2025 NFL Draft Stock Report: Go Bowling Military Bowl

2025 NFL Draft Stock Report: Go Bowling Military Bowl

Did you watch the Go Bowling Military Bowl? If not, that’s okay because I have all of the 2025 NFL Draft notes you could possibly need. It was an interesting match up between in-state rivals East Carolina and NC State. A rivalry that goes far deeper than just meeting up in a random Bowl game so that added plenty of intrigue on it’s own.

Before we get to the 2025 NFL Draft Stock Report notes on this game, I feel obligated to direct you attention to the ECU series we’ve done with the college football video game. Give it a watch. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Here is the hub. All of the live streams are found on the main YouTube channel with the condensed version on the gaming channel.

East Carolina

Katin Houser probably peaks out as an NFL backup but that doesn’t mean he isn’t intriguing. Has some size on him 6-foot-3, 222, and can move around a bit. Still has a ways to go as a pure passer. 5.1 yards per attempt, two picks, and no touchdowns isn’t ideal. Did well as a runner though posting two touchdowns via ground transportation.

I’m not going to sit here and tell you he’s a world beater but he just wrapped up his sophomore year. Has two more years to keep getting better. The more important part of his season is that he proved he can win games and was miles better than Jake Garcia. Doesn’t have a bad set of tools on him. This isn’t some diamond in the rough they found. This was a four star guy out of high school who started his career out at Michigan State. He’s not untalented. Two more years to go and we’ll see where we’re at then.

Now Rahjai Harris? That is an NFL player. I don’t think that’s even a question now. Harris set a Bowl game record in this one rushing for 220 yards on only 17 carries. That included this 86 yard house call that won them the game. The refs tried to screw ECU on what should have been a fumble by CJ Bailey. Harris put the team on his back and closed the game out like this.

OH MY GOODNESSSSSS RAHJAI HARRIS 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️#AmericanWay x @ECUPiratesFB pic.twitter.com/oykjwXxPpQ

— The American (@American_Conf) December 29, 2024

It’s kinda like watching smaller school Damien Martinez. 5-foot-11, 214, with real power. Not one of these slow turds either like an Estime. Does a really great job at constantly keeping the feet churning. Good leg drive. Way more shifty than he gets credit for. By the way, it’s not like ECU creates frauds at this position. Ever hear of Chris Johnson? Keaton Mitchell was a lightning rod as a rookie prior to the injury. Harris is an NFL back and it’s going to be a loaded class. Keep this name tucked away because he can play. No question.

Shannon Revel was the best player on this team prior to the injury. Not sure there’s much on this defense to discuss. Dontavius Nash had a pick that really sealed the win. JD Lampley had a few moments including one sack and one TFL. I’m a low-key fan of the linebacker Dameon Wilson too. All three should be back next year and we’ll discuss them further then.

2025 NFL Draft Stock Report: Pop-Tarts Bowl

NC State

I have no idea what CJ Bailey is but he sure has taken strides forward physically. Just looks like he’s totally changed his body from the start of the season. Bailey, a 6-foot-6 freshman, looks like he’s gained 50 pounds of muscle to close the season. I have no idea what the real number is but it’s noticeable.

I’ll tell you this. He has a much higher ceiling than whatever the nonsense was of McCall to start the season. Had a few bone head mistakes that cost them in the end but the high end plays were there. Finished the game 19/26 for 230 yards, three touchdowns, and one pick. Wasn’t super efficient as a runner but can do it.

Former three star guy. Still has a funky throwing motion and low release point. Has the potential to get much better. Right now he’s a lump of clay. Not accurate enough right now. Not consistent enough. That can very easily change in the coming years. It will be on him. Get in the gym and put in the work and something real might emerge.

It’s safe to say Hollywood Smothers is the back now? Surprised it’s not Jordan Waters, a transfer from Duke playing in his final game. They gave the keys to Smothers and it’s clear he’s the most talented back in that room. 15 carries for 139 yards in this one.

Most importantly, this season sucked for NC State but they have future building blocks to build around. Those two guys just might be something.

Maybe I’m being harsh here for no reason but this cornerback Ayden White. I’m not buying him. Looks like a shaky tackler and never made a single wow play in coverage despite them being on the table with Houser’s flaws. Not impressed at all.

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