Bowling Vegas Style

Next up on the college bowl schedule is the Las Vegas Bowl, live from (you guessed it)... San Diego. Okay, okay, it's not really played in San Diego. It's probably played in, like, Nevada or something. But anyway, it gets underway Thursday at 8:00 p.m. (EST) and will be broadcast on ESPN. The game features the BYU Cougars and Oregon Ducks, two of the more potent offenses in the nation. And, of course, there are a few guys we're keeping a particularly close eye on in this game.

Like the Poinsettia Bowl, there are no real marquee draft prospects. But you will find a few potential second-day picks suiting up for this contest. Cougars' QB John Beck is one of those guys. He lacks the size and arm strength scouts look for, but he has the potential to be a decent back-up in the NFL, and maybe (that's a big maybe) an adequate starter if put in the right system. He's more likely to succeed in a West-Coast system where he can use his intelligence to distribute the ball in a short-passing attack.

Tight end Jonny Harline is a guy that I really like, who should be available in the middle rounds of the draft. He has decent speed for his size, and is a solid run blocker. But the thing that stands out the most is his soft hands, which may be the best at his position this year. Running back Curtis Brown is a guy to watch too. He probably projects as nothing more than a third-down change-of-pace back in the NFL, but he will draw some interest on day two.

There are two guys on the Ducks that are intriguing prospects, and several others who are borderline late-rounders/undrafted free agents. Center Enoka Lucas appears destined to be a starter in the NFL with a couple years seasoning under his belt. Whether that be at center or guard has yet to be determined, but he has the ability to play either. He is an athletic guy who should thrive in a system that relies more on athletic ability than simple brute strength.

Also on my radar is DT Matt Toeaina, who does a nice job of disrupting the pocket and putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He also has the ability to play either the tackle or end position, which will add to his perceived value on draft day.

Guys that will be hoping to put themselves in position to be selected late in the draft include wide receivers James Finley and Jordan Kent, safety J.D. Nelson, and inside linebacker Blair Phillips.