NFL Draft prospects to watch in bowl games: Part 1

Breaking down the players to watch in the season's first batch of bowl games, as well as a projection as to where they'll be drafted. (*denotes underclassmen)

Will Davis ended the season hot, snagging all five of his interceptions over the Aggies' final five games :: Kita Wright/AP

Breaking down the players to watch in the season's first batch of bowl games, as well as a projection as to where they'll be drafted. (*denotes underclassmen)

COMPLETE BOWL GAME SCHEDULE

Gildan New Mexico: Arizona vs Nevada

Mickey Baucus, T, Arizona: Baucus is a large left tackle who's developing a complete game. He overwhelms defenders run blocking and displays next-level pass protection skills. The red-shirt sophomore is a two-year starter and will only improve with experience and maturity. 3rd Round

Duke Williams, DB, Nevada: Few defensive backs in the nation come with the measurables offered by Williams. He's a 200-pound safety who runs the 40 in 4.4 seconds and has the ability to line up over slot receivers. Williams can be used at safety, nickel cornerback and play special teams in the NFL. 4th Round

Dan Buckner, WR, Arizona: Buckner is a large, dependable possession receiver who consistently comes away with the difficult reception or wins out in battles. He projects as a fourth receiver at the next level and can help any team on third down or in the red zone. 5th/6th Round

Zach Sudfeld, TE, Nevada: Sudfeld missed the 2011 season with a leg injury, but returned in prime form this season. His 6-foot-6 frame stands out on the field, and his average of 13 yards on 43 receptions is a testament to his athleticism. Sudfled is a three-down tight end with the ability to eventually develop into a starter at the next level. 6th Round

GILDAN NEW MEXICO BOWL PREVIEW

Idaho Potato: Toledo vs Utah State

Will Davis, CB, Utah State: Davis entered the season graded out as a free agent, but his game has taken off as a senior. He's developed into a dominant cornerback and consistently shut down opponents last season. He possesses the size, athleticism and skills to develop into a starter on the NFL level. 1st/2nd Round

Kerwynn Williams, RB, Utah State: Williams was listed third on the Utah State depth chart last season, but turned in a career campaign in 2012. He's a multi-purpose skill player who creates yardage as a ball carrier or produces as a pass catcher. Williams approaches April as one of the better third-down backs available in the draft. 4th/5th Round

David Fluellen, RB, Toledo: Fluellen was one of the nation's most prolific ball carriers this season, registering 1,460 rushing yards and 13 scores. He's a well-sized running back with terrific quickness and vision. The junior offers the skills to eventually develop into a feature runner at the next level. 4th Round

Poinsettia Bowl: BYU vs San Diego State

Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU: Ansah came to BYU from Ghana as a track and field athlete, then turned to football two years ago. He initially needed assistance on how to properly put on his equipment, but has since developed into a feared defensive lineman who can rush the passer or play in space. Scouts are in love with his upside and feel the sky is the limit. 1st/2nd Round

Gavin Escobar, TE, SDSU: Escobar is another talented athlete developing into a complete player on the football field. He's well built, with the ability to consistently make plays down the field as a pass catcher. Escobar's blocking significantly improved this season, and scouts feel the junior has the ability to start in the NFL. 2nd Round

Kyle Van Noy, LB, BYU: The junior linebacker is a three-down defender who makes plays everywhere on the field. He's a stout run defender who also effectively shuts down tight ends or running backs in coverage. Van Noy comes with the potential to be used at several linebacker spots in a variety of defensive systems. 2nd Round

Leon McFadden, CB, SDSU: McFadden offers NFL size, which he combines with top ball skills to shut down opponents. He's efficient in all aspects of the game, and can line up in man coverage as well as zone. The senior cornerback entered the season with mid-round grades, but has jumped into the second day of April's draft. 3rd Round

St Petersburg Bowl: Central Florida vs Ball State

No draftable prospects

New Orleans: East Carolina vs Louisiana-Lafayette

Melvin White, CB, La-Lafayette: Scouts have a higher grade on White than his former teammate Dwight Bentley, the third-round pick of the Detroit Lions in the 2012 draft. White offers outstanding size, plays a tough brand of football and consistently has opposing quarterbacks throwing away from him. He's one of the better sleepers at cornerback. 3rd Round

Justin Hardy, WR, East Carolina*: The red-shirt sophomore has combined for 147 receptions, 1,704 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns the past two seasons. He's a well-rounded pass catcher who consistently finds the soft spot in the defense. Hardy projects as a fourth wide out on the NFL level. 5th/6th Round

Cordian Hagans, DT, La-Lafayette: The athletic Hagans has displayed flashes of skill the past two seasons, but has fallen short of expectations and does not play at a high level consistently. Scouts love his upside and feel he offers the potential to line up in a number of defensive schemes at the next level. 7th Round

Las Vegas Bowl Washington vs Boise State

Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington: The latest addition from the Trufant household to enter the professional ranks, Desmond has been a consistent starter the past three seasons. He possesses terrific ball skills and plays with good instinct. Trufant offers the ability to line up as a No. 2 cornerback in the NFL. 3rd Round

Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State: Taylor watched his game take off this season, and played well beyond the expectations of NFL scouts. He's a shutdown cornerback with a feisty style, battling to defend passes or working hard to stop the run. Taylor is also player who will lend a hand on special teams in the NFL. 4th Round

Jerrell Gavins, CB, Boise State: Gavins' skills on the field match any of the other cornerbacks mentioned. He's a tough defender with terrific ball skills. He's also constantly around the action making positive plays and does not back down to a challenge. His slight frame (5-8 and 170 pounds) is the only limitation to his game. 5th Round