NFLPA Bowl: Top Standouts From the National Team

Which players from the National Team elevated their draft stock in the 2022 NFLPA Bowl?

Author:
Nicholas Cothrel
Publish date:
Jan 30, 2022 12:26 AM EST

PASADENA — The 10th annual NFLPA Bowl took place at Rose Bowl Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 29, giving college prospects the opportunity to showcase their skillset ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft.

The National team pulled off a narrow victory by the score of 25-24, coming back from a two-score deficit at halftime.

After leading the National team to victory in last year's NFLPA Bowl, former Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis led the group once again this year.

National Team Coaching Staff:

Head Coach: Marvin Lewis
Offensive Coordinator: Jonathan Hayes
Defensive Coordinator: Rod Woodson
Quarterbacks Coach: Jeff Blake
Running Backs Coach: Patricks Cobbs
Wide Receivers Coach: Terrance Mathis
Wide Receivers Coach: Derek Hagan
Tight Ends Coach: Anthony Becht
Offensive Line Coach: Jackie Slater
Offensive Line Coach: Willie Anderson
Defensive Line Coach: Marcus Lewis
Linebackers Coach: Vontaze Burfict
Defensive Backs Coach: Carnell Lake
Defensive Backs Coach: Brock Marion
Defensive Backs Coach: Dante Marsh
Special Teams Coach: Josh Cribbs
Specialist/Assistant: Michael Fletcher
Offensive Coaching Intern: Willie Wright
Defensive Coaching Intern: Benny Sapp
Intern: Andy Rinehart
GA: Steven Beard

National Team Standouts

QB Cole Kelley, Southeastern Louisiana

Kelley was the National team's second quarterback to enter the game, capping off a methodical outing in the first half that saw him complete nine of 13 passes for 68 yards that set up a field goal just ahead of the second quarter expiring. The National team trailed 14-3 heading into halftime.

Late in the third quarter, Kelley showcased his deep ball, tossing a 47-yard pass to tight end Blake Kern for a touchdown to cut into the American team's lead that put the National team back by just one possession. Kelley finished the game 12 of 17 for 150 yards and one touchdown, earning NFLPA Bowl MVP for his efforts.

"It's a blessing to be here with all these great coaches, players, ex-players and all that," Kelley said after the National Team's 25-24 win. "This is fun to me. It's fun because you know, anybody can go gameplan all year long on their team and stuff. But to only get a new playbook in one week with guys from all over the country and put it in and get everybody on the same page man, it's fun. I really enjoyed this week and I'm just thankful for the coaches and players I got to share it with."

Kelley was a standout at Southeastern Louisiana, finishing his final college season with a 2021 campaign that featured 44 touchdowns to 10 interceptions while completing 74% of his passing attempts.

RB Shermari Jones, Coastal Carolina

Jones led the charge for the National team's rushing attack, handling six carries for 18 yards and one touchdown. Jones showed scouts the physical approach in which he runs with, busting through contact while keeping his momentum going forward.

Jones put together a senior season at Coastal Carolina that featured over 1,000 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. He was named to the All-Sun Belt First Team, making the case for the top rusher in the conference.

WR Lance McCutcheon, Montana State

The National team completed three passes for 20-plus yards, including a 31-yard grab by McCutcheon, the Montana State receiving standout. He showed adequate spatial awareness along the sideline, keeping his feet in bounds on the big gain. McCutcheon was a favorite among the quarterback group, catching three passes for 49 yards.

McCutcheon dominated the Big Sky Conference, hauling in 63 receptions for 1,219 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior. His 6'3" and 202-pound frame gives him the ability to go up top and win the contested catch battle, using his length to his advantage.

For more NFLPA coverage, click here to see our top standouts from the American team.