Louisiana Lafayette and Southern Mississippi aren't traditionally programs known for grooming a boat load of future NFL talent.
The Eagles had two players selected in last year's NFL Draft, while the Cajuns haven't had a player get selected since 2012.
As the two teams prepare to meet on Saturday, NFL talent evaluators will be keeping their eye on one player from each squad.
MORE: Ranking Every Bowl Game's Top NFL Draft Prospect
Let's take a look at the NFL Draft prospects on display in the New Orleans Bowl:
Louisiana Lafayette
Elijah McGuire, RB
Rob Rang and Dane Brugler have McGuire pegged as the No. 17 running back prospect for the 2017 NFL Draft. The Cajuns tailback has surpassed 1,000 yard all three seasons as the starter at Louisiana Lafayette and closed out the 2016 campaign with 1,028 yards and seven touchdowns.
"When I was in Lafayette two years ago, I was there to watch a senior running back, but it was the backup No. 15 who kept catching my eye," an NFL scout told NFLDraftScout.com. "Eli can make the first guy miss and instinctively sort through the weeds. I think he can be as good as his volume."
McGuire is projected in the 5th round, but he looks like the kind of guy that could be a steal for the team that takes a chance on him. Check out his highlight reel from last year.
Southern Mississippi
Cameron Tom, C
Center isn't a sexy position, but it's one of the most critical pieces of any offense. Tom is on the cusp of the draft, projected as a 7th round pick, but there's a good shot the Southern Miss center will get his name called come April. SB Nation profiled Tom before the season, and delivered high praise.
The Eagles big man has earned multiple honors including Conference USA First Team in 2015. There may not be many centers drafted, but he should be one of them.
Draft Breakdown focuses on Tom in this highlight video. He's quick and agile for a center, clearly paving the way in running situations while holding the block in passing downs.