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 2025 Cotton Bowl.
Miami Hurricanes Draft Prospects
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE
Bain is from Miami and decided to stay in the city to play for the Hurricanes. As a true freshman, he had 44 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He was injured and only played nine games, but saw a dip in production in 2024 with 23 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. This season, his presence made an impact more than the boxscore would indicate, but he has 42 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.
At 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, Bain has excellent size for an NFL edge rusher with a filled-out frame. He has good burst at the snap, nice pass rush moves and athleticism. Bain can develop his counter moves and set the edge better against the run. His dip in production this season doesn’t tell the full story, but it will be concerning for some teams.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick
Francis Mauigoa, OT
Mauigoa was a big-time recruit who joined Miami in 2023. He started at right tackle as a true freshman and was a Freshman All-American. Mauigoa helped an explosive offense in 2024 and was named Second Team All-ACC for his play. This season, he has been consistent at his right tackle spot and was a First Team All-ACC selection.
He has good size for an NFL offensive tackle, standing 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds. Mauigoa has good strength, which shows up in the run game, as he can move people to clear holes. He can also anchor in pass pro. He isn’t the most athletic tackle and may be a better fit on the interior, but has enough potential to try him at right tackle first.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects:
EDGE Akheem Mesidor (2nd-4th), QB Carson Beck (3rd-5th), WR CJ Daniels (4th-6th), CB Keonte Scott (4th-6th), RB Mark Fletcher (6th-UFA), EDGE Malik Bryant (UFA), CB Damari Brown (UFA), LB Wesley Bissainthe, IOL James Brockermeyer (UFA), DL David Blay (UFA), LB Mohamed Toure (UFA)
Ohio State Buckeyes Draft Prospects
Arvell Reese, LB
Reese joined Ohio State as a freshman in 2023. He did not play much his freshman season, then had a larger role in 2024. Reese tallied 43 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks. This year has seen Reese breakout for the Buckeyes. He has amassed 62 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Reese has great size for an NFL linebacker. A move to the edge might be in store for Reese, as he has produced at rushing the passer despite playing limited time there. He is an athletic freak that can be an All-Pro at the next level if used correctly.
Projected Draft Range: Top 10 Pick
Caleb Downs, S
Downs started his career at Alabama in 2023. He was a great freshman, as he had 107 total tackles, two interceptions and four passes defended. Before the 2024 season, he transferred to Ohio State and helped the Buckeyes win the national championship that season. He had 82 total tackles, two interceptions and six passes defended. This season, he has 60 total tackles, two interceptions and two pass defended.
He stands at 6-foot and 205 pounds, which is solid size for an NFL safety. Downs could be the pound-for-pound best player in the class, but will probably not be the first pick because of positional value. He has great instincts and ball skills. His versatility will make him a great asset for an NFL team.
Projected Draft Range: Top 15 Pick
Othe Draft Prospects: WR Carnell Tate (1st), LB Sonny Styles (1st-2nd), DL Kayden McDonald (1st-2nd), OT Austin Sierveld (2nd-3rd), EDGE Kenyatta Jackson (2nd-4th), TE Max Klare (2nd-4th), CB Davison Igbinosun (3rd-5th), CB Jermaine Matthews (4th-6th), EDGE Caden Curry (4th-6th), EDGE Beau Atkinson (6th-UFA), OT Ethan Onianwa (6th-UFA), TE Jelani Thurman (UFA), WR Brandon Inniss (UFA), IOL Luke Montgomery (UFA), OT Phillip Daniels (UFA), IOL Tegra Tshabola (UFA), IOL Carson Hinzman (UFA), RB CJ Donaldson (UFA), DL Twyone Malone (UFA), CB Lorenzo Styles (UFA), TE Luke Karmacek (UFA)
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