The annual college bowl season means many things to many people.

To the people employed at Pro Football Weekly with a 24/7 eye on the NFL draft, it means watching many of the most noteworthy players expected to be available in the draft performing in what figures to be the most meaningful of circumstances.

Big-time bowl matchups.

With bowl overdrive upon us, PFW takes a look at five particular draft-heavyweight confrontations in chronological order that NFL scouts most definitely will be evaluating. The likely draft-eligible players expected to receive most of their attention in these games are listed in bold.

Chick-fil-A Bowl, Dec. 31

LSU vs. Clemson

Pitting the nation’s speediest offense in Clemson against an LSU defense featuring the most star-studded group of NFL draft prospects in the country will create plenty of intrigue.

Clemson true sophomore Sammy Watkins, though not eligible for the draft, is the nation’s most explosive big-play receiver, and along with junior WR DeAndre Hopkins, he will challenge an LSU secondary led by FS Eric Reid, who could answer questions about his athletic limitations with a strong showing vs. Clemson.

Three junior pass rushers — speed-rushing DRE Barkevious Mingo, high-motor DLE Sam Montgomery, and the gem of the front, big, strong, athletic DT Bennie Logan — all could be playing their final college game.

LSU junior LBs Kevin Minter (MLB) and Lamin Barrow (WLB) also can prove they are ready for the NFL by containing Clemson’s dynamite senior RB Andre Ellington.

Defensively, Clemson senior DE Malliciah Goodman is the Tigers’ top draft prospect of note, with exceptional length (nearly 36-inch arms), outstanding power and a good motor.

Outback Bowl, Jan. 1