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 Gasparilla Bowl.
Memphis Tigers Draft Prospects
Chris Adams, IOL
Adams started his college career at Old Dominion in 2021. He redshirted that year, then played in two games in 2022. Adams started at right and left tackle in 2023, playing well. He transferred to Memphis before the 2024 season, starting all games at left tackle. Adams has lined up at left tackle again this season.
At 6-foot-5 and 277 pounds, Adams needs to add weight to his frame for the NFL. While he played tackle in college, he may be a better fit on the inside at the next level, but that versatility will be appreciated. He has plenty of experience and has chance to be drafted late in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Kamari Wilson, S
Wilson started his college career at Florida, where he spent two seasons. He registered 40 total tackles over those two seasons. Wilson transferred to Arizona State in 2024, helping them make the CFP, but registering just 11 total tackles. This season, he has suited up for Memphis and has impressed with 78 total tackles, 6.5 sacks and two interceptions.
At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, Wilson has good size for an NFL safety. He was a highly-ranked recruit, but his season was his biggest year of production. Wilson is probably best served to go back to Memphis or to go in the transfer portal, so that he can produce for one more year.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
NC State Wolfpack Draft Prospects
Hollywood Smothers, RB
Smothers signed with Oklahoma in 2023. With the Sooners, he played four games and rushed for 42 yards. He transferred to NC State after the season. In 2024, he totaled 571 rushing yards, 263 receiving yards and eight total touchdowns. This season, he did even better for the Wolfpack, finishing the regular season with 939 rushing yards, 189 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
He stands at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, which is decent size for an NFL running back. Smothers has great quickness and agility. His skills as a pass catcher also helps his stock. He is just a redshirt sophomore, but has played so well that entering into the draft could be the right call for his future.
Projected Draft: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Justin Joly, TE
Joly was a wide receiver at UConn at the start of his college career. He had 250 receiving yards as a freshman with the Huskies and then upped that to 578 yards in 2023. In 2024, he transferred to NC State. He had a good initial season with the Wolfpack, catching 43 passes for 661 yards and four touchdowns. This season, he has hauled in 47 passes for 468 yards and seven touchdowns.
At 6-foot-3 and 251 pounds, he is shorter than a lot of NFL tight ends, but has a filled-out frame. He may need some work to be an in-line blocking tight end. Joly does present a matchup problem for linebackers, as he has plenty of athleticism for a tight end. He could go back to school or go in the draft and be a mid to late round pick.
Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects:
DL Brandon Cleveland (4th-6th), CB Devon Marshall (4th-6th), OT Jacarrius Peak (6th-UFA), WR Noah Rogers (UFA), OT Teague Anderson (UFA), LB Sean Brown (UFA)
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