Arkansas' Chris Smith isn't the only Razorbacks defensive end who may be playing in the NFL next year. Junior Trey Flowers has applied for feedback from the NFL Draft Advisory Board and is considering joining Smith, a senior, in draft eligibility, according to Arkansas coach Bret Bielema.
"We're in the waiting process now. He'll get a grade back from the NFL. I've gathered information for him from the NFL as well as our academic support staff as well as a couple of agents. If he's drafted here, what kind of money is he looking at? Where could he benefit from staying? All that stuff," Bielema said, according to arkansasnews.com.
Smith is headed to the Reese's Senior Bowl and is Arkansas' most highly-regarded NFL prospect on the defensive side of the ball. Yet it was Flowers who led the team in tackles for loss with 13.5, including five sacks, five quarterback hurries, and a team-best three forced fumbles. Flowers (6-foot-4, 265 pounds) isn't as athletic as Smith, but defends the run more effectively.
If Flowers turns pro, Arkansas would face a complete rebuilding job on the defensive line next year, as senior defensive tackles Robert Thomas and Byran Jones will seek pro careers, as well. The task would start with freshman All-SEC defensive tackle Darius Philon.
Bielema indicated it's a strong consideration for Flowers.
"I think he's generally intrigued where he's at, where he stands and where he could possibly be drafted at," Bielema added.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread.*
