Idaho is back in the postseason.
The Vandals' invitation to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl officially ends one of the worst stretches in FBS history. They won three total games between 2012-2014 (one win each season) and only nine from 2011-2015, making their eight-win 2016 season quite remarkable.
But their season isn't just about eight wins; the Vandals also have a few NFL prospects seeking to make one final good impression on scouts against Colorado State.
That being said, zero players from the Potato Bowl are guaranteed to be drafted. There are, however, upwards of five that could hear their name called or receive heavy UDFA interest.
| Rank | Player | Pos. | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austin Rekhow | P | Idaho |
| 2 | Kevin Davis | LB | Colorado State |
| 3 | Fred Zerblis | OG | Colorado State |
| 4 | Trent "Buck" Cowan | FB/TE | Idaho |
| 5 | Deon Watson | TE | Idaho |
Could Idaho's first draftee since 2012 be a kicker/punter in Austin Rekhow?
An two-time All-Sun Belt selection at both positions, Rekhow will likely intrigue NFL teams with his punting. He ranked second and seventh nationally in punting average in 2014 and 2015, respectively, and is one of the most accurate punters in college football, routinely pinning opponents deep in their own territory.
Even stranger than having their first draftee in five years be a punter, there is a chance, albeit microscopically small, that the Vandals could have two tight ends selected in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Seniors Trent "Buck" Cowan and Deon Watson are both more likely to earn NFL roster spots as pass-catching H-backs or even fullbacks. They stand about 6-foot-4, weigh between 225-240 pounds and have proven their versatility in the passing game — combined for 82 catches for 1,087 yards and eight touchdowns — and red-zone run game.
For Colorado State, their best chance of extending their draft streak to four years is do-it-all linebacker Kevin Davis. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder from Fountain, Colo., led the Rams in tackles each of the last two seasons and earned All-Mountain West Second-Team honors in 2016.
He's quick, good in pass coverage and though he's rarely asked to rush the passer, he can, evidence by his three sacks against UTSA. He's also been lauded by head coach Mike Bobo for his leadership and reliability.
