The 2024 NFL Draft takes place at the end of April, but the scouting process begins long before that. Along the way are a series of all-star games, which feature prospects that are set to enter the draft. The Senior Bowl is the most popular of these games, while the East-West Shrine Game also gets its fair share of attention. However, there is another, which seems to fly under the radar on a yearly basis – the Hula Bowl. This game is another opportunity for prospects, typically late rounders, to showcase their talents to scouts. As well, it is another opportunity for teams to identify potential diamonds in the rough.
Current Bengals CB DJ Ivey played in this game last year, before Cincinnati ended up selecting him in the 7th round of the NFL Draft. DT Devonnsha Maxwell also took part in the Hula Bowl, and eventually signed with the Bengals as an undrafted free agent, following the draft. Of note, Chiefs starting RB Isiah Pacheco also played in the Hula Bowl, before working his way up to being a late round draft pick, and then an important part of their offence.
This year’s game also featured some solid play. Rather than just picking the statsheet standouts, I made this list with an eye towards traits that might translate to the next level. Here are some of the players that caught my eye in the Hula Bowl.
DT, Khristian Boyd (Northern Iowa)
Boyd had several nice reps rushing from the inside. He effectively used a rip move to pressure the QB, and was later able to push the pocket, despite being double teamed. Boyd has a big frame that can eat up space on the inside, but also is a very good athlete.
LB, Eli Neal (Marshall)
Neal made several plays in this one. As a blitzer off the edge, you could see his speed and agility as he tracked down the QB before he could escape. Neal got a strip sack on the play. He was also able to make a couple of tackles behind the line of scrimmage, showing off good instincts and speed in the process.
DE, Solomon Byrd (USC)
Byrd had a few nice reps coming off the edge. On one occasion, he displayed a wicked spin move that forced the QB to throw the ball early. Overall, his athleticism looked good.
RB, Austin Jones (USC)
A lot of the RB’s had a good game, but Jones’s speed and agility just seemed above the rest to me. He was able to hit the accelerator almost instantly, and make the first tackler miss as he got upfield. Speed, agility, vision – all things that translate to the next level.
QB, John Rhys Plumlee (UCF)
Plumlee’s ability to play off script was on full display. He has the speed and elusiveness to escape the pocket – and this was with a brace on his knee. I like that he continued to look downfield for receivers, before tucking it when a play wasn’t there. He did miss a few throws, but others were on the money, particularly a TD pass down the seam on 4th & long. Arm strength is solid, if unspectacular. Some of his passes were a bit wobbly, but he is capable of getting enough juice on most of his passes.
TE, Dylan Leonard (Georgia Tech)
Leonard was the recipient of Plumlee’s TD pass. He ran a nice route down the seam, and then elevated to make a nice catch. His vertical ability was impressive on this play, and he displayed strong hands to snatch the ball out of the air, and hang onto it as he came to the ground.
QB, Spencer Sanders (Ole Miss)
Sanders seemed to prefer passing in the pocket, and was consistently delivering accurate passes to all levels of the field. Arm strength isn’t crazy or anything, but he can make the throws. His athleticism is deceptive. He is a pocket passer, but was able to make some off script plays when he had to.
OT, Frank Crum (Wyoming)
Crum’s big frame stood out on the offensive line, and he flashed power at times. He is still a work in progress, as are all of the players in this game. His feet did look sluggish at times, and I wonder if he is a tackle or guard at the next level. This was my first exposure to him, so that question may be answered down the line. But Crum’s length, size, and strength give him traits that should make him a worthwhile developmental project, whether as a late rounder or UDFA.
