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Stacking the bowl QBs by pro potential (regardless of class)
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Dec 12, 2017

Steve PalazzoloSpecial to ESPN.com

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Using PFF grades, stats and some projection, here's a look at the pro potential of the starting bowl quarterbacks. Although many of the signal-callers are not yet draft-eligible, many have already shown areas for optimism and others for concern, and it's never too early to look ahead to the prospects in future classes (data available for FBS quarterbacks only):
1. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma (Sr., 6-1, 220)

Yes, we have Mayfield ranked slightly higher than some evaluators, but what he lacks in prototypical size, he more than makes up for with other NFL traits such as accuracy and his ability to handle pressure. He earned the top overall PFF grade for the second year in a row, and his 82.6 percent adjusted completion percentage is the best we've seen in four years of data.

Bowl matchup: vs. Georgia, 5 p.m. Jan. 1, College Football Playoff at the Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual, ESPN
Baker Mayfield has had a dazzling collegiate career, but does he have the skills for the NFL? Brett Deering/Getty Images
2. Sam Darnold, USC (Soph., 6-4, 220)

Besides a three-game midseason slump, Darnold showed off his next-level potential this season. He has an excellent feel in the middle of the field, and he ranked 14th in big-time throw percentage. Even in his worst games, Darnold showed the ability to make NFL-caliber passes.

Bowl matchup: vs. Ohio State, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 29, Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, ESPN
3. Josh Rosen, UCLA (Jr., 6-4, 218)

Rosen does his best work at the intermediate (10- to 19-yard) level, where he posted the nation's top grade, and that's a good sign for next-level success. He ranked fourth in adjusted completion percentage when pressured, rounding out key parts of his game as he likely looks to make the jump to the NFL.

Bowl matchup: vs. Kansas State, 9 p.m. Dec. 26, Cactus Bowl, ESPN
4. Lamar Jackson, Louisville (Jr., 6-3, 211)

Although Jackson still misses a number of throws, he has big-play potential at the next level. He has shown the ability to hit tight-window throws, and his athleticism is special. He has graded as the top rushing quarterback each of the past two years, finishing with an excellent 93.1 grade this season.

Bowl matchup: vs. Mississippi State, noon Dec. 30, TaxSlayer Bowl, ESPN
5. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State (Sr., 6-5, 230)

Rudolph has had an excellent career at Oklahoma State, capped by a 90.7 overall grade that ranks fourth in the nation. He throws the ball outside the numbers with accuracy and has led the nation in deep (20-plus yard) passing yards in each of the past two seasons.

Bowl matchup: vs. Virginia Tech, 5:15 p.m. Dec. 28, Camping World Bowl, ESPN
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6. Josh Allen, Wyoming (Jr., 6-5, 233)

Allen has gotten plenty of first-round hype, but he has to improve his consistency on the "easy" stuff in order to live up to the hype. He has a cannon for an arm and can drive the ball down the field, but with an adjusted completion percentage of 65.7 percent that ranked 119th in the nation, there's a lot of room to grow from an accuracy and decision-making standpoint.

Bowl matchup: vs. Central Michigan, 4 p.m. Dec. 22, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, ESPN
7. Drew Lock, Missouri (Jr., 6-4, 225)

Few quarterbacks have improved as much as Lock the past three years. His on-field play is starting to match his talent. Lock has a big-time NFL arm, with an adjusted completion percentage that took a jump from 64.3 percent (122nd) in 2016 to 72.3 percent (51st) in 2017.

Bowl matchup: vs. Texas, 9 p.m. Dec. 27, Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl, ESPN
8. Justin Herbert, Oregon (Soph., 6-6, 225)

Herbert's arm and athleticism already have him on NFL radars, and now it's just a matter of learning to work through his progressions more efficiently. His 88.3 overall grade tied for sixth in the nation this season, and the Oregon offense took a massive step back when he missed time due to injury.

Bowl matchup: vs. Boise State, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 16, Las Vegas Bowl, ABC
9. K.J. Costello, Stanford (Soph., 6-5, 217)

Costello flashed plenty of ability on his 209 snaps, finishing with the sixth-highest percentage of big-time throws and tying for 19th in deep-ball adjusted completion percentage, at 50.0 percent. He already has the Stanford pedigree behind him, and another year of development will have him on the NFL radar.

Bowl matchup: vs. TCU, 9 p.m. Dec. 28, Valero Alamo Bowl, ESPN
10. Mike White, Western Kentucky (Sr., 6-4, 225)

Armed with the size and zip to play at the next level, White's season started out disappointing as he adjusted to a new system, but he came around in the second half of the season. He can drive the ball up the seam and outside the numbers, and he ranked third in the nation with 1,343 yards on deep (20-plus yard) passes in 2016.

Bowl matchup: vs. Georgia State, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16, AutoNation Cure Bowl, CBSSN
11. Ryan Finley, NC State (Jr., 6-4, 205)

A breakout season for Finley landed him at No. 5 among the nation's quarterbacks with an 89.4 overall grade. He doesn't have a cannon for an arm, but he can throw with anticipation and accuracy, which gives him a chance to succeed at the next level.

Bowl matchup: vs. Arizona State, 3 p.m. Dec. 29, Hyundai Sun Bowl, CBS
12. Luke Falk, Washington State (Sr., 6-4, 223)

Falk ran Washington State's pass-first system efficiently for three years, but he struggled as a senior, posting the lowest overall PFF grade of his career at 78.4. He lacks the velocity to consistently drive the ball outside the numbers, but his middle-of-the-field touch gives him a chance to succeed at the next level.

Bowl matchup: vs. Michigan State, 9 p.m. Dec. 28, San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl, FOX
13. Jake Fromm, Georgia (Fr., 6-2, 225)

The true freshman has done a fine job of managing the ship to help Georgia to a playoff berth, and though the Bulldogs have a run-first attack, Fromm ranked fourth in the nation with an adjusted completion percentage of 59.1 percent on deep passes. He showed enough to position himself as an intriguing prospect to watch in the coming years.

Bowl matchup: vs. Oklahoma, 5 p.m. Jan. 1, College Football Playoff at the Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual, ESPN
14. Jarrett Stidham, Auburn (Soph., 6-3, 214)

Stidham showed improvement as the season progressed, and he possesses NFL tools, but he'll have to improve his work under pressure. The Baylor transfer's 57.4 percent adjusted completion percentage ranked 62nd in the nation.

Bowl matchup: vs. UCF, 12:30 p.m. Jan. 1, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, ESPN
15. Nathan Stanley, Iowa (Soph., 6-5, 212)

Only a true sophomore, Stanley put himself on the radar with a solid 81.6 passing grade this season, good for 31st in the nation, though he must improve his accuracy in the short game, where his grade ranked only 122nd out of 155 qualifiers.

Bowl matchup: vs. Boston College, 5:15 p.m. Dec. 27, New Era Pinstripe Bowl, ESPN
16. Logan Woodside, Toledo (Sr., 6-2, 210)

Woodside has a good arm that can stretch the field, particularly between the numbers and up the seams. His 87.1 overall grade ranked 10th in the nation in 2017, and he is seventh with 1,182 yards on deep (20-plus yard) passes.

Bowl matchup: vs. Appalachian State, 7 p.m. Dec. 23, Dollar General Bowl, ESPN
17. Riley Ferguson, Memphis (Sr., 6-4, 210)

With the arm to drive the ball down the field, Ferguson finished with a solid 46.7 percent adjusted completion percentage on deep (20-plus yard) throws this season, good for 28th in the country. He'll have to improve his touch on underneath throws in order to maximize his potential.

Bowl matchup: vs. Iowa State, 12:30 p.m. Dec. 30, AutoZone Liberty Bowl, ABC
18. Daniel Jones, Duke (Soph., 6-5., 215)

The high-end play has been there in flashes for Jones, who has excellent size and certainly looks the part of NFL quarterback. That said, he has room to grow from an accuracy standpoint, as his adjusted completion percentage of 67.9 percent tied for 96th in the nation this season.

Bowl matchup: vs. Northern Illinois, 5:15 p.m. Dec. 26, Quick Lane Bowl, ESPN
19. Chase Litton, Marshall (Jr., 6-6, 232)

With good size and three solid years of production, Litton is on the NFL radar. He ranked 31st in big-time throw percentage last season, but he also had the 20th-highest percentage of negatively graded throws, a number that must improve next season.

Bowl matchup: vs. Colorado State, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 16, GILDAN New Mexico Bowl, ESPN
20. Clayton Thorson, Northwestern (Jr., 6-4, 225)

Thorson has the size and arm to drive the ball down the field, but he has to cut down on the poor decisions. He tied for 97th in the nation in avoiding turnover-worthy plays. The big issue is that the risky plays didn't come alongside explosive, downfield plays, as Thorson ranked only 103rd in big-time throw percentage.

Bowl matchup: vs. Kentucky, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 29, Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, ESPN
21. Nic Shimonek, Texas Tech (Sr., 6-3, 225)

Shimonek has the arm talent to play at the next level, and his adjusted completion percentage of 78.5 percent tied for second in the nation, but he has to cut down on the poor decisions. Shimonek ranked only 52nd in the country at avoiding turnover-worthy plays.

Bowl matchup: vs. South Florida, noon Dec. 23, Birmingham Bowl, ESPN
22. Jake Browning, Washington (Jr., 6-2, 210)

Arm strength is the big question for Browning, who has shown the accuracy, decision-making and touch to succeed at the next level. He ranked 48th in adjusted completion percentage on deep passes last season, and there are questions about whether he has the velocity to complete throws outside the numbers at the next level.

Bowl matchup: vs. Penn State, 4 p.m. Dec. 30, PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, ESPN
23. Josh Jackson, Virginia Tech (Fr., 6-1, 211)

Only a true freshman, Jackson showed great promise before his season tailed off mightily starting in Week 9. He showed some big-play ability with a passer rating of 110.9 on deep passes (30th in the nation), but he must improve upon an adjusted completion percentage of 69.0 percent, which ranked 81st.

Bowl matchup: vs. Oklahoma State, 5:15 p.m. Dec. 28, Camping World Bowl, ESPN
24. Brett Rypien, Boise State (Jr., 6-2, 208)

Rypien doesn't have a cannon, but he can throw with touch and can work through his reads to find the open man. His 76.2 percent adjusted completion percentage ranked 13th in the nation last season.

Bowl matchup: vs. Oregon, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 16, Las Vegas Bowl, ABC
25. Ben Hicks, SMU (Soph., 6-1, 203)

Even with a big step forward, Hicks ranked only 63rd in the nation with a 79.4 overall grade and had the 32nd-highest percentage of negatively graded throws in the nation in 2017.

Bowl matchup: vs. Louisiana Tech, 8 p.m. Dec. 20, DXL Frisco Bowl, ESPN
26. Nick Starkel, Texas A&M (Fr., 6-3, 215)

Texas A&M opened things up for Starkel down the stretch, and he responded with the seventh-highest percentage of big-time throws in his limited sample. He has the frame to add more weight, and he could turn some heads if given the opportunity over the next few years.

Bowl matchup: vs. Wake Forest, 1 p.m. Dec. 29, Belk Bowl, ESPN
27. Kyle Kempt, Iowa State (Sr., 6-5, 210)

One of the stories of the season for Iowa State, Kempt stepped in and played well down the stretch, grading at 81.0 overall, good for 46th in the country. He made good decisions and threw the ball accurately, finishing tied for 14th with an adjusted completion percentage of 76.0 percent.

Bowl matchup: vs. Memphis, 12:30 p.m. Dec. 30, AutoZone Liberty Bowl, ABC
28. Jake Bentley, South Carolina (Soph., 6-3, 220)

Bentley's natural playmaking skills are evident, but he's still young, and there are parts of his game that need to improve. He ranked only 123rd in the country with an adjusted completion percentage of 28.6 percent on deep passes last season.

Bowl matchup: vs. Michigan, noon Jan. 1, Outback Bowl, ESPN2
29. Brandon Peters, Michigan (Soph., 6-5, 220)

With good size and a reasonably strong arm, Peters has a chance to progress after an up-and-down start to his career as a redshirt freshman. He has the ability to make plays outside of structure but has to do a better job of making plays within the flow of the offense after ranking 16th in percentage of negatively graded throws.

Bowl matchup: vs. South Carolina, noon Jan. 1, Outback Bowl, ESPN2
30. Kenny Hill, TCU (Sr., 6-1, 212)

Hill possesses a whippy arm, and he'll flash the ability to make impressive, tight-window throws, but he's prone to making poor decisions, and his ratio of big-time throws to turnover-worthy throws ranked only 75th in the nation.

Bowl matchup: vs. Stanford, 9 p.m. Dec. 28, Valero Alamo Bowl, ESPN
31. Khalil Tate, Arizona (Soph., 6-2, 215)

Few players possess Tate's combination of arm and athleticism, but he'll have to polish his game as a passer in order to make an impact as a quarterback at the next level. His 92.9 rushing grade ranked second in the nation, but his 75.8 passing mark finished 80th, highlighting his NFL athleticism as well as his inconsistencies in the passing game.

Bowl matchup: vs. Purdue, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 27, Foster Farms Bowl, FOX
32. McKenzie Milton, UCF (Soph., 5-11, 177)

At 5-foot-11 and 177 pounds, the NFL will likely overlook Milton as a quarterback prospect, but his accuracy and playmaking are difficult to ignore. His 87.6 overall grade ranked ninth in the nation in 2017, and his 86.1 passing grade ranked 11th.

Bowl matchup: vs. Auburn, 12:30 p.m. Jan. 1, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, ESPN
33. Kurt Benkert, Virginia (Sr., 6-4, 215)

This Senior Bowl invite is as boom-or-bust as it comes with regard to creating big plays and making poor decisions. He has the arm to create big plays down the field and ranked 46th in big-time throw percentage, but he also tied for 89th in avoiding turnover-worthy throws.

Bowl matchup: vs. Navy, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 28, Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman, ESPN
34. Jordan Love, Utah State (Fr., 6-3, 215)

Love showed the ability to make plays down the field, with a passer rating of 112.0 on deep balls (26th in the nation), though his passer rating dropped from 93.0 in a clean pocket to 30.4 when pressured. He'll need to improve his feel under pressure, but he's on the radar for the future.

Bowl matchup: vs. New Mexico State, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 29, NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl, CBSSN
35. J.T. Barrett, Ohio State (Sr., 6-2, 220)

Downfield arm strength and accuracy have always been the issue for Barrett, who ranked only 101st in the nation in adjusted completion percentage on deep (20-plus yard) throws in 2017 but has the athleticism and intangibles to stick around the league in a backup role.

Bowl matchup: vs. USC, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 29, Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, ESPN
36. Jalen Hurts, Alabama (Soph., 6-2, 218)

Hurts lacks the accuracy to make the necessary throws at the NFL level and will have to make big strides in that regard the next two years. His athleticism can play at the next level, but more concerning is his work under pressure, where his passer rating dropped almost 70 points in each of the past two seasons.

Bowl matchup: vs. Clemson, 8:45 p.m. Jan. 1, College Football Playoff at the Allstate Sugar Bowl, ESPN
37. Quinton Flowers, South Florida (Sr., 6-0, 215)

Flowers will get a look on athleticism alone, but there will be questions about his size and accuracy when executing the menu of throws necessary at the next level. His 67.7 percent adjusted completion percentage ranked only 99th in the nation in 2017.

Bowl matchup: vs. Texas Tech, noon Dec. 23, Birmingham Bowl, ESPN
38. Nick Stevens, Colorado State (Sr., 6-3, 215)

Stevens knows how to work through progressions but has a limited arm and put the ball in harm's way far too often last season, ranking 75th in the nation at avoiding turnover-worthy throws.

Bowl matchup: vs. Marshall, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 16, GILDAN New Mexico Bowl, ESPN
39. Brandon Wimbush, Notre Dame (Jr., 6-1, 228)

Wimbush has a very strong arm that was on display throughout 2017, his first season as a starter, but an adjusted completion percentage of 62.8 percent (134th out of 144 qualifiers) is the major hurdle for his next-level development.

Bowl matchup: vs. LSU, 1 p.m. Jan. 1, Citrus Bowl Presented by Overton's, ABC
40. Marcus McMaryion, Fresno State (Jr., 6-2, 195)

McMaryion came out of nowhere to post an 82.6 overall grade that ranked 35th in the nation this season, as well as the fifth-highest percentage of big-time throws. He still ranked only 75th in percentage of positively graded throws and must improve his ability to find the open man beyond the first read.

Bowl matchup: vs. Houston, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 24, Hawai'i Bowl, ESPN
41. Sam Ehlinger, Texas (Fr., 6-2, 230)

Only a true freshman, Ehlinger sparked Texas with his play this season, though he ranked only 88th out of 98 qualifiers in big-time throw to turnover-worthy play ratio, a number that must improve in the coming years.

Bowl matchup: vs. Missouri, 9 p.m. Dec. 27, Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl, ESPN
42. Malik Rosier, Miami (Jr., 6-1, 216)

It was a nice run for Rosier, who helped Miami to its best season in years, but his 65.0 percent adjusted completion percentage (123rd in the country) is a big concern for his next-level status.

Bowl matchup: vs. Wisconsin, 8 p.m. Dec. 30, Capital One Orange Bowl, ESPN
43. Kelly Bryant, Clemson (Jr., 6-4, 220)

Despite a breakout season, Bryant has a ways to go to make an impact at the next level. He can distribute to his excellent playmakers and took care of the ball with the lowest percentage of turnover-worthy throws in the nation, but he tied for only 69th in percentage of positively graded throws.

Bowl matchup: vs. Alabama, 8:45 p.m. Jan. 1, College Football Playoff at the Allstate Sugar Bowl, ESPN
44. John Wolford, Wake Forest (Sr., 6-1, 200)

His size is a concern, but Wolford's athleticism and accuracy led to the fifth-highest percentage of positively graded throws in the nation in 2017, and he offers just enough next-level intrigue to warrant a look in training camp.

Bowl matchup: vs. Texas A&M, 1 p.m. Dec. 29, Belk Bowl, ESPN
45. Alex McGough, FIU (Sr., 6-3, 218)

A breakout senior season highlighted McGough's whippy arm -- he finished with an impressive 88.1 overall PFF grade (eighth in the nation) -- but he has to work on processing his reads and making plays when moved off his spot in the pocket.

Bowl matchup: vs. Temple, 8 p.m. Dec. 21, Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl, ESPN
46. Brian Lewerke, Michigan State (Soph., 6-3, 212)

Although he brought an excellent run threat to the Michigan State offense, Lewerke ranked only 91st in the nation with a passing grade of 74.5, a number that must improve in the coming years to warrant prospect status.

Bowl matchup: vs. Washington State, 9 p.m. Dec. 28, San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl, FOX
47. Jason Driskel, Florida Atlantic (Jr., 6-2, 210)

Driskel improved in each of his past three seasons as the starter, but he graded at only 74.7 as a passer in 2017, tied for 89th in the nation. He had the 28th-highest percentage of negatively graded throws.

Bowl matchup: vs. Akron, 7 p.m. Dec. 19, Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl, ESPN
48. Taylor Lamb, Appalachian State (Sr., 6-2, 200)

Lamb has played more of a game-manager role, and though he posted a strong 83.9 passing grade this season, his adjusted completion percentage of 37.2 percent (ranking 84th in the country) highlights an inability to challenge the defense down the field.

Bowl matchup: vs. Toledo, 7 p.m. Dec. 23, Dollar General Bowl, ESPN
49. James Blackman, Florida State (Fr., 6-5, 185)

Blackman got thrown into the fire as a true freshman, and it's obvious that the first priority is adding weight to his 6-foot-5, 185-pound frame. He flashed plenty of potential but looked like a true freshman for most of the season and will have to improve on an adjusted completion percentage of 67.1 percent that tied for 106th in the country.

Bowl matchup: vs. Southern Miss, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 27, Walk-On's Independence Bowl, ESPN
50. Alex Hornibrook, Wisconsin (Soph., 6-4, 215)

Hornibrook took big strides as a sophomore but has to improve his decision-making. He tied for 76th at avoiding turnover-worthy plays, and his arm lacks the pop to consistently making tight-window throws.

Bowl matchup: vs. Miami, 8 p.m. Dec. 30, Capital One Orange Bowl, ESPN
51. Manny Wilkins, Arizona State (Jr., 6-3, 200)

Wilkins is a good athlete who has enough arm to the get the ball down the field in order to give his playmakers an opportunity. His adjusted completion percentage of 42.9 percent ranks 48th on deep passes, but his ball placement must improve in order to garner next-level consideration.

Bowl matchup: vs. NC State, 3 p.m. Dec. 29, Hyundai Sun Bowl, CBS
52. Trace McSorley, Penn State (Sr., 6-0, 195)

A slight build already has McSorley fighting an uphill battle for an NFL roster spot, but the bigger issue is a passer rating that dropped from 122.2 in a clean pocket to only 42.3 when pressured.

Bowl matchup: vs. Washington, 4 p.m. Dec. 30, PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, ESPN
53. Tyler Huntley, Utah (Soph., 6-1, 190)

Huntley is only a true sophomore and has a good arm that makes him a prospect to watch in the coming years. He'll have to improve his ball placement and feel for the position in order to take the next step.

Bowl matchup: vs. West Virginia, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 26, Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl, ESPN
54. Justice Hansen, Arkansas State (Jr., 6-4, 207)

A lack of mobility hurts Hansen's long-term prospects, but he has the arm to get the ball down the field, as evidenced by an adjusted completion percentage of 50.0 percent in 2017, tied for 19th in the nation.

Bowl matchup: vs. Middle Tennessee, 8 p.m. Dec. 16, Raycom Media Camellia Bowl, ESPN
55. Shane Morris, Central Michigan (Sr., 6-3, 225)

A former top recruit, Morris' decision-making is a concern -- he led the nation in turnover-worthy throws -- though he did rank 17th in big-time throw percentage. Overall, Morris' down-to-down production never got to the necessary level after his transfer from Michigan.

Bowl matchup: vs. Wyoming, 4 p.m. Dec. 22, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, ESPN
56. A.J. Erdely, UAB (Jr., 6-4, 220)

Erdely's poise and feel in the pocket allowed him to rank 33rd in the nation in adjusted completion percentage under pressure, but he has a quirky release, and he was inconsistent throwing the ball down the field, ranking 63rd in adjusted completion percentage on deep (20-plus yard) passes at 40.8 percent.

Bowl matchup: vs. Ohio, 12:30 p.m. Dec. 22, Bahamas Bowl, ESPN
57. Elijah Sindelar, Purdue (Soph., 6-4, 230)

Sindelar has good size but ranked only 113th with a passing grade of 70.6 and 65th in avoiding turnover-worthy plays. There's still time for the sophomore to improve.

Bowl matchup: vs. Arizona, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 27, Foster Farms Bowl, FOX
58. Tyler Rogers, New Mexico State (Sr., 6-3, 218)

Accuracy and decision-making are issues for Rogers, who throws off-balance far too often, leading to the highest number of turnover-worthy plays in the nation in 2017.

Bowl matchup: vs. Utah State, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 29, NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl, CBSSN
59. Keytaon Thompson, Mississippi State (Fr., 6-4, 222)

Only a true freshman, Thompson has potential due to size and speed, but he has struggled as a passer early in his career, posting an adjusted completion percentage of only 51.2 percent.

Bowl matchup: vs. Louisville, noon Dec. 30, TaxSlayer Bowl, ESPN
60. J'Mar Smith, Louisiana Tech (Soph., 6-1, 230)

Smith emerged as a solid starter for Louisiana Tech this season but must improve his accuracy, as he ranked only 84th in the nation with an adjusted completion percentage of 68.9 percent.

Bowl matchup: vs. SMU, 8 p.m. Dec. 20, DXL Frisco Bowl, ESPN
61. Brandon Silvers, Troy (Sr., 6-3, 219)

Although he has shown continued improvement in his four years as a starter, Silvers is athletic but limited from an arm standpoint for the next level. He ranked only 84th in percentage of positively graded throws this season.

Bowl matchup: vs. North Texas, 1 p.m. Dec. 16, R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, ESPN
62. Kwadra Griggs, Southern Miss (Jr., 6-3, 225)

Griggs has the ability to make plays down the field, but his short-area accuracy and touch need work. He ranked only 70th in the country in PFF grades on short (0- to 9-yard) passes.

Bowl matchup: vs. Florida State, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 27, Walk-On's Independence Bowl, ESPN
63. Brent Stockstill, Middle Tennessee (Jr., 6-0, 221)

Stockstill has had a nice college career but lacks the arm to drive the ball up the seam and outside the numbers at the next level. His adjusted completion percentage of 46.9 percent ranked only 123rd in the nation this season.

Bowl matchup: vs. Arkansas State, 8 p.m. Dec. 16, Raycom Media Camellia Bowl, ESPN
64. Danny Etling, LSU (Sr., 6-2, 215)

Accuracy is a major issue for Etling, who ranked only 91st in the nation with an adjusted completion percentage of 68.4 percent last season, a step back from his 69.2 percent mark in 2016.

Bowl matchup: vs. Notre Dame, 1 p.m. Jan. 1, Citrus Bowl Presented by Overton's, ABC
65. Skylar Thompson, Kansas State (Fr., 6-2, 209)

With only 273 snaps to his name, Thompson has shown some potential but must improve under pressure, as his passer rating drops from 112.6 in a clean pocket to only 58.8 when pressured.

Bowl matchup: vs. UCLA, 9 p.m. Dec. 26, Cactus Bowl, ESPN
66. Christian Chapman, San Diego State (Jr., 6-0, 200)

At his size, it will be a challenge for Chapman to get a pro look. Although he ranked eighth in the country with an adjusted completion percentage of 53.7 percent on deep passes, he ranked 112th in PFF grade on short passes.

Bowl matchup: vs. Army, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 23, Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, ESPN
67. Frank Nutile, Temple (Jr., 6-4, 225)

With only 407 career snaps to his name, Nutile has flashed the ability to make plays down the field in his limited time, but his accuracy wanes from down to down. He ranked 16th in the nation in negatively graded throws.

Bowl matchup: vs. FIU, 8 p.m. Dec. 21, Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl, ESPN
68. Stephen Johnson, Kentucky (Sr., 6-2, 185)

Johnson has been a solid run threat for the Kentucky offense, but his passing simply hasn't developed enough to warrant a serious look at the next level. His 74.2 passing grade ranked 96th in the nation in 2017.

Bowl matchup: vs. Northwestern, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 29, Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, ESPN
69. Kato Nelson, Akron (Fr., 6-1, 205)

A true freshman, Nelson burst onto the scene with big games down the stretch, but he has tapered off a bit in recent weeks. He'll need overall refinement in the coming years, and his 28.0 percent completion percentage when pressured is a concern early in his career.

Bowl matchup: vs. Florida Atlantic, 7 p.m. Dec. 19, Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl, ESPN
70. Conner Manning, Georgia State (Sr., 6-1, 205)

Manning lacks size and is simply too inconsistent as a passer. His 74.7 passing grade ranked only 89th among signal-callers in 2017.

Bowl matchup: vs. Western Kentucky, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16, AutoNation Cure Bowl, CBSSN
71. Mason Fine, North Texas (Soph., 5-11, 180)

A slight frame will likely keep Fine out of the NFL, but he made great strides this season, grading at 85.9 overall after posting a 47.8 last season. Even with the improvement, his overall production is still lacking.

Bowl matchup: vs. Troy, 1 p.m. Dec. 16, R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, ESPN
72. Nathan Rourke, Ohio (Soph., 6-2, 209)

Rourke did more damage as a runner (85.4 grade, seventh among quarterbacks) than he did as a passer (73.1 grade, 100th among quarterbacks), so he'll have to improve his accuracy and decision-making to become a next-level prospect.

Bowl matchup: vs. UAB, 12:30 p.m. Dec. 22, Bahamas Bowl, ESPN
73. D'Eriq King, Houston (Soph., 5-11, 190)

King is more playmaker than pure passer, though he looked great down the stretch for Houston. He has played some wide receiver the past two seasons, and that's where his likely future is at the next level.

Bowl matchup: vs. Fresno State, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 24, Hawai'i Bowl, ESPN
74. Chris Chugunov, West Virginia (Soph., 6-1, 203)

Filling in for the injured Will Grier, Chugunov struggled in his first start against Oklahoma and finished with a 66.4 overall grade for the season. He lacks the size and arm to be a factor when throwing down the field.

Bowl matchup: vs. Utah, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 26, Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl, ESPN
75. Darius Wade, Boston College (Sr., 6-0, 215)

Wade has struggled as a passer in his four years at Boston College, and he connected on only one of his eight deep pass attempts this season as a backup to starter Anthony Brown.

Bowl matchup: vs. Iowa, 5:15 p.m. Dec. 27, New Era Pinstripe Bowl, ESPN
76. Marcus Childers, Northern Illinois (Fr., 6-1, 215)

A 55.1 passing grade and a slight frame will limit Childers' pro potential, though he has been an effective runner in Northern Illinois' system with 543 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.

Bowl matchup: vs. Duke, 5:15 p.m. Dec. 26, Quick Lane Bowl, ESPN
77. Malcolm Perry, Navy (Soph., 5-9, 185)

Moving from A-back to quarterback toward the end of the season, Perry brings a home-run threat to Navy's option attack. He would need a position switch to become a viable next-level player.

Bowl matchup: vs. Virginia, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 28, Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman, ESPN
78. Ahmad Bradshaw, Army (Sr., 5-11, 205)

Bradshaw capped an excellent career with back-to-back wins over Navy, and like most service academy quarterbacks, his future would involve a switch of positions for the next level.

Bowl matchup: vs. San Diego State, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 23, Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, ESPN
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espn insider college football: Stacking the bowl QBs by pro potential Dec 12

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