A way-too-early look at 5 USF players to watch for the 2027 NFL draft

Another NFL draft has come and gone and, for the eighth consecutive year no USF players were taken.

Linebacker De`Shawn Rucker signed as an undrafted free agent with Detroit. Defensive lineman Josh Celiscar was invited to the Las Vegas Raiders rookie camp, and long snaper Garret Cates was invited to the New York Jets. And linebacker Mac Harris was invited to the Bucs mini-camp.

There was no immediate word about any other Bulls signing or receiving a tryout invitation.

The program and USF head Brian Hartline got a little national exposure during the draft. After Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate was drafted fourth overall by Tennessee, it was the fifth consecutive year a receiver coached by Hartline when he was with the Buckeyes went in the first round.

Hopefully USF's draft drought ends next year, and given the talent Hartline brought in since taking the job, it's possible.

Here are some USF players to keep an eye on. Admittedly, much of this list is based on potential improvement under the new coaching staff and its approach. There are no projected high draftees currently on the roster but, hey, they haven't even played a game yet in the new season.

Tight end Wyatt Sullivan. While much of the focus on Hartline's offense is about his work with wide receivers, tight ends get in on the fun, too.

At Ohio State, Hartline liked to use TEs in a variety of ways to create mismatch opportunities and keep opponents guessing. If they want to concentrate on the threats at wide receiver, it opens the door for tight ends.

"I think that tight ends have a chance to make a lot of plays and that's always good for me. That's the kind of offense they showed at Ohio State. I look forward to showing that I'm a playmaker and a vertical threat," he said earlier this spring.

If he can do those two things, his name will be on the radar for NFL teams.

Wide receiver Armani Winfield. He's on this list because of his tools, not his production. He was a onsensus four-star recruit and Under Armour All-American in high school, where Rivals had him listed as the No. 32 recruit in Texas. He was also in the No. 127 player in the ESPN 300.

About those tools -- he has good size (6 -foot-2) and speed. For whatever reason, he never made a splash at his two previous stops -- Baylor and Colorado State. This is his last shot in college, but he couldn't be in better hands. If Hartline can unlock the potential many people saw, NFL scouts will take notice.

Defensive end C.J. Hicks. He was a "can't miss" 5-star player coming out of high school with elite athleticism andl pass-rush instincts. He played 44 games at Ohio State before deciding to preserve his red-shirt season after four games last year.

He can line up at defensive end or linebacker, so that versatility will help.

He has good strength and speed and if he can unleash that package for the Bulls, he could find a home in the NFL. Teams are always looking for big, fast, and versatile players.

Running back D.J. Crowther. If his production with USF matches what he did at Dartmouth, he could get a shot.

He had 191 carries for 929 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, and also caught 16 passes for 120 yards. Crowther is a straight-ahead runner who, at 5-foot-9 and 215 pounds, can bounce off tackles.

Hartline calls him a "smart, mature, downhill back" who never gets flustered.

Wide receiver Mudia Reuben. He elected not to join the mass exodus of USF receivers to Auburn, perhaps thinking that the chance to play for Hartline was the better path. Reuben has the physical tools -- especially with his hands -- to be an impact receiver.

He also is not shy about blocking, which is always a plus.

He had five catches in USF's upset at Florida last season, but he has also battled injuries. If he can stay healthy -- he missed the Bulls' spring game with an undisclosed injury -- his production should skyrocket, which would give him a chance.

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