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Top 5 NFL Draft Prospects In The Medal Of Honor Bowl

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By @Spencer_NFL

Top 5 NFL Draft Prospects In Medal Of Honor Bowl

Medal of Honor Bowl
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

With the season over for most teams, many draft hopefuls have turned their attention to postseason all-star games. The first of which kicks off this Saturday. The second annual Medal of Honor Bowl showcases players from the FBS, FCS, Division II and NAIA. The 2014 game featured three NFL Draft picks, including fourth-round selection Walt Aikens of the Miami Dolphins. Here are the five players most likely to be drafted from this year's game.

5. Merrill Noel, Jr. (CB-Wake Forest)

Merrill Noel Wake Forest
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

5. Merrill Noel, Jr. (CB-Wake Forest)

Merrill Noel Wake Forest
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

He's been overshadowed by teammate Kevin Johnson for much of his career, but Merrill Noel has a chance to make an NFL roster. He's a very aggressive CB with the speed to make up for mistakes in coverage. The questions is, how much ground can he make up when covering NFL wideouts? Even if he's not drafted, Noel will receive an opportunity in training camp. Noel covering South Carolina's Damiere Byrd would be a great matchup of speed in this game.

4. C.J. Uzomah (TE-Auburn)

C.J. Uzomah Auburn
Getty Images

4. C.J. Uzomah (TE-Auburn)

C.J. Uzomah Auburn
Getty Images

Despite catching only 29 career passes, C.J. Uzomah could very well hear his name called on Day 3 of the draft. Teams aren't concerned about his lack of production in college because Auburn doesn't utilize the TE very often. What scouts will look at is how he performed when given an opportunity. Seven of his 29 receptions resulted in touchdowns. He's a legitimate threat in the red zone, and could play his way into the draft with a strong outing.

3. Shaquille Riddick (DE-West Virginia)

Shaquille Riddick West Virginia
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

3. Shaquille Riddick (DE-West Virginia)

Shaquille Riddick West Virginia
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

A 2013 All-American at Gardner-Webb, Riddick transferred to West Virginia to finish his collegiate career. Despite starting in only eight of the team's 13 games, Riddick's seven sacks were twice as many as anyone else on the team. The Big 12 Newcomer of the Year has great quickness and could be a steal on Day 3. Riddick is the best pass-rusher in this game and could feast on opposing quarterbacks.

2. Jake Smith (C-Louisville)

Jake Smith Louisville
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jake Smith (C-Louisville)

Jake Smith Louisville
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Jake Smith is currently the No. 8 center on my board and is projected as a Round 6 or 7 pick. Besides the Florida State game, in which he was overmatched by Eddie Goldman, Smith has played well. He can play center or guard and has started at both positions during his time at Louisville. He has a chance to improve his stock in this game as two of his opponents, defensive tackles Vince Taylor and Jordan Williams, are from the SEC.

1. Jermaine Whitehead (S-Auburn)

Jermaine Whitehead Auburn
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

1. Jermaine Whitehead (S-Auburn)

Jermaine Whitehead Auburn
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

For disciplinary reasons, Jermaine Whitehead only played defense in seven of Auburn's 13 games this season. Still, he led the Tigers with six interceptions and finished tied for eighth with 36 tackles. His speed and ability to find the football will land him a roster spot. He has experience at both safety positions and contributes on special teams as well. He's the best player in this game and could be selected as early as the fourth round.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Related:

2015 NFL Draft: Top 20 Prospects

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