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Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl: 5 NFL 2020 NFL Prospects to watch

By Nicholas Perlich

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 27: Defensive end Alex Highsmith #5 of the Charlotte 49ers tackles running back Trivenskey Mosley #22 of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles during the football game at Jerry Richardson Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 27: Defensive end Alex Highsmith #5 of the Charlotte 49ers tackles running back Trivenskey Mosley #22 of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles during the football game at Jerry Richardson Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 27: Defensive end Alex Highsmith #5 of the Charlotte 49ers tackles running back Trivenskey Mosley #22 of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles during the football game at Jerry Richardson Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 27: Defensive end Alex Highsmith #5 of the Charlotte 49ers tackles running back Trivenskey Mosley #22 of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles during the football game at Jerry Richardson Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

Alex Highsmith is clearly the best NFL prospect in this game the only player that will likely get drafted in April. While he was on scout’s radars prior to the season, Highsmith has had a breakout year in 2019. He has totaled 68 tackles this season with 21.5 tackles for loss and 14.0 sacks. Add in his eight other quarterback hurries and Highsmith has been an absolute terror on the edge this season.

As an NFL prospect, the biggest thing holding Highsmith back is his lack of size and length at 6-foot-4 and 242 pounds. He has a very good first step and shows very good quickness and body lean to turn the corner. He displays active hands, but he can only accomplish so much due to his shorter arms. Highsmith has good mental processing and play recognition as well. The biggest thing he will need to improve at the next level is his play strength and finishing tackles.

Expect Highsmith to be a terror once again for the 49ers in his last college game. He may not put up big sack numbers since Buffalo runs the ball more than pass, but he will be able to show off his excellent run fits and playmaking skills in the run game. Highsmith is one of the best smaller school prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft and deserves the attention he will receive in this bowl game.

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