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2025 NFL Draft Stock Report: Rate Bowl
2025 NFL Draft Stock Report: Rate Bowl
The 2025 NFL Draft Stock Report continues with the Rate Bowl. Yes, while you were partying during Christmas break, Trey was on the couch watching the Rate Bowl between Kansas State and Rutgers. It was actually a really good watch and K State stormed back from down 17 to win.
Let me just say this too. I missed the start of the game because the Pitt and Toledo Bowl Bowl game went to overtime. The game went to 6 OT’s so beware that I was late to the party here. It’s not my fault Pat Narduzzi is a conservative Nancy and couldn’t close the game out. I saw bits and pieces beforehand but was there full time at the 7-minute mark in the second quarter with the game tied so we got to see a vast majority of it. Just being authentic as always.
Some running back news too. DJ Giddens opted out of the Bowl Game so it was truly the Dylan Edwards show. Something I’ve been clamoring for all season so I was excited about that. Kyle Monangai also didn’t play but this one sounded more like a Rutgers – “hey, you have done a lot for us. We thank you for your services. No need to risk the NFL for this” type of situation. I’m a HUGE fan of Monangai and a maybe on Giddens so there you have it on that.
Kansas State
I want to love Avery Johnson. He’s total wildcard material but you keep wanting more. Sometimes you watch that guy run and it’s holly hell WTF am I watching? Other times it looks like he cranked it to Anthony Richardson too many times. Too much Richardson in him. I hope that goes away but it very well may not. Too many inaccurate throws. Inconsistent but tilts the field when he starts getting momentum going. He’s also had three different OCs in three years. He goes to the right coach…
There’s something to be said for the downhill momentum he gets going. He’s like a break dancer. Once he’s in the zone, get the hell out of the way and let him cook. When it’s going bad, you may as well throw eggs and boot him off the stage.
15/30 for 195 yards, three touchdowns, and one pick. Add in the rushing of 11 carries for 57 yards and a score. Guys like him feel like the future of the position. Don’t forget about the fact that K State told Will Howard to go kick rocks (and it was 100% the right call). Johnson just finished up his sophomore season. I can’t wait to see what we get this time next year and maybe the year after.
Total rollercoaster. I’ll say this though. You have to account for him in the run game. He makes the running backs better. That’s undeniable. Arm power is really good too. If you clean up his passing, he’s a first round guy no question.
Speaking of the run game, this was really a running back game. Rutgers isn’t a bunch of slouches. Other top backs in the Conference didn’t exactly torch them when they played. Dylan Edwards literally broke school records in this one. 18 carries for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Added a receiving touchdown too. Has speed for days. Good luck catching this dude. Have been a big fan for a while. Looked like a stud at Colorado. Small back though. He’s probably like 160 and won’t be an everydown guy at the NFL level. Be smart about the way you use him and he will reward you. You can find a role for this lightning rod. Didn’t play small in the game though. He’s better than Deuce Vaughn. No doubt about that.
Really, this made me rethink DJ Giddens. How good is he? They didn’t miss him at all. Freshman Joe Jackson stepped right in getting a few touches and looked like a monster too. Tough look when you’re viewed as replaceable and not missed. Telling you, this Joe Jackson is legit from what I saw. Looking forward to seeing him in the coming years.
For anyone who cares, Dante Cephus plays for this team. Remember when I said he sucked when he played for Penn State? Still the case. He’s in his 6th collegiate season. Two catches for 42 yards. There’s absolutely nothing here.
None of the pass catchers really stood out. Underclassman wide out Jayce Brown and tight end Garrett Oakley have the best chance to turn into something. Just don’t hold your breath. We’ll find out more next year.
Rutgers
I’m not sure what’s going on with this freshy KJ Duff but that’s something. Guy is enormous. Three catches for 54 yards but it wasn’t about that. 6-foot-6, 219, and can really move. Hard to find guys that big who can actually get open. I know it’s against a Big 12 defense but I was impressed. Imagine that guys takes a few leaps during Spring ball? Three star tight end recruit who is playing wide out. I don’t know what that guy is yet but he’s for sure worth monitoring in the coming years.
Does Rutgers have some young talent coming in, such as this freshman running back? Holy hell. Those guys are coached great too. Just with the way they’re all carrying the ball. High and tight no fumbles. Two fumbles from the backs all year. It’s noticeable the way they specifically are carrying it. Ball security is job security so well done. This dude has a bit of a burst to him. Hit some real home run balls and looks ready to go for next year. Antwan Raymond, three star back from CANADA, dude had a hell of a game far beyond the box score.
18 carries for 113 yards and three scores. Had a hell of a burst to him too. Can’t wait to see what this looks like next year when he’s the dude. Sure looks like Greg Schiano just might have some hidden gems ready to emerge next year.
Robert Longerbeam had eight tackles in the game and an interception. Baited Johnson pretty nice too. Senior corner who needed a game like this. Eric Rogers is their best corner, in my opinion, but Longerbeam had some moments in this one. Rutgers has put DBs in the NFL before. Wouldn’t get overly worked up but had a decent showing. He’s not a bum. I’ll say that much.
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