’14 Texans Draft Prospects: Saturday Bowl Games

Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl

Sep 7, 2013; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats defensive back Ty Zimmerman (12) is congratulated by teammate Randall Evans (15) following an interception return for a touchdown against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Kansas State won the game 48-27. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl will take place at 10:15 p.m. EDT where Michigan (7-5, 3-5 Big Ten) will take on Kansas State (7-5, 5-4 Big 12) in Tempe, Ariz. on ESPN.

Michigan has nine players listed on the CBS Board, while Kansas State has seven on the list.

Of the two KSU players projected to be drafted, let’s take a look at free safety Ty Zimmerman, a 6-1, 204-pound red shirt senior.

Zimmerman is projected to be drafted in the third or fourth round, as he’s the fifth-rated FS on the list and 128th-rated player overall as he has been timed with a 4.57 40-yard dash.

On his draft page, it says:

"“The safety ranked third in the conference in tackles among defensive backs (7.0 per game), while he tied for sixth in interceptions with three, including a Big 12-best two returned for touchdowns. He ranks third in school history with 13 career interceptions.”"

January 1,2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive linesman Taylor Lewan (77) blocks against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter of the 2013 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

For Michigan, a player to watch is Taylor Lewan, a potential OT that could be drafted in the first round.

Though it would be a long shot for the Texans to take him in the first round (they would have to trade back and acquire more picks in the draft), Lewan is the top-rated player for the Wolverines.

He stands at 6-7, 315 pounds and is compared to Jake Long.

It says in his draft analysis:

"“Lewan looks like the second coming of Long. He is certainly behind (Long) in terms of development, but the size, athleticism and mentality are in place to resume the Wolverines’ tradition of churning out quality NFL offensive linemen.”"