Roger Lewis, Tajae Sharpe among five MAC prospects invited to 2016 NFL Scouting Combine

The NFL Draft Scouting Combine is around the corner, and after much delay, the official list of prospects, which numbers over 300 prospects, has been released.

The Mid-American Conference will send five members from 2015 rosters, with the prospect list highlighted by Massachusetts' Tajae Sharpe, and Bowling Green's Roger Lewis.

Tajae Sharpe was one of the nation's most dependable skill position players this past season for the Minuteman. The first-team all-MAC selection caught 111 passes for 1,319 yards and 5 touchdowns, despite what was a down year for UMass in their final season in the MAC. Over his career, Sharpe had 277 receptions for 3,486 yards and 16 touchdowns. Sharpe especially blossomed as a top target after the departure of Jean Sifrin to the NFL two years ago. Standing at 6'2", 188 lbs., Sharpe has a narrow, but potentially builldable frame that should develop under the right coach.

Roger Lewis is going to be the most interesting prospect to watch of the five invitees. The 6'0", 196 lb. redshirt sophomore is going to the NFL about a year earlier than projected to get his chance to play in the pros. Lewis was the most famous wideout in the MAC by far last year, finding himself in multiple #SCTop10 plays, granting him exposure on the national level. Lewis had 85 receptions, 1,544 yards and 16 touchdowns, placing him in the top five for FBS receivers in all categories. 2014 wasn't a bad season either, as Lewis had 73 receptions for 1,085 yards and 7 touchdowns. He has the raw athleticism to make talent scouts droll, especially in the middle rounds.

Other prospects from the MAC were also invited, including Central Michigan defensive back Kavon Frazier (108 tackles, 1 interception in 2015,) Toledo wide receiver Alonzo Russell (36 rec., 618 yards, 5 touchdowns in 2015,) and Western Michigan tackle Willie Beavers. Frazier (second team) and Beavers (first team) were all-MAC selections in 2015, with Russell being a three-time all-MAC third team selection form 2012-2014.

There were some noticeable snubs that were left off the list, including Akron's Jatavis Brown (116 tackles, 12 sacks, 1 interception in 2015) and Western Michigan's Daniel Braverman (108 receptions, 1,367 yards, and 13 touchdowns in 2015.) Brown was a defensive force at Akron, playing OLB at 5'11", 222 lbs; his speed and power overwhelmed the Senior Bowl this year, where he caused multiple fumbles, sacks, and even scored a defensive touchdown. Braverman, meanwhile, accumulated stud numbers while being a second option on a loaded Broncos offense that is anchored by potential 2017 NFL Draft prospect Corey Davis. 2015 MAC Offensive Player of the Year Matt Johnson (4,946 yards, 46 touchdowns, 8 interceptions on 67.3% completion rate in 2015,) was also left off the invite list, which definitely creates concerns of whether or not he can make the transition from college to the NFL.

The NFL Draft Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN, and be aired on the NFL Network from February 23rd to February 29th. The entire list of prospects can be found here.