellerbe is likely to hear his name called no earlier than the middle of the third frame.

Mohamed Massaquoi/WR/#1/4Sr: The Bulldogs leading receiver comes off a season in which he posted career bests for receptions (57), receiving yards (910) and touchdowns (8). Massaquoi has improved his draft stock more than any other senior receiver in the nation. He presently holds a third round grade yet fast times in workouts before the draft will push him into the second frame.

Brannan Southerland/FB/#36/4Sr: Southerland got off to a slow start this season, missing the first four games of the year while recovering from surgery to repair a fracture of the navicular bone in his left foot. He's still a quality NFL prospect who does the dirty work as a lead blocker. Southerland should be the first fullback drafted next April, somewhere in the fourth round.

Rose Bowl, Jan .1: Penn State vs. USC

Penn State

Derrick Williams/WR/#2/4Sr: Williams made an immediate impact for the Nittany Lions as a freshman in '05 and has been a productive player ever since. The speedy skill player has produced as a receiver, return specialist and ball carrier when asked to run reverses. He's a downfield threat with good size and a prospect with a high upside. Expect Williams to have his name called at the start of round two in April's draft.

Aaron Maybin/DE/#59/3So: Maybin was the dominant pass rusher in the Big Ten, leading the conference with 12 sacks while also adding 19 tackles for loss. He's a tall, slender speed rusher that is tough to stop. Maybin's best position could be rush linebacker in a 3-4 alignment and the sophomore will develop into an early first round pick if he continues to prove himself as an impact defensive player.

Evan Royster/RB/#22/3So: Penn State's leading rusher had a breakout season, almost tripling his totals from one year ago. Royster is a well built back who runs underneath his pads, carrying the ball with quickness and speed. He's another sophomore with a big upside and great future.

Jared Odrick/DT/#91/3Jr: Odrick is another Nittany Lion coming off a big campaign, improving all his tackling categories during his junior season. He's a large tackle with growth potential. He grades out as a third round pick yet could be selected sooner if he stays in school and plays well as a senior.

Mickey Schuler/TE/#82/4Jr: Like his father, former Penn State tight end and NFL All Pro Mickey Shuler Sr., the next generation to wear the Nittany Lion uniform has great hands and makes plays in the secondary with regularity. He ranks as a late round pick and needs to elevate his productive as a senior.

A.Q. Shipley/C/#57/5Sr: Shipley, considered a free agent by NFL scouts at the start of the season, has made a big leap up draft boards. He's a workmanlike blocker with a great head for the game and a late round choice who should be a quality back-up in the NFL.

USC

Rey Maualuga/ILB/#58/4Sr: The Trojans dominant middle linebacker has been a three-year starter awarded All Conference and All American honors since his sophomore campaign. He's a forceful run defender who tortures quarterbacks on the blitz. Maualuga is a terror on the field and a defender opposing coordinators must game plan around. He's poised to be an early first round choice in April.

Taylor Mays/S/#2/3Jr: Mays is another in the long line of game changing safeties developed in the USC program. He's a complete defensive back who intimidates ball carriers and has quarterbacks thinking twice about throwing in his direction. Mays, expected to enter the draft, will be another early first round choice.

Mark Sanchez/QB/#6/4Jr: Sanchez put the pieces together this season, his first as a full time starter. He shows command of the offense and has the arm to make all the throws. Sanchez is first round material, whether he enters next April's draft or opts for the 2010 event.

Brian Cushing/OLB/#10/4Sr: Cushing is another Trojan defender who gives opponents nightmares. He's proven himself to be a terrifying pass rusher out of a three point stance and has also developed his game to where he is now a three down defender at linebacker. Cushing is the fourth Trojan who has the ability to break into the first round next April.

Fili Moala/DT/#75/5Sr: Moala is a bit of an enigma for NFL scouts. He can be a dominant, game controlling defensive tackle at the top of his game yet disappears for stretches. Moala is likely to be chosen in round two but has the skills to be a productive NFL player for a long time if he decides to consistently play at a high level.

Damian Williams/WR/#18/3So: Williams was the favorite target of Sanchez and a big play threat who topped a very crowded field of talented USC pass catchers. He offers the size and speed to be a number one receiver in the NFL and will be an early draft pick in the future.

Clay Matthews/OLB/#47/5Sr: Matthews was formerly the Trojans top utility defender, playing a number of positions in the defensive front seven. He did much the same as a senior except this time as a starter and major contributor. Matthews, rated as undraftable by NFL scouts coming into the season, has elevated his stock to the point where he'll receive consideration in the third round.

Orange Bowl, Jan. 1: Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati

Virginia Tech

Victor Harris/CB/#1/4Sr: "Macho" Harris is the latest Hokie cornerback with NFL potential. He's an aggressive defensive back with good size and ball skills. Harris could end up in the second round of April's draft if he runs well at the combine.

Kam Chancellor/S/#17/3Jr: Chancellor combines linebacker size with defensive back speed. He's an intimidating force in centerfield, finding ball carriers then aggressively laying his pads into them. Chancellor possesses first round size/speed number but must complete his game and improve his ball skills before NFL decision makers use an early selection on him.

Sergio Render/G/#70/3Jr: The Hokie's starting guard the past three years, Render is a mountain mover who drives opponents off the ball into oblivion. His skills in pass protection are also effective and the junior presently grades as one of the nations better guards.

Orion Martin/DE/#90/5Sr: Martin is an undersized college defensive end who makes a lot of plays up the field. He's a solid pass rusher and mid round choice who's likely to stand up over tackle in the NFL.

Cincinnati

Connor Barwin/DE/#5/4Sr: Barwin was a special teams standout and reserve tight end before moving to defensive end as a senior. Awarded All Conference honors last season, his first as a starter, Barwin led the Bearcats in tackles for loss (15) and sacks (11). He's a superb athlete that previously played with the Bearcat basketball team, and shows signs of developing into an impact defensive player. Barwin was graded as a free agent before the season but now ranks as a potential top 60 choice.

Brandon Underwood/DB/#8/5Sr: Underwood began his college career at Ohio State before transferring to Cincinnati. Since breaking into the starting line-up this season he has shown himself to be one of the most versatile defensive backs in the Big East. Underwood is an intelligent prospect who can effectively play cornerback or safety. He's efficient in all areas of the game and is another Bearcat who has elevated himself from free agent to potential first day pick.

Mike Mickens/CB/#21/4Sr: Cincinnati's starting cornerback the past four years, Mickens displayed himself as a quality cover man with good ball skills. He was considered a fringe first round pick coming into the year yet a disappointing senior season, in part due to injury, has caused his draft stock to tumble. Mickens now grades as a late second round choice.

DeAngelo Smith/CB/#6/5Sr: Smith is a well sized cornerback who also impacts the game as a return specialist. He's a feisty defender who volunteers to stop running or screen plays. Smith offers solid physical skills but struggles making plays with his back to the ball and may be best off in a zone system where he can face the action.

Trevor Canfield/G/#76/5Sr: Canfield is a mean, nasty lineman that's started at right guard the past three years. He's a wide bodied blocker who does not give up an inch to defenders yet a marginal athlete who is limited in the number of blocking schemes he would be effective in.

Kevin Huber/P/#47/5Sr: Huber is the best punter in next April's draft and a big league kicker who can flip the field or punt his team out of a jam. He averaged near 50-yards per punt the past four years and has not had one blocked to date. Huber could be drafted as early as the third round next April.