The bowl season gives fans and scouts alike a chance to analyze NFL Draft prospects against solid competition. Bowl scheduling allows all eyes to be on each game. Here are the NFL Draft prospects in the CFP First Round: Tulane at Ole Miss.
Tulane Green Wave Draft Prospects
Santana Hopper, DL
Hopper spent the first three seasons of his college career at Appalachian State. After not playing much in 2022 he redshirted then had 34 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He improved his play in 2024, as he had 36 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. Before the 2025 season, Hopper transferred to Tulane. He has played well for the Green Wave with 30 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
At 6-foot-2 and 265 pounds, Hopper is undersized for an NFL defensive lineman, especially because he plays as part of a three-man front a lot of times. He has had great prodcution throughout his two stops in college, which will work in his favor. Hopper is just a redshirt junior and may return to school to improve his stock.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Jake Retzlaff, QB
Retzlaff started his college career at the JUCO level. He then transferred to BYU in 2023. After not playing much that season, he broke out in 2024. He passed for 2,947 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on 57.9 percent completion. Before the 2025 season, Retzlaff transferred to Tulane. This season, he has passed for 2,862 yards, 14 touchdowns and six interceptions on 62.4 percent completion. He has also rushed for 610 yards and 16 touchdowns.
He stands at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Retzlaff is undersized for an NFL quarterback. His mobility and production should give him a chance to work out for teams. He could get drafted, but if not will likely be signed as an undrafted free agent.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects: IOL Shadre Hurst (UFA), EDGE Mo Westmoreland (UFA)
Ole Miss Rebels Draft Prospects
Zxavian Harris, DL
Harris joined Ole Miss in 2022 as a freshman and played sparingly. As a sophomore in 2023, he had 30 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack. His play improved in 2024, as he totaled 4.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. This season has been the best of his career with him tallying 7.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
He is a big interior defensive lineman, standing 6-foot-8 and 330 pounds. Harris can make an impact against the run, but struggles to continually get after the quarterback. If he can keep his pad level down he can be an effective run stuffing defensive lineman.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Six Round Pick
Suntarine Perkins, LB
Perkins was a freshman in 2023 and played a bit for Ole Miss. He had 38 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. In 2024, he had 60 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. This year, his production has taken a hit even with the team improving. He has 64 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
He stands 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, which is a little undersized for an NFL linebacker. Perkins does provide some versatility, as he can play off-ball or can rush the passer. He had a lot more success rushing the passer in 2023 and needs to work on refining his game, whether that is playing on the edge or playing off-ball.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: TE Dae’Quan Wright (4th-6th), QB Trinidad Chambliss (6th-UFA), S Wydett Williams (6th-UFA), CB Antonio Kite (6th-UFA), EDGE Princewell Umanmielen (6th-UFA), TE Luke Hasz (UFA), EDGE Da’Shown Womack (UFA), CB Jaylon Braxton (UFA), WR De’Zhaun Stribling (UFA), IOL Patrick Kutas (UFA), S Sage Ryan (UFA)
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