2024 NFL Draft Stock Report: Cotton Bowl

2024 NFL Draft Stock Report: Cotton Bowl

I saw it. You saw it. We all saw it. The Cotton Bowl between Ohio State and Missouri was an ugly mess. Mizzou won 14-3 in an ugly grind-it-out win. We’re going to talk about it anyway. There were still plenty of things to learn in regard to the 2024 NFL Draft. Let’s get right to the Stock Report notes.

Can we have a conversation about Emeka Egbuka again? I tried to reference this the last time Ohio State played. I think it really needs to be talked about. Are you sure you can just lump Egbuka into that Ohio State star group? You know, the Garrett Wilson/Chris Olave class? 

Did you watch this game? I’m not saying the guy sucks but he’s not in that group. Show me why he is. No Marvin Harrison tonight. Egbuka was the main guy. Did you see him separate? Did you see him beat the defense when he was the focal point? 

The quarterback play was brutal. No question about that. Six receptions for 63 yards isn’t bad considering that. I just am not blown away. Maybe I shouldn’t be but the bar is high for these Ohio State guys. I don’t see aircraft carrier.

Can someone explain why TreVeyon Henderson is playing in this game? I don’t get it. Why didn’t he declare? He’s clearly the best back in the class if he does. I really don’t think I need to say much that I haven’t said already. He needs to stay healthy, which makes even less sense why he would stay another year. I’m done talking about it because I don’t get it. 

But seriously, what was the point of Henderson playing that game? What was the point? So he could get for while the entire box was stacked because Missouri knew they couldn’t throw the ball? What are we talking about? 

Devin Brown got hurt pretty early in the game. Wasn’t super high on him beforehand. Thought Kyle McCord wasn’t better and people complained about him. Run around guy that’s not built to be a run around guy. Brady Cook is better and way more seasoned. Once the backup to the backup came into the game it was over. Couldn’t really make a throw.

I really like Denzel Burke. Corners that tackle >. Gotta have them. Cover skills are there. Guy makes tackles in open space on a consistent basis. It matters. 

Number 44 is cracked out. I don’t care what you say I’ll take him. He wrecks the game. Even if he’s not getting the sack he’s creating the play that makes the quarterback move. Last year Tuli Tuipulotu I had to have him. You let this guy slip in the draft it will be a big mistake. 

Let me just close it out like this. Eliah Drinkwitz is a really good coach. He won at App State. Missouri is firing under his watch. They just won the Cotton Bowl and had two losses all year in the SEC. One to Georgia and one to LSU. No shame in that. Plus, they’re recruiting well.

He told you exactly what he thought of Ohio State’s personnel. Don’t let 44 wreck the game.

Hello, Jack Sawyer.

He's already got two sacks tonight. Just pummels Missouri QB Brady Cook here.

Sawyer has really broken out late this season. pic.twitter.com/rDTykyiupV

— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) December 30, 2023

Got got tripped teamed most of the night. There were plays were his motor lacks. You’re going to have to make the dog bark sometimes. When the bark is nasty he’s going to change the game for you. I just beg that we don’t let the draft politics get in the way this time. Just like when you fools tried to suggest that Tyree Wilson should go higher than Jalen Carter. L time by the “experts” that know nothing. When you tell me some random pass rusher is better than that guy I just don’t want to hear it.

Hey, Maybe Jack Sawyer can be Sam Hubbard. That would be cool. Is that the bar?

2024 NFL Draft Stock Report: Alamo Bowl

Missouri

Ohio State might be the WRU. Well, Mizzou has some good ones too. Mookie Cooper is actually an Ohio State transfer. They couldn’t really get the passing game going at all. Theo Wease is worth an extra look after his game against Georgia.

Some of that was on Brady Cook. Some of it was the pass rush. Some of it was this defense did a good job covering. I don’t have a ton here on Missouri. The running back is a nice story. Maybe he can be Peyton Hillis.

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