Star players skipping bowl games to prepare for the NFL draft has become an annual topic of conversation. The movement was inspired, in part, by Smith and Butt, high-profile stars who tumbled in the draft after devastating bowl-game injuries. We asked them about the trend and whether—if they could do it all over again—they’d take the field for a non-playoff bowl game.

For embattled NFL defenses, the calvary is coming on draft day next spring. NFL scouts shared their takes on the top D-linemen in the draft, including three potential top-five picks, a Division-II prospect making noise, and one big name who a scout feels is being overrated. Plus, an Iron Bowl battle between a couple of overachievers.

Why would the Cowboys overpay for Amari Cooper? Perhaps they were looking at the 2019 draft class and didn’t like what they saw at receiver—scouts across the league feel the same way. A look at the top wideouts who could be available this spring. Also, a Notre Dame tight end with a chance to shine on Saturday

The Badgers’ offensive line pipeline has five NFL-caliber players this season, including a one-time high school quarterback who has first-round potential. Plus, Missouri QB Drew Lock looks to make his first-round case against a stacked Kentucky secondary

How Ohio State’s status as a contender and the Bosa family’s injury history factored into the decision to end Nick’s career at Ohio State, why it won’t affect his draft stock in the eyes of evaluators, and some other top talents who could follow his lead

One-year starters are tricky propositions in the draft, but Ohio State’s breakout star has the full attention of NFL evaluators. Is he ready to make the jump after this season? Plus, a look at a likely Day 2 RB from the Big 12, a Michigan linebacker making a name for himself, and two of the Pac-12’s top draft prospects go head-to-head on Saturday

Oregon’s quarterback is big, athletic, and was under-recruited before getting a late offer from his hometown Ducks. If he continues to add polish to his game, he’ll have a draft decision to make this winter

He passed on the draft in order to return for his senior year, and since then Kentucky’s star pass-rusher has added 30 pounds, picked up expertise from a long-time NFL position coach, and helped pull off upset wins over two ranked SEC opponents. Just like his namesake a year ago, this Josh Allen is firmly in the first-round conversation. Plus, a scout breaks down a disruptive interior rusher, a raw but intriguing Pac-12 receiver and a Division-II cornerback to know

The Missouri quarterback returned for his senior year for the chance to play under an NFL mind. It’s still early, but it looks like the move will pay off next spring

He had only 29 rushing yards in his first game of the 2018 season, but NFL scouts saw plenty to like from Stanford’s star running back. How Love is putting himself on track for a first-round selection this spring. Plus, an NFL scout evaluates three quarterbacks (two of them sleepers), a look at some matchups the Senior Bowl has eyes on, and football fun in Boise

With another draft season wrapping up, a look ahead to what’s on tap in college football next fall. And who could headline the draft next spring

With a wild Round 1 in the books, a look ahead to how Friday night’s second and third rounds might play out...

You already know Garrett and Watson and McCaffrey. But of the 253 players who will be drafted this weekend, here are 50 more, ranging from first-rounders to undrafted free agents, with the skill sets and/or back stories to win over their newest fans

The Western Michigan wideout had been on a trajectory to be a high first-round pick, but an injury-filled draft season (including an absence of a 40 time) will test teams interested in him. Plus, notes on two fast-rising corners, the potential of trade ups into the top 10, and a look at the 2018 draft’s headliners

Why the unassuming edge rusher from Kansas State is storming up draft boards. Plus, why Deshone Kizer’s college coach wasn’t really throwing him under the bus, and what to make of the Bills’ big workout with Mitchell Trubisky

Just how good is the 2017 draft’s heralded class of running backs? A scout shares four years of RB draft grades to show where Fournette, Cook, Mixon, Kamara and McCaffrey fall in comparison to Zeke Elliott, Todd Gurley and the rest of the recent top RB prospects

There are whispers that the presumptive No. 1 overall pick held back to avoid injury last season. A conversation with his head coach reveals another side of Garrett

Loathed by many who produce them, yet loved by those who read them. The biggest names who cover the draft weigh in on the mock draft phenomenon

One year after Jared Goff went first overall, another Cal QB is the latest QB to catch scouts’ eyes in a muddled group of passers. Plus, the combine’s biggest riser has scouts going back to review UConn film, five things you need to know about the draft this week, and a draft mailbag

With the 2017 combine in the books, a second look at how the first round might play out in April