2023 Senior Bowl Offensive Mega Preview

January 31, 2023January 31, 2023 Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NCAAF, NFL 2023 NFL Draft, 2023 Senior Bowl, Andrei Iosivas, Blake Freeland, Chase Brown, Clayton Tune, Cody Mauch, Darnell Wright, Davis Allen, Dawand Jones, Emil Ekiyor Jr., Hendon Hooker, Jaelyn Duncan, Jake Haener, Jaren Hall, Jarrett Patterson, John Michael Schmitz, Kenny McIntosh, Luke Musgrave, Malik Cunningham, Matthew Bergeron, Max Duggan, Nathaniel Dell, NFL Draft, O'Cyrus Torrence, Payne Durham, Rashee Rice, Roschon Johnson, Senior Bowl, Steve Avila, Tyjae Spears, Tyson Bagent, Wanya Morris, Warren McClendon, Xavier Hutchinson

One of the best weeks of the entire year is finally here! 2023 Senior Bowl practice gets underway today at 12:30 am ET. Unfortunately, it sounds like practices will only be available on NFL+, but if you are a draft nut like myself, it is well worth the investment to watch some of the best prospects in the country clash.

This is one of the biggest stages left for prospects to prove themselves on. While the game at the end of the week is always a fun watch (February 4th at 2:30 pm ET on NFL Network), it is the week of practice where players make the largest impact on there draft stocks.

Like every year, Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy and his staff do an excellent job scouring the country for top talent. This will be a huge opportunity for some small school standouts as well as those looking to rewrite or solidify their scouting report. While, I wanted to break down every position group in attendance (this group of edge rushers looks fantastic!), but I did not have the time to get into the defense. So, here is my breakdown of each offensive position group down in Mobile.

Quarterback

There is no Mac Jones, Kenny Pickett or Justin Herbert in this year’s group, which is to say, don’t expect anyone from this group to go in the first round. That’s not meant to be a knock, it is just the reality of the outlook for this QB class.

Possibly the best prospect here will not even be suiting up. Hendon Hooker will participate in off-the-field activities, but will not play as he continues to rehab his torn ACL. He put up fantastic numbers for the second straight season with the Vols while leading Tennessee back to national prominence. He is definitely older at 25 years old and the injury puts a damper on his draft stock, but I think Hooker could reasonably finish out the pre-draft process as a top-five quarterback in this class.

With Hooker not participating in on-field activities, the American team has an extra QB. We will see TCU’s Max Duggan, Houston’s Clayton Tune and Shepard’s Tyson Bagent under center this week. Each has a few interesting nuggets to turn the heads of NFL scouts.

Duggan was the Heisman runner-up and led the Horned Frogs to an improbable national championship appearance. My pal James Schiano compared him to Brock Purdy last week on my podcast. Duggan’s incredible season has propelled him firmly into the draft conversation. This week will significantly swing where on Day 3 he will land.

Meanwhile, Tune finally put it all together in his final two seasons at Houston. That coincides with Dana Holgerson’s arrival from West Virginia. While Tune owes a lot of his success to Holgerson’s system, he still put up eye-popping numbers in the process. During that two-year stretch, Tune threw for 7,618 yards, 70 touchdowns and only 20 interceptions while averaging roughly 8.3 yards per attempt.

Then there is Bagent. It is rare for Division II players to find their way onto this stage. It is more unheard of for quarterbacks. The Shepard quarterback has many admirers in the media though and will look to prove he belongs. He set all kinds of records, including the NCAA’s mark for touchdown passes in a career regardless of division, in his four years as a starter. He is a bit sporadic, but there are some NFL throws on his tape. I’m very excited to see him face the step up in competition.

On the National team roster, Louisville’s Malik Cunningham, BYU’s Jaren Hall and Fresno State’s Jake Haener offer a ton of experience and production. Hall’s 718 career pass attempts are the fewest of the trio by a wide margin. Cunningham and Haener are each over 1,000.

Cunningham is a dual-threat option with a live arm and a number of questions to answer about his ability to stand out as a passer. He threw for just 1,568 yards and 8 touchdowns this season despite featuring in 10 games, including 9 starts. Those were both the lowest marks since his freshman season when he attempted just 67 passes in very limited playing time. He was dealing with a shoulder injury down the stretch, but that does not fully account for such a massive regression in passing production.

Hall is coming off back-to-back impressive seasons. He waited behind Zach Wilson for the chance to start at BYU and maximized his opportunity. Hall tossed 31 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions while completing 66 percent of his passes this season. Like many of the quarterback prospects in this class, he is on the older side as a fifth-year junior. I think there is a good chance that he will emerge as the best of this year’s roster at the position.

For Haener, he might not have put up the same raw numbers he did a season ago when he had north of 4,000 passing yards and 33 touchdowns. However, he was incredibly efficient this season, completing 72 percent of his passes and only throwing 3 interceptions despite throwing the ball 350 times. The fact that he played at all was somewhat remarkable. Haener suffered what was supposed to be a season-ending injury three weeks into the season. Instead, he sought a second opinion and wound up back on the field five weeks later. He ultimately led Fresno State to a conference championship and a win in the LA Bowl over Washington State. In short, don’t count out Haener, no matter what the odds.

Running Back

It’s another deep group of running backs in Mobile, featuring a few that could sneak into Day 2 if they make enough noise. There are four that stand out to me from the rest.

Roschon Johnson shared the backfield with the clear No. 1 back in this class in Bijan Robinson. He was the thunder to Robinson’s lightning. The bruising back is listed at 6’2”, 223 pounds, but comes with limited tread on his tires. Re: fewer than 400 carries in four seasons with the Longhorns. He also has just enough receiving production, 56 catches for 420 yards in his career, to make me believe he has the potential to be a three-down back.

Chase Brown on the other hand had nearly as many touches this season (355) as Johnson did in his career. The former Western Michigan back was a huge factor in Illinois’ impressive 8-5 campaign, rushing for 1,643 yards and adding an additional 240 through the air. He has a compact frame, good open-field speed and excellent change of direction. My gut reaction is that he will be a quality starter in the league for a while.

Perhaps the back I am most interested to see this week is Kenny McIntosh, who arrives in Mobile fresh off another national championship. He posted 1,334 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns on just 192 touches this season. Sure, it helps to play with Stetson Bennett, Brock Bowers and a deep stable of running backs, but those are impressive efficiency numbers. His 6.9 yards per touch ranked 16th in the country, just a hair above Bijan Robinson and far better than his backfield mate Dejuan Edwards. I think McIntosh fits the modern mold for an NFL running back and could be even better at the next level than he was in college.

Here I am gushing about McIntosh’s efficiency when he isn’t even the most productive back at this year’s Senior Bowl from that standpoint. Tulane’s Tyjae Spears racked up 1,837 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns on 251 touches this season. His 7.3 yards per touch ranked eighth in the nation while those 21 TDs had him tied with Pittsburgh’s Israel Abanikanda for the most in the country. Spears has great acceleration, solid vision and soft hands out of the backfield. I have a feeling everyone is going to know his name by the end of the weekend. In a year where the race to be RB2 feels wide open, I won’t rule out Spears taking that title.

Northwestern’s Evan Hull, App State’s Camerun Peoples, Kentucky’s Chris Rodriguez and Oklahoma’s Eric Gray round out the group. I have higher expectations for the four I listed above, but you never know what to expect. I made the mistake of overlooking a back out of Louisiana that I was not as familiar with back in 2021. Turns out, Elijah Mitchell is pretty good in the NFL. Each of these guys has something they bring to the table.

Wide Receiver

Seemingly every year now, the receiver group at the Senior Bowl is one of the deepest. 2023 will be no exception. Much like last year, I don’t know if there will be anyone selected in the first round, but I have my eye on a few players who could make a Christian Watson-type jump up into the top 50.

As always, this group features some big school products, like Michigan’s Ronnie Bell, Nebraska’s Trey Palmer and Ole Miss’ Jonathan Mingo. You have your Group of 5 stars, such as SMU’s Rashee Rice, Houston’s Nathaniel Dell and Cincinnati’s Tre Tucker. Add in BYU’s Puka Nucua, Charlotte’s Grant Dubose and Iowa State’s Xavier Hutchinson and you have yourself a loaded position group.

This will be a huge week for Dell and Rice, who both haven’t played on the national stage, but have the traits and production to be early Day 2 picks. Dell in particular put up incredible statistical production, leading the country in receiving yards and touchdowns this past season while finishing 2nd in receptions. His back-to-back 1,300-yard seasons gives him some of the best production for any receiver in this draft class. His biggest drawback will be his size. Listed at 165 pounds, if Dell can weigh in closer to 175 while still displaying that burst he has on tape, I think that will be enough for teams to hone in on him in the 2nd round.

Then you have Rice, who after three straight solid, but unspectacular years, exploded for 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns on 96 catches in 2022. He brings the prototypical size for an NFL receiver at 6’2”, 202 pounds. Despite all the production, he played in a vertical passing offense with a limited route tree. He will have a chance to showcase his ability to separate and produce outside of that offensive scheme. If he looks sharp, I think Rice is a lock to go Day 2. He could really solidify it if he runs well at the combine.

I think I am most excited to watch Xavier Hutchinson. He came just shy of 3,000 receiving yards in three years at Iowa State after transferring from junior college. He was the top target for Brock Purdy just last year and put up even better numbers this season with Hunter Dekkers at quarterback. He does not get talked about enough nationally, especially for a 1st-team All-American. This week, he should remind scouts that he catches the ball well away from his body and has good acceleration in the open field. There is some stiffness to his route running, but his game is more predicated on size and speed than it is agility. I think he will turn some heads in the 50-50 drills.

One other name to keep an eye on this week is Andrei Iosivas from Princeton. The 6’3”, 200-pound receiver had a great season, finishing eight in the FCS in yards per game. He uses his size well to high point the ball on contested catches and shows a second gear in the open field. I like what I have seen from him so far on tape and I think he is in for a big week.

Tight End

This is one of the deepest tight end classes in recent memory and the Senior Bowl will showcase some of its fantastic depth. Oregon State’s Luke Musgrave has to be considered the top-ranked prospect of the group at this point. Despite very limited production, 47 catches for 633 yards and 2 touchdowns in four years, Musgrave turned heads with his size and physicality in his limited playing time in 2022. He fits the profile of a modern day receiving tight end, with Oregon State flexing him out into the slot and using him as a mismatch for defensive backs and linebackers. He featured in just two games in 2022 before a knee injury cost him the rest of the season. This will be a big chance for him to prove that knee is fully healthy and remind everyone why he was on the Mackey Award watch list to open the season.

One guy I am super high on is Davis Allen from Clemson. I really like what I saw from him this year. While the league has shifted towards preferring this big slot type of tight ends, I am still a sucker for the guy who can contribute as a blocker and a receiver. He had solid production, 443 yards and five TDs, in 2022. Plus he has great size, listed at 6’6”, 250 pounds. I don’t expect him to wow anyone with his athleticism, but has a very well-rounded game that I think will get him on the field sooner rather than later in the NFL.

There seems to be a trend of drafting traits over production at the tight end position in the NFL right now. Daniel Bellinger going in the third round last year is a perfect example of that. If you are still a fan of production from college tight ends though, Purdue’s Payne Durham is your guy. He ranked sixth in receptions and eight in receiving yards among D-I tight ends this season. His eight receiving touchdowns were tied for second most at the position, trailing only Michael Mayer. Durham, like Allen, brings a huge frame at 6’5”, 255 pounds. He feels like a finished product that is ready to contribute at the next level.

Miami’s Will Mallory, Cincinnati’s Josh Whyle and Oklahoma’s Brayden Willis round out the group. Mallory is a savvy veteran at this point and has the benefit of playing in multiple offensive schemes during his time in college. Whyle had very consistent production over the past three seasons, amassing 1,011 yards and 15 touchdowns. Willis had a bit of a breakout year, topping 500 yards receiving, but has the ability to be an H-back or fullback, depending on the offense. That type of versatility will definitely raise his value.

Offensive Tackle

This is usually my favorite position group to watch all week because man those one-on-ones are awesome. This year’s tackle group is not as star-studded as past years, but there is a good amount of depth, especially if you are a fan of right tackles.

The right tackle hype starts with former teammates, Oklahoma’s Wanya Morris and Tennessee’s Darnell Wright. The pair began their college careers together in Knoxville. They were both five-star recruits coming out of high school.

It seemed like Morris was destined for success at Tennessee. He started 12 games at left tackle his freshman year, but injuries and inconsistent play cost him his starting job in 2020. Morris then left for Oklahoma when Jeremy Pruitt was fired for recruiting violations. He barely featured in his first season in Norman, playing six games, starting none. He missed the first two games of this season as well due to an off-field issue. Injuries limited him to just eight starts at right tackle this season, but he seems to have found a home at that spot.

Meanwhile, Wright stuck with the Vols and developed into a fantastic right tackle in his own right. He has 41 career starts, 26 at right tackle, two at right guard and 13 at left tackle. He has fantastic play strength, showcasing his power well as he anchors in pass protection. I think he is going wow a lot of folks in these one-on-one drills. I’m also eager to see how much he has developed as a run blocker, where he was a bit inconsistent during his time at Tennessee.

The most emotional backstory of the entire week clearly belongs to Georgia’s Warren McClendon. The two-time national champion was involved in the single car crash that killed his teammate Devin Willock and UGA recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy. He emerged with minor injuries. To honor Willock, Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy announced on social media last week that McClendon will be wearing Willock’s No. 77 jersey in Mobile. He has had some minor knee issues this season, but played in the CFP title game earlier this month, so he should be good to go this week.

Dawand Jones is yet another right tackle who will draw a lot of attention from scouts. He is hard to miss, literally. Ohio State listed him at 6’8”, 359 pounds this year. That is a large man with impressive athleticism for his size. He is unquestionably a project at this point. His hand usage and footwork are all over the place, but with those intangibles, it is a pretty enticing project for NFL offensive line coaches. Not to mention, he has a basketball background and graded out very well in pass protection according to Pro Football Focus.

Finally, a left tackle prospect! Syracuse’s Matthew Bergeron is one of my favorites among this year’s crop. He has 39 career starts under his belt, with the majority coming at left tackle. He is a fluid mover with good play strength. There is definitely some polish needed for him to hold his own at the next level, but I believe he could be a starter sooner rather than later.

Another left tackle to keep an eye on is Jaelyn Duncan from Maryland. He lacks the ideal polish of a top prospect, but he is a really good athlete with tons of upside. With 38 career starts at left tackle, he has a ton of experience. There is a lot of technical stuff that needs to be cleaned up in his game ranging from hand usage to footwork. Long term though, he has a chance to be an above average starter. At this point, I think he is a Day 2 pick with a chance to rise into the top 50, especially in an offensive tackle class without a ton of depth.

Rounding out this incredibly experienced group of tackles is BYU’s Blake Freeland. The redshirt junior has 41 career starts with the Cougars. At 6’8”, 305 pounds, he is going to get some looks based on his frame alone. He is a fluid mover with decent power and good hand usage. He has his fair share of fans in the draft community.

Interior Offensive Line

It wouldn’t be the Senior Bowl without America falling in love with a D-III or FCS interior offensive lineman. In recent years, we’ve seen Cole Strange, Quinn Meinerz and Ben Bartch all make headlines with great play from Chattanooga, Wisconsin-Whitewater and St. John’s (MN) respectively. This year’s model is named Cody Mauch from FCS powerhouse North Dakota State. He has a ton of experience over the past three seasons, mostly playing at left tackle. At 6’6”, 303 pounds, he has a chance to play tackle and will get some work there, but most draft analysts believe his NFL future is at guard. He has the athleticism to be a difference maker at the position. I imagine he will take a bit to get used to playing the position, but I expect him to be another fan favorite in Mobile.

Steve Avila is coming off a strong season with TCU. He was one of the lone bright spots against Georgia in the national championship game. He has a ton of experience all over the offensive line, making starts at every spot except left tackle. At 6’4”, 330 pounds, he is difficult to move off his spot.

Emil Ekiyor Jr. is another guard with tons of experience. He was a three-year starter for Alabama and should be in the mix as one of the better interior lineman in Mobile. I’m excited to see how he does outside of the Tide system.

As far as centers go, there are a few big names to monitor. O’Cyrus Torrence has a good chance to be a first-round pick and could be the first interior lineman off the board. He started 11 games in his lone season at Florida after transferring from Louisiana. 46 starts into his career, he is a pretty polished final product. He is a massive prospect, listed at 6’5”, 347 pounds. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him dominate this week.

Other top center prospects include John Michael Schmitz from Minnesota and Jarrett Patterson from Notre Dame. Both are veterans with a ton of experience in college. Schmitz is a sixth-year player with 31 starts in his career. Patterson is a fifth-year with 46 starts under his belt. The latter will be especially interesting because he transitioned to left guard this season after spending his whole career up to that point at center. That versatility will go a long way. Expect this to be one of the most position groups of the whole week.

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2021 Senior Bowl Recap: Mac Jones shines, Thomas Graham Jr. struggles and small school stars dazzle

February 1, 2021February 1, 2021 Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL 2021 NFL Draft, 2021 Senior Bowl, Aaron Robinson, Alex Leatherwood, Amari Rodgers, Benjamin St. Juste, Carlos Basham, Demetric Felton, Deonte Brown, Dez Fitzpatrick, Dillon Radunz, Frank Darby, Jabril Cox, James Hudson, Jamie Newman, Jimmy Morrissey, K.J. Britt, Kadarius Toney, Keith Taylor Jr., Kellen Mond, Mac Jones, Marvin Wilson, Michael Carter, NFL Draft, Nico Collins, Patrick Jones, Quincy Roche, Quinn Meinerz, Rashad Weaver, Richie Grant, Riley Cole, Sam Ehlinger, Senior Bowl, Shi Smith, Spencer Brown, Thomas Graham Jr, Tre Brown

The NFL draft is officially underway! Events in Mobile, Alabama have officially concluded, capped by another exciting Senior Bowl game on Saturday. Without the combine and limited attendance at pro days, all eyes were truly on the Senior Bowl.

One of my favorite things about this whole week is the opportunity to see players outside of their usual system. From Mac Jones to Nico Collins, there were several players who got a chance to step outside their college roles and showcase their ability to learn and adapt.

If all of that wasn’t enough, we had some great moments of coaching captured by ESPN during their broadcast of the practices during the week. Both the Panthers’ and the Dolphins’ coaching staffs were mic’d up to provide some excellent sound bites. The best by far came from Matt Rhule explaining what it meant to be coachable to all of the prospects.

I did my best to take notes throughout the week watching practice and the game from home. Some of the following is just a running stream of consciousness. To make it a little easier to follow though, I am going position by position. Consider this my notebook recapping the week of action down in Mobile.

Mond took the majority of the snaps for the American team, finishing with two touchdown passes.

Lackluster quarterback group

While the quarterback position was not loaded with talent as it has been in recent years. That should not diminish the display Mac Jones put on throughout the week. He was head and shoulders above the rest of the quarterbacks in attendance. Jones looked sharp, accurate and poised. His accuracy continues to wow scouts and he easily had the best touch on deep passes of any of the six quarterbacks in attendance. Jones has locked himself in as a top-five quarterback. There is a chance he comes off the board before Trey Lance.

Nowhere near the level that Jones played at, Ian Book still had a solid week. He was the second-best quarterback in Mobile, showing his mobility and an increased willingness to hit receivers in tight windows. He is probably nothing more than a mid-round project at this point, but I think he has pushed himself above the likes of Jamie Newman, who had an uneven week, and Sam Ehlinger, who struggled with consistency and ball placement.

Kellen Mond will draw some intrigue as a late-round flier. His upside is clear and there were moments of brilliance mixed into his play. He was by far the best quarterback in the game on Saturday. Felipe Franks unfortunately looked close to undraftable. He struggled with everything from waiting too long in the pocket to taking snaps under center.

Running backs get left out

Neither team had much success running the ball. The two squads combined for just 121 yards on the ground. Some of it can be chalked up to poor run blocking. Some of it points to an underwhelming running back group and an inability for the teams to establish the run.

Despite the disappointing showing, UNC’s Michael Carter still found a way to stand out. He looked great catching passes out of the backfield and showed more power than I would have expected for a player his size. I don’t know if I would call him a franchise back, but he is closer to that designation than I originally thought.

Virginia Tech’s Khalil Herbert had a couple of moments of brilliance, but they were few and far between. Larry Roundtree looked powerful coming out of Missouri, but had some mental lapses. Rhamondre Stevenson left a bit to be desired after finishing his Oklahoma career on a hot streak. At this point, Carter is the only back from this group I could see going before Day 3.

Rodgers racked up 1,020 yards receiving during his senior season at Clemson.

Another loaded receiver class

This time last year is when the draft community started to gush about K.J. Hill, Collin Johnson, Devin Duvernay, Van Jefferson, Chase Claypool and Brandon Aiyuk. We will have a whole new list of draft favorites after this week.

Michigan’s Nico Collins and Florida’s Kadarius Toney stole the show. Collins showed a real comfort making contested catches and finding pockets of space in the red zone. Toney flashed an incredible ability to generate separation and clear speed to make opponents pay in the open field. Both have room for improvement. Collins’ technique is still a bit raw while Toney struggled with some uncharacteristic drops.

They were not alone in grabbing attention though. Western Michigan’s D’Wayne Eskridge widely drew praise for his route running and agility. A few corners called him the toughest player to cover all week. Amari Rodgers from Clemson dominated the game, highlighted by a touchdown catch. He is really tough and showcased great speed and agility. Arizona State’s Frank Darby also stood out. He got open a lot and showed good awareness for where he was on the field. Both should climb up draft boards following the weeks they turned in.

South Carolina’s Shi Smith turned in a strong week as well. He and Louisville’s Dez Fitzpatrick were two of the most productive receivers in space. Fitzpatrick made one of the best plays of the game with an incredible catch over the head of North Carolina Central’s Bryan Mills.

Quick shout out is needed too for Tennessee’s Josh Palmer. He has the size and speed to stretch the field. He still has a bit of a ways to go with his route running and catching though.

Lots to like from the offensive line

No one is going to make an Eric Fisher-type jump, but there were plenty of linemen that improved their stock after the week. It was the interior linemen that drew the most attention. Oklahoma’s Creed Humphrey came into the week as one of the top players suiting up. He did nothing to jeopardize that status with a solid week.

Let’s talk about the player getting the most hype from this group. Quinn Meinerz stole the show and set Twitter ablaze with crop top jersey and farm boy workout videos. He also played pretty well. This is going to send a lot of people back to his 2019 film at Wisconsin-Whitewater, but he got on everyone’s radar after his performance.

He was far from the only small-school player to turn heads. UNI’s Spencer Brown was much more on the radar than Meinerz, but watching him tower over fellow top linemen really put his size into perspective. He measured in at 6’8″ with 34-inch arms. There is still a bit of refining to do technique wise, but some scouting department is going to fall in love with his intangibles and take him early with the hopes of developing him into a franchise tackle.

Elsewhere, Cincinnati’s James Hudson flashed an enticing blend of size and speed. He is a former defensive lineman. He reminds me a bit of Josh Jones. The athleticism is clear but the technique is a bit raw still. Hudson should be solidly in the Day 2 conversation now. I was also impressed by the play of Robert Hainsey from Notre Dame. He has a good motor and a solid base that translates well to impressive play strength. He is still a late-round prospect, but I liked what I saw on game day.

There were a few players that could have had better weeks. While it was out of his control, Jack Anderson definitely dropped on many draft boards after measuring in with 31 5/8-inch arms. He had a solid week of play, but that number alone will scare teams away. Alex Leatherwood also struggled a bit more than most in one-on-one drills. The long-time Alabama starter failed to cement his status as a first-round pick and likely dropped out of the Day 1 conversation.

Deonte Brown scares me as well. After weighing in at 364 pounds, he got beat a few times in pass protection. I worry that he is not quick enough at his size to contend with the speed of NFL defenders.

Top defensive linemen fall flat, tons of depth emerges

I was really excited to see how Florida State’s Marvin Wilson, Pittsburgh’s Patrick Jones II, Miami’s Quincy Roche and Wake Forest’s Carlos Basham Jr. would fair with all eyes on them. Roche and Basham excelled, but Wilson and Jones left a lot to be desired. Wilson needed a big week to erase the concerns about his lackluster senior season. He showed flashes of his 2019 form, but did not dominate as he should have in Mobile. Same can be said for Jones. He had a great moment when he registered a sack in the actual game, but he had an uninspiring week of practice.

Roche was nearly unstoppable. He showed impeccable speed off the edge and an explosive first step. Few opposing linemen were able to stop him during the week’s one-on-one drills or during Saturday’s game. He will definitely be in the mix to go late on Day 1 or early on Day 2. Basham should be in the same boat following a strong week. He looked comfortable with his hand in the ground playing along the defensive line. He showcased versatility and pass rushing prowess.

Game day turned out to be a field day for the defensive linemen. Osa Odighizuwa of UCLA blew past Deonte Brown and nearly forced a strip sack of Kellen Mond. That capped off a pretty solid week from him. Jonathan Cooper of Ohio State had a great practice week and showed up on Saturday as well with a couple of disruptive plays. Pittsburgh’s Rashad Weaver dominated along the interior of the line. I viewed him as more of a standup edge rusher heading into the week given his size, but he stuffed the run consistently and made life hell for some interior offensive linemen.

Don’t be surprised if Cameron Sample and Janarious Robinson hear their names called before the end of Day 2. They both had stellar weeks and will definitely be sending scouts back to the tape. Notre Dame’s duo of Daelin Hayes and Ade Ogundeji both impressed as well. The top of this draft might lack an elite prospect, but there seems to be some solid depth.

Linebackers came to play

This year’s group of linebackers stood out in a big way, making tons of plays throughout the practice week and into the weekend. Jabril Cox, a grad transfer from North Dakota State who played for LSU in 2020, was everywhere. He looked comfortable lining up in the slot, covering running backs out of the backfield and making sure tackles against the run. He has three-down linebacker potential and received nothing but glowing remarks from his teammates.

He was not alone. K.J. Britt was one of the most surprising players of the week for me. I was not very familiar with him coming into the week, but he dominated practice and made a big impact during the game. The former Auburn linebacker looks instinctive and confident in the middle of the field. He has the makings of a true middle linebacker. Additionally, South Alabama’s Riley Cole showed out in his home stadium. He flew to the football and dropped the hammer in a couple of situations.

It was not an incredibly deep group, but the top guys made a difference. Ohio State’s Baron Browning and Justin Hilliard did nothing to hurt their stock either. Both are athletic backers with a nose for the football.

Defensive backs ensure rough day for quarterbacks

This was not the most star-studded group of defensive backs to ever attend the Senior Bowl, but they sure showed up on game day. Minnesota’s Benjamin St. Juste stood head and shoulders above the rest. His length was put to good use as he consistently disrupted passes downfield. He has some versatility to play at safety as well, but I think he could be a starting corner in the right system.

Not to be outdone, Richie Grant and Aaron Robinson improved their draft stocks. Both former UCF defensive backs fared very well in one-on-ones. Grant, who typically lines up at safety, showed his versatility by playing on the boundary. He made a number of plays throughout the week and could genuinely be the first safety to come off the board in a class that lacks a clear cut No. 1 option. Robinson won the week with physicality. He does not have all the measurables you would like to see from a starting corner, but there were a lot of receivers who struggled to get off the line of scrimmage when facing him.

I came into the week excited to see Elijah Molden take the field. He did nothing to hurt his stock, but it was his former Washington teammate that caught my eye more. Keith Taylor Jr. showed flashes of being a shutdown corner. He was incredibly sticky in man coverage and made more than his fair share of pass breakups.

Another corner that I think made himself some money is Tre Brown from Oklahoma. He is a bit undersized at 5’9″, but he flew around the field and had multiple interceptions in practice. His upside might be limited by his size, but his effort and ball skills still make him a valuable mid-round commodity.

On the flip side, I don’t know that any player’s stock dropped more than Thomas Graham Jr.’s. The former Oregon corner struggled more than most in one-on-one drills. He got absolutely torched by Demetric Felton biting on a double move. He is not physical enough at the point of attack and he has poor discipline with his eyes. He has the traits to develop into a good corner, but he looks like a project rather than a pro-ready option.

It was a similar week for Mark Webb from Georgia. He could not keep up with some of the speedy receivers on the field. I would not be surprised if he ends up being an undrafted free agent.

A couple of intriguing position changes

One of the great things about the Senior Bowl is that coaches will ask players to spend some time in positions they maybe didn’t play in college, but could in the pros. Dillon Radunz got kicked inside to guard despite measuring in well. He had mixed success with the switch. I think he can still be an NFL tackle, but I suppose this would increase his value by giving teams some more versatility.

Another notable offensive line position switch was Jimmy Morrissey moving to guard. He started 47 games for Pittsburgh at center. Much like Radunz, playing another position isn’t a bad thing for his versatility, but I think he fits best at center and it worries me he could not beat out Drake Jackson for the starting reps.

The buzziest position change of all was definitely Demetric Felton shifting to wide receiver after spending his career at UCLA as a running back. He played a bit of both positions in practice and the game. He is simply an offensive weapon at this point. He reminds of a player like Curtis Samuel. He will carve out a role on an NFL offense.

And that will do it. It feels very weird to have the calendar turn to February and not be getting excited for the combine. In the meantime, it will be back to film study trying to learn whatever I can before the draft rolls around in April. Be on the lookout for a new mock draft coming Monday after the Super Bowl when the draft order will officially be set.

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2021 Senior Bowl Preview: Mac Jones, Kyle Trask headline players to watch, potential sleepers and more

January 23, 2021January 24, 2021 Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NCAA, NCAAF, NFL Alex Leatherwood, Carlos Basham, Carolina Panthers, Christian Uphoff, Creed Humphrey, D'Wayne Eskridge, Desmond Fitzpatrick, DeVonta Smith, Dillon Radunz, Hunter Long, Ian Book, Jabril Cox, Jacoby Stevens, James Wiggins, Jamie Newman, Kadarius Toney, Kenny Yeboah, Khalil Herbert, Kyle Trask, Kylin Hill, Liam Eichenburg, Mac Jones, Marvin Wilson, Miami Dolphins, Najee Harris, NFL Draft, Nico Collins, Patrick Jones, Quincy Roche, Quintin Morris, Rhamondre Stevenson, Richard LeCounte, Richie Grant, Riley Cole, Sage Surratt, Senior Bowl, Shi Smith, Spencer Brown, Tarron Jackson, Trey Sermon, Tuf Borland

It has been a long two weeks since the college football season ended. Thankfully, the wait is almost over!

The 2021 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama begins in earnest on Monday as players are measured and welcomed to the weeklong festivities. As Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy always says, “the draft starts in Mobile,” and never is that more true than in 2021.

With so much of the normal scouting cycle truncated or adjusted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this is one of the few chances scouts will get to evaluate some of the top talent leading up to the 2021 NFL draft. And I mean top talent. The rosters are jam packed with recognizable names and small school stars.

First thing is first, if you want to watch all the action unfold this week, now would be a good time to make sure you have NFL Network or ESPN/ESPNU. Practices will be televised and covered on both networks throughout the week in the build up to the game. The actual Senior Bowl game is on Saturday, January 30 and will air on NFL Network.

The practice week might even be more important than the game itself. Just ask Javon Kinlaw, who suited up for one day of practice last year, dominated the competition, then withdrew from participation.

Practice starts on Tuesday and will be led by the Dolphins’ and Panthers’ coaching staffs. This is a huge opportunity for Brian Flores and Matt Rhule to get to know the players on their respective rosters, especially when you consider that the combine and individual workouts are not happening as they would in normal years. Miami has the No. 3 and No. 18 picks in the first round, while Carolina holds the eighth overall selection. Needless to say, these are teams with premium picks in this upcoming draft.

73 different schools are represented among the 110 players invited to participate. This is a star-studded list as well. Let’s start with the guys you probably already know.

Smith becomes the first Heisman winner to attend the Senior Bowl since Baker Mayfield in 2018. *(Wikimedia Commons)*

Stars of the show

Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama – Yup, the Heisman winner is going to be in Mobile. Don’t get your hopes up too high though. This is likely just to meet with the coaches and measure in. He is still not medically cleared after suffering an injury in the national championship game.

Mac Jones, QB, Alabama – Smith’s star quarterback will be here as well. He will get a chance to wow scouts outside the loaded Alabama offense and prove he is more than a system quarterback. There is some first round buzz around him, but the general opinion on Jones is very split. This week could go a long way in swaying the scouting community one way or the other.

Najee Harris, RB, Alabama – Let’s round out the Alabama three-headed monster with Najee Harris. Harris is a bruising back with good hands. If he can show enough speed during these practice days, he could solidify himself as the top back in the class.

Kyle Trask, QB, Florida – Another Heisman finalist joins the crew. Trask will have a chance to answer questions about his arm strength and mobility. With Carolina in the market for a quarterback of the future, the chance to impress Rhule and his staff is huge.

Trey Sermon, RB, Ohio State – He entered the national championship game on a tear before exiting early with an injury. Unclear how healthy he is going to be heading into the week. He is a name to watch after a dominant finish to the season.

Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida – A huge part of Florida’s offensive resurgence this season, Toney is a fun playmaker to watch in space. With his name already hovering around the first round, a big week could lock him in as a Day 1 pick.

Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma – With the injury to Landon Dickerson, Humphrey has a chance to earn the mantle of best center in this class. He was rock solid at Oklahoma and should be one of the top interior linemen selected.

Liam Eichenburg, OT, Notre Dame – Eichenburg is one of the top offensive tackles in Mobile for the week. He was great protecting at Ian Book’s blindside throughout the season. In my opinion, he is one of the more polished prospects in this class, but his upside is limited by a lack of elite athleticism.

Ian Book, QB, Notre Dame – Speaking of Ian Book, he might not be highly regarded as a quarterback prospect this year, but he will draw a lot of attention after leading Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff. He is not one of the top prospects in this class, but he is a name a lot of people already know.

Alex Leatherwood, OL, Alabama – Arguably the top lineman who accepted an invite, Leatherwood is an interesting player to watch. He has played all over the line at Alabama. Where coaches line him up this week could be very telling.

Carlos Basham, DL, Wake Forest – Let’s get over to the defensive side of the ball. Basham enters as one of the top defenders participating on many draft boards. He will have a chance to feast in the one-on-one drills. He was dominant in his time at Wake Forest.

Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami – The former Temple standout impressed in his one season at Miami. The list of edge rushers is fairly short, so Roche will have a chance to stand out. He still feels like a work in progress despite being a grad transfer.

Richard LeCounte III, S, Georgia – After a great career at Georgia, LeCounte will have a chance to follow in the long line of Bulldogs defenders who have gone early in the NFL draft. It is a deep safety class and this week will give him a chance to separate from the pack.

Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh – One of the top pass rushers in the country each of the past two years, Jones will have a chance to show off his speed. Teams are desperate for pass rushers this year. I could see him sneaking into the top half of the first round if he has a big enough week. This edge rusher class is still wide open.

Small school stars who could shine

Without a doubt, these rosters are loaded with talent. And those are just some of the big-name players that will feature prominently in practice this week. One of the great things about the Senior Bowl though is the chance for small school stars to jump off the page and send their draft stock soaring. Recent examples include Kyle Dugger from Lenoir Rhyne and Jeremy Chinn from Southern Illinois. Here are some of the best unheralded standouts that could be big risers by the end of the week.

Tarron Jackson, EDGE, Coastal Carolina – Coastal Carolina was obviously the Cinderella story of the 2020 college football season, but the Chanticleers still didn’t get the respect they deserved. He had a strong statistical year and will get a chance to make a bigger name for himself in Mobile.

Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State – You’ve probably heard this one already. Radunz was getting some first-round buzz before the start of the 2020 season. We haven’t seen him play this year because he opted out after the FCS moved its season to the spring. Needless to say, huge week for him.

Spencer Brown, OT, UNI – I don’t think he has gotten the same hype as Radunz, but he probably should. Brown is a mammoth. He is listed at 6’9″, 320 lbs and reported benches 500 lbs. That should speak for itself. Prepare for some scouts to fall in love with Brown similar to how they did last year with Mekhi Becton.

D’Wayne Eskridge, WR, Western Michigan – If you are looking for a big-play threat, Eskridge might be the guy for you. He averaged 23.3 yards per reception this season and scored eight touchdowns for the Broncos. His size is a concern, but he will get a chance to show he belongs with the top prospects.

Robert Jones, G, Middle Tennessee State – One of the top offensive linemen in Conference USA, was one of the bright spots in a tough season for the Blue Raiders. He has the size to impress coaches this week. Without a ton of high profile interior linemen in this year’s class, this is a massive opportunity for Jones.

Christian Uphoff, S, Illinois State – Hard not to pick a fellow safety from an FCS school in Illinois after what Jeremy Chinn did last year. More of a traditional safety than Chinn, who was built like a hybrid linebacker, Uphoff has not played since 2019 due to the pandemic. For every FCS star, this week is crucial as they get their first reps in a long time.

Riley Cole, LB, South Alabama – Cole was one of the top tacklers in the country in 2020. He led the Jaguars with 96 stops, including 54 solo tackles. He is a bit undersized, but coaches could be willing to overlook that given his productivity.

Quintin Morris, TE, Bowling Green – It was a terrible season for Bowling Green. Morris now gets a chance to showcase his talent outside of the team’s dysfunctional offense. He has the build to be a productive move tight end in the right system.

Newman will see his first action since December 27, 2019. *(Wikimedia Commons)*

Who needs a big week?

Senior Bowl week is important for all of the players looking to improve their draft stock. However, there are a few that really need a strong week to bolster their standing among their peers. Here are the players under the most pressure to perform.

Jamie Newman, QB, Georgia/Wake Forest – Newman transferred after an exciting season with Wake Forest. He never took a snap for Georgia. With a ton of question marks, Newman needs to produce some answers in Mobile. Will he look sharp after months of preparation or rusty after not playing a game in over a year? At the same time, there is a clear drop off in this quarterback class after the top four prospects. A strong week could position Newman as one of the top mid-round options at the position.

Marvin Wilson, DL, Florida State – Wilson was generating first-round consideration last year before deciding to return to school. It turned out to be a poor decision. The season was tough for everyone, but Wilson had a new coaching staff take over and then had a public dispute with his new coach before the year even began. He checks all the physical boxes, so if he can show that potential we all saw on film in 2019, he could salvage his draft stock.

Tuf Borland, LB, Ohio State – Unfortunately for Borland, the last thing a lot of people are going to remember about his college career is him getting toasted by DeVonta Smith on a terrible mismatch. He has to work to erase that image and give scouts something else to talk about. Perhaps this is a bit unfair, but as the saying goes, you are only as good as your last game.

Sage Surratt, WR, Wake Forest – Surratt was a late addition to the Senior Bowl roster, but a good one. He tore up the ACC in 2019 before going down with an injury. He then opted out of the 2020 season, which means the last snaps we saw him play came over 14 months ago. That’s a long time to be out of the eye of scouts and coaches. He has a chance to be one of the best receivers suited up this week.

Jacoby Stevens, LB/S, LSU – Stevens was a top recruit out of high school, but has definitely not parlayed that into immense draft buzz. Given his size and success in the box, I will be curious to see if coaches want to work him out as a linebacker. This could be a massive week in determining how NFL teams view him as a prospect.

Khalil Herbert, RB, Virginia Tech – As it seems to be every year, this running back class is deep. Herbert was a human highlight reel this season for the Hokies. He needs to prove that he can sustain this success though. He spent the first four years of his college career at Kansas and came nowhere close to reaching the heights he did in 2020. A limited resume as a pass catcher could hurt his stock as well. If he shows off some soft hands in drills and scrimmages, we could see Herbert come off the board some time on Day 2. If not, he has an uphill climb heading into the rest of the draft process.

Breakout candidates

Every year, there are a few players who arrive from notable schools who maybe did not get the best chance to showcase their skill set in their college system. Van Jefferson showed off some incredible route running last year that we had not seen at Florida. Josh Uche flashed tons of speed that boosted his draft stock. So did Troy Pride Jr., who would run routes for the opposing receiver at times. Those three went to major schools, Florida, Michigan and Notre Dame, but didn’t really start to earn more draft buzz until the Senior Bowl. Here are some candidates that could do the same this year.

Michael Carter, RB, UNC – The lightning to Javonte Williams’ thunder, Carter actually led the Tar Heels in rushing, but took a back seat to Williams, who finished the year with 22 touchdowns. Carter will get a chance to remind scouts that he is more than just a change of pace back and can be relied on at the next level.

Shi Smith, WR, South Carolina – After spending two years behind Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards, Smith got his turn as the top receiver. South Carolina might have had a rough year, but Smith actually played pretty well in his go-to playmaker role. I think he has a chance to shine and move himself into the Day 2 conversation.

Nico Collins, WR, Michigan – After opting out of the 2020 season, Collins has a chance to reassert himself in the wide receiver conversation. He has the size to turn heads and it will be really fun to see him compete in one-on-one drills. He will benefit from some better quarterback play than what he has dealt with at Michigan, too.

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Oklahoma – For teams looking for a powerful back, Stevenson should be on their radar. He returned from a drug suspension in late October and looked great in the Sooners’ final six games, including a 186-yard performance against Florida.

James Wiggins, S, Cincinnati – Wiggins had an interesting career at Cincinnati. He tore his ACL before the 2019 season after a fantastic 2018 showing. Injuries again slowed him down the stretch of 2020. If he is fully healthy, this will be a great opportunity to remind scouts of his athleticism.

Jabril Cox, LB, LSU – The former North Dakota State standout tried to help LSU pick up the pieces after losing so much talent from 2019’s national title team. Cox has great size and speed for the position. I think he got lost in the focus on LSU’s offensive struggles, but he could really make a statement in what feels like a wide-open linebacker class.

Desmond Fitzpatrick, WR, Louisville – He might not be as much of a household name as his teammate Tutu Atwell, but Fitzpatrick is a big-play threat in his own right. He showed flashes during the 2020 season. I think he will have the physical tools to win one-on-one matchups and turn some heads.

Richie Grant, S, UCF – Grant has a nose for the football and a talent for making big plays. He turned in a great 2020 campaign and has a chance to build off that in Mobile. This is a deep safety class, so Grant needs to stand out.

Hunter Long, TE, Boston College – Long took a big step in his development in 2020, doubling his yardage per game and hauling in more than five passes per contest. He has ideal size for the position and could wow in a solid tight end group competing in Mobile.

Kenny Yeboah, TE, Ole Miss – While Long is more your typical possession receiver, Yeboah is the big-play threat. He averaged closed to 20 yards per reception in 2020. Despite that, he can still be a factor in the red zone. He has the size and speed combo to be a mismatch for defenders.

Kylin Hill, RB, Mississippi State – Hill made waves in the offseason for sparking meaningful change in Mississippi State. After threatening to boycott the season, the state agreed to remove its current flag, which featured the symbol of the Confederacy, and design a new one. Unfortunately, Hill did end up missing most of the 2020 season anyway. He only appeared in three games, totally just 15 carries. He has plenty of previous experience to lean on and impressively tallied 23 catches in those three games as well. If he can continue to flash that pass catching ability, he will be rising up draft board.

Despite my best efforts, I cannot break down every player attending this year’s Senior Bowl. Hopefully, this will give you a pretty good introduction to this year’s rosters. As always, you can check out the full list of attendees on the Senior Bowl website. It is time to officially get draft season underway. Happy scouting!

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NFL Draft Podcast – Senior Bowl Recap

February 6, 2020February 6, 2020 Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NCAA, NCAAF, NFL, Podcast 2020 NFL Draft, College Football, Draft, Football, NFL, NFL Draft, Podcast, Senior Bowl

After a week off, I am back breaking down all things NFL draft. With the Senior Bowl and Super Bowl behind us, draft season is officially underway. It time to recap the week in Mobile and discuss who helped their draft stock and who could have had a better week. Plus, a little preview of some future episode topics. Listen to the latest episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. https://anchor.fm/theaftermath

NFL Draft Big Board: Top 100 Post Senior Bowl

January 27, 2020January 27, 2020 Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NCAA, NCAAF, NFL 2020 NFL Draft, Big Board, Chase Young, College Football, Football, NFL, NFL Draft, Senior Bowl

Senior Bowl week was awesome as we got to see some excellent standout players shine and others we weren’t familiar with take the big stage. Projected first round picks like Justin Herbert, Javon Kinlaw and Terrell Lewis showed up. Unheralded prospects like Kyle Dugger, Ben Bartch and Dane Jackson showed they were more than ready for the NFL. Overall, it was a great opportunity to evaluate these players in a different setting and see them put to the test against many others they are competing against to be drafted.

Between the College Football Playoff, East-West Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl, a lot has changed since my last big board. While there are still plenty of questions left following the week, we now have a much better sense for where each player stands heading into the combine. There will be plenty more to learn and dissect following week-long event, but as we stand, here is my latest top 100 prospects.

Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
Unquestionably the best prospect in the draft. About as polished as you could hope for as a pass rusher entering the league. Young does an excellent job against the run as well.
Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
The more I watch Jeff Okudah, the more I love what I see. He mirrors receivers so well and shows excellent closing speed to disrupt passes. He seals it with being a proven tackler as well.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
This is one of, if not the best receiver class ever. It is headlined by Jerry Jeudy, who has showcased the speed, ability to separate and awareness to be an elite NFL receiver. He has had a few drops, but it looks like a fixable problem.
Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
You could start Isaiah Simmons in a lot of places. He could be an excellent off-ball linebacker or a ball hawking safety. His speed, instincts and football IQ make him an elite defensive prospect.
Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
After an incredible senior season, Joe Burrow will likely be the first overall pick. He has incredible mobility and excels at making plays outside the pocket. He doesn’t have the strongest arm, but he can still make plays down the field. His intermediate accuracy is scary good.
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
If you want a player who can make something out of seemingly nothing, CeeDee Lamb is for you. Put on the film against Texas and you will see him simply willing himself to the end zone. He will have to prove he can generate separation at the next level, but his playmaking skill makes him an immediate starter.
A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
I list A.J. Epenesa as an edge player, but he could also kick inside as a five technique tackle. That versatility makes him an intriguing option for any team needing a disruptive defensive linemen. He played exceptionally well over his final few college games.
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Were it not for the injury, Tua Tagovailoa would push Joe Burrow for the top quarterback taken in 2020. As it stands, there are major red flags regarding Tua’s durability. When healthy, he reminds many of a southpaw Drew Brees.
Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
When you turn on tape of Andrew Thomas, you see someone with the power to be an high-level starter in the pros. He struggles at times with speed rushers, but he has the frame and technique to start right away.
Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
Meet the fastest player in this draft. One of the most exciting things about the upcoming combine will be if Henry Ruggs threatens the 40-yard dash record. He is a complete receiver and decent size given his explosiveness.
Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
I’m not as high on Derrick Brown as most. He has shown flashes of being a game-wrecker, but he is too inconsistent as a pass rusher for me. However, he might be the best interior lineman against the run in this class.
Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
Javon Kinlaw essentially ran unchecked through Mobile. He bolstered what already an impressive draft stock and proved he is a great interior rusher. If he measures well at the combine and shows some good agility in the three cone drill, he could move ahead of Brown.
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
The biggest knock on Tee Higgins is his inability to separate. I think that has been overblown and his catch radius should limit those concerns anyway. There might not be a better jump ball player in this draft.
Tristan Wirfs, OL, Iowa
I think Tristan Wirfs projects best as an interior lineman, but he does have some experience at both tackle positions. He moves well for a player his size. He is a more polished version of Mekhi Becton.
Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
While he might not be as physically imposing as the other tackles projected in the first round, Jedrick Wills is the best pass blocker of the bunch. He isn’t a mauler, but he is technically sound and pro ready.
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
Few running backs have the blend of speed and power J.K. Dobbins possesses. He will likely go a lot later than this on draft day, but he is that talented. Position value will just cause him to slide.
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
The NFL continues to trend towards smaller, faster linebackers. Kenneth Murray fits the mold of the new prototype. His speed alone makes him an impact player. He wraps up well and with a little refining in coverage, he should be a three-down player.
Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado
Laviska Shenault gets lost in the shuffle of the big name receivers in this draft. Prior to a banged up 2019 season, Shenault dominated the Pac-12 in 2018. He is athletic and has some interesting positional diversity. Colorado used him as a wildcat quarterback just to get the ball in his hands more.
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
No player benefited more from Joe Burrow’s Heisman season than Justin Jefferson. He thrust himself into the first round conversation with an incredible statistical season. He has the size and physical skills to be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL.
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
There are still some questions regarding Justin Herbert, but he showed he could be a leader at the Senior Bowl. He showcased his arm talent once again. His mobility makes him a dynamic option who could develop into a Pro-Bowl-level quarterback.
Tyler Biadasz, OL, Wisconsin
Teams looking for a plug and play center will be doing their homework on Tyler Biadasz. He is a grinder and has put together some excellent tape. He had hip surgery at the end of the year, which is certainly a red flag. How he tests at the combine could solidify his first round status or drop him out of the top 50.
Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
Yetur Gross-Matos put together another solid season following an impressive 2018 campaign. He has the size to play as a 4-3 or a 3-4 outside linebacker. He should be a situational pass rusher from Day 1.
Grant Delpit, S, LSU
In terms of diagnosing plays and putting himself in position to succeed, Grant Delpit is a great player. He struggles to always make those plays though. A clear inability to wrap up showed up on film this year and he needs to improve his angles downfield.
Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Often overshadowed by Derrick Stingley Jr., Kristian Fulton has the physical tools to develop into a No. 1 corner. He tracks the ball well in the air and will make some plays in coverage. He still has to iron out some inconsistencies and show he can handle the pressure of being picked on.
Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
For teams looking for an aggressive safety, Xavier McKinney checks a lot of the desired boxes. He measures in well and he can play up near the line. He is comfortable stepping into the slot occasionally as well.
Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Mekhi Becton is a behemoth. He is 6’7″ and roughly 365 pounds. His power in absolutely incredible. He is also incredibly raw. His potential is huge, but he definitely needs a decent amount of work before he can be trusted as a starter.
Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
After a solid week in Mobile, Terrell Lewis is showing some depth to his game in addition to just being a pass rusher. He played some off-ball linebacker and flashed his athleticism. Testing well could see him crack the top 20.
CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
At times, CJ Henderson looks ready to make the jump. At others, Henderson can look overmatched and out of position. He breaks well on the ball and uses his hands well to break up passes. He needs to improve his press coverage.
D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
The hype around Georgia’s offense dipped in the second half of the year. Word is injury slowed down D’Andre Swift during the drop off. I want to see him compete at full health at the combine to see how dynamic he can truly be.
Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah
This is my biggest draft crush at this point. Bradlee Anae jumped out on tape over the past month of the season and dominated the Senior Bowl. He showed out in the game and has a first round grade from me at the moment.
K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
As a pass rusher, K’Lavon Chaisson is a speed rusher with decent power. The thing that bothers me is how bad he is against the run. He never keeps contain and will get dragged for extra yardage.
Michael Pittman, WR, USC
Another Senior Bowl standout here. He sat out Saturday’s game with an ankle injury, but he balled out in practice. Michael Pittman lacks blazing speed, but he can still separate and projects as an excellent possession receiver.
Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
Prior to an ankle injury, Bryce Hall was playing like a first round pick for Virginia. If he can get healthy by the combine, he could work his way back into the first round.
Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Trevon Diggs has the size and speed that NFL teams love. However, he has some rough games on film. There were a lot of corners torched by LSU, but it still shows Diggs has some growing to do.
Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
One of the most controversial prospects in this class, I think Jordan Love would be an excellent value in the late first round or early second round. His arm talent is impressive. His decision making and inability to move through his reads is concerning.
Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma
Few players bring the type of savvy Neville Gallimore has. He should be a high floor, starting option early in his career. He looked sharp during Senior Bowl week.
Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
I still have a lot more film to break down on Patrick Queen after expecting him to return to school for most of the year. While I think he is currently being overhyped, showing up on a big stage is promising.
Josh Jones, OT, Houston
One of the clear winners from Senior Bowl week, Josh Jones is now generating first round buzz. He solidifies himself in that second tier of tackles. His potential and grit are enticing.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Unfortunately, Brandon Aiyuk was forced to sit out Senior Bowl week with an injury. His production from his senior year has some talking about him being a first round pick. He gets vertical and stacks defensive backs well to make big plays downfield.
Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State
One of the most consistent players in college football over the past three years, Curtis Weaver finished his junior year with 13.5 sacks and a career total 34. I’m eager to see him at the combine.
Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
Speedy playmakers that play above the rim are a commodity. Jalen Reagor had a dominant 2018 season before taking a step back this year. If he can clean up the drops at the combine, he should have enough physical skill to standout in a loaded draft class.
Zach Baun, LB, Wisconsin
Zach Baun completely changed the scouting report on himself during Senior Bowl week. After spending his time at Wisconsin as an edge rusher, he showed his versatility and coachability by moving to linebacker. He could draw first round interest.
Ashtyn Davis, S, California
As a track star at California, Ashtyn Davis could stand out at the combine. He missed out on the Senior Bowl with an injury. He still has some questions to answer about his ability to cover at the next level.
Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame
After wrapping a solid if unspectacular career at Notre Dame, Julian Okwara is a player capable of making an early impact. He failed to take a step forward during his senior year, but he has some potential to develop into a consistent pass rusher.
Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU
I am still in the early stages of breaking down film on Ross Blacklock. He has great size and holds his position well. More to come on him.
Austin Jackson, OT, USC
Prior to his bowl game, there was some first round hype around Austin Jackson. That died down after he struggled to keep up with A.J. Epenesa. He has the physical tools to develop into a starting left tackle.
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
From a talent perspective, Jonathan Taylor is near the top of the class. However, he has a ton of mileage on his legs and issues with fumbling. That makes it harder to justify picking him.
Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
It is becoming more and more apparent that his lack of production was likely linked to Shea Patterson. He should be an intriguing option to improve in a new offense.
Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
I am still working on catching up on Cole Kmet film after he changed his draft decision. He shows good hands and has the size NFL teams want at the position.
Matt Hennessy, OL, Temple
Matt Hennessey won’t overwhelm anyone with his power, but he fits well into any zone scheme. He has no problem sprinting out on reach blocks and picking up players in the second level.
Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
He doesn’t jump off the page from a measurable or statistical standpoint, but Jeff Gladney is consistent and crafty. He understands how to position himself well to make plays. Would love to see him come up with a few more interceptions.
Cesar Ruiz, OL, Michigan
Projects as a starting center at the next level. Cesar Ruiz has the size you want for an interior linemen.
John Simpson, G, Clemson
About as battle tested as they come. John Simpson played in back-to-back championship games and held up well against some very good competition.
Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn
I am still a little uncertain what Marlon Davidson’s best fit in the NFL will be. He lined up all over the place for Auburn. That type of versatility is something to work with.
KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State
I am much lower on the Penn State speedster than most. I don’t see KJ Hamler as being much more than an average slot receiver. His speed is his best quality.
Prince Tega Wangho, OT, Auburn
He was put through the ringer at times blocking in the SEC. He still has some room to grow, but I like his ability in pass protection.
Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida
He isn’t too flashy, but he works hard and understands his assignments. Greenard made a good impression after transferring from Louisville to Florida.
Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
A downhill playmaker, Malik Harrison is a fun prospect. He made a lot of disruptive plays. He still has to grow as a block shedder and coverage option.
Lloyd Cushenberry, OL, LSU
He struggled through the College Football Playoff, but put together a solid week in Mobile. He has some plug and play potential.
Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
Clearly not as well known as Ohio State’s other corners, Damon Arnette played a solid final game of his college career. He can press well and could develop into an outside option.
Leki Fotu, DL, Utah
He is a massive man playing in the middle of defensive lines. Leki Fotu has excellent burst off the line as a pass rusher. He has a ways to go with his technique and stamina.
Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
The strong-arm quarterback from Washington has more questions than answers. His lack of mobility is concerning, but Jacob Eason’s arm talent should see him go on Day 2.
Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
A tough and fast linebacker, Troy Dye is a bit undersized even by today’s expectations. He fights through traffic well, but needs to up his play strength.
Jared Pickney, TE, Vanderbilt
Jared Pickney is the most well-rounded tight end in this class. He is a solid blocker and showed his chops as a pass catcher. His play is consistently above average.
Josh Uche, EDGE, Michigan
Much like Bradlee Anae, Josh Uche had an excellent showing at the Senior Bowl. He showed his speed off the edge consistently. Uche hasn’t shown a whole lot of other ways he can win though.
Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama
From a traits perspective, Raekwon Davis checks every box. From a production and reliability standpoint, Davis has been a did. He has gone backwards in his final two years at Alabama.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
Maurice Jones-Drew 2.0 showcased his bruising running style en route to a national title. Clyde Edwards-Helaire can catch the ball out of the backfield as well. His top speed is average at best, but he has a clear role to play.
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Part of Baylor’s surprising resurgence this season, Denzel Mims proved he is a playmaker. He has excellent body control and seems to be improving as a route runner.
Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
Another riser from Senior Bowl week, Adam Trautman showed off some solid hands and decent blocking skills. He made some ground in this deepish tight end group.
Ben Bredeson, G, Michigan
Ben Bredeson had an uneven week in Mobile, with a couple of poor reps in 1-on-1 drills. However, he also flashed some solid technique and could develop into a quality option.
Justin Manduibuike, DL, Texas A&M
He showed up on tape for Texas A&M right away. He is relentless in his pursuit, but needs to improve at reading his keys.
Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
Pretty much every receiver had a good week in Mobile, but I am really starting to like Devin Duvernay. He looks like a quality slot receiver with good route running ability. His film over Texas’ final few games is impressive.
Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
My assessment of Brycen Hopkins is still very incomplete. At times, he looks like the best tight end in this draft. At others, he looks like a backup at best.
Matt Peart, OT, UConn
Matt Peart might be the best of the project tackles in this class. His size and length make him a fun prospect to work with.
Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
A lack of arm strength limits Jake Fromm’s upside. He is very cerebral and poised, but lacks the zip to hit tight windows or stretch the field.
Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
He is starting to generate some buzz. When I watch him, I see good speed and excellent use of the sideline to help him in coverage, limiting the space for receivers. He still has some work to do with his technique.
Trey Adams, OT, Washington
When totally healthy, Trey Adams should be in the conversation with Josh Jones and Austin Jackson. A checkered injury history and shaky movement skills knock him down a lot.
Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
Projecting as a right tackle, Lucas Niang has the size you want. He is pretty powerful, but still underdeveloped. He missed most of the year with an injury.
Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
This is someone I could see rising up my board. He has good speed and can run with backs out of the backfield. He is smart with how he attacks opposing quarterbacks.
Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
While he has some better moments, it is hard for me to get past the film against USC. Jaylon Johnson has no interest as a tackler and is still developing in coverage.
Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
Cam Akers is the type of player you can expect to improve in the NFL after getting out of that terrible Florida State offense. He should carve out a role early on with some potential to take over as a starter down the line.
Kenny Willekes, EDGE, Michigan State
He won’t wow you with his athleticism, but he grinds down opposing offensive linemen and finds way to be productive. Kenny Willekes could end up being a steal.
Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
As a proven tackler, Cameron Dantzler will be on some teams boards for that reason alone. If he can refine his approach as a man corner, he will turn into a quality corner.
KJ Hill, WR, Ohio State
KJ Hill had an excellent week in Mobile, showing his route running ability. He still needs to work on generating separation earlier in his routes, but he is crafty.
A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
What is the opposite of recency bias? A.J. Terrell got torched in a variety of ways in the national championship game. He is definitely a project player with some upside.
Evan Weaver, LB, Cal
Evan Weaver led the country in tackles this year. He has a nose for the football and contributes on special teams.
Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
With teams looking to find red zone specialists, Chase Claypool should draw some interest. He has a big body and adjusts well to balls in the air.
Ben Bartch, OT, St. John’s
He came out to play with the big boys and did not disappoint. Ben Bartch has a steep learning curve ahead, but looks like a future starting tackle.
Troy Pride Jr., CB, Notre Dame
As far as speed goes, Troy Pride showed at the Senior Bowl that he can run with anyone. Someone will take a chance on him with the hope of developing the rest of his game.
Anfernee Jennings, LB, Alabama
I was surprised to see Anfernee Jennings listed as an inside linebacker on the Senior Bowl roster. I’m not sure how much upside I really see in a position switch for him.
Dane Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh
He might not go to a small school, but Dane Jackson still came from way off the radar with his performance in Mobile. He made a really positive impression that is going to force me to watch some film on him.
Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
This is much more of a traits thing than anything else. Van Jefferson didn’t have elite college production, but he showed in Mobile that he can make contested catches and find ways to create a window for quarterbacks to throw into.
Larrell Murchison, DL, NC State
NC State seems to produce solid defensive linemen every year. Larrell Murchison should just continue the trend. He had a decent Senior Bowl week. I will be revisiting his film before the combine.
A.J. Green, CB, Oklahoma State
Not to be confused with the injured Bengals receiver, A.J. Green made a name for himself at the Senior Bowl. He rose to the challenge of facing the incredible receivers in attendance and fared well.
Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir Rhyne
I don’t even know where Lenoir Rhyne is, but I can tell you Kyle Dugger is an NFL-caliber player. He had some really nice moments in Mobile and acclimated nicely to the speed.
James Lynch, DL, Baylor
After a fantastic season where he was named Big 12 defensive player of the year, James Lynch still seems like a mid round player. His production was impressive, but his upside and measurables are less so.
Logan Stenberg, G, Kentucky
He didn’t stand out as much during Senior Bowl week, but he did nothing to hurt his stock. Logan Stenberg has some solid film in the SEC to fall back on.
Nick Harris, C, Washington
Pretty much everyone I have talked about had a good week in Mobile. Nick Harris did not. He got bullied in 1-on-1 drills. His tape is more promising, but this exposed some clear weaknesses.
Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
The other Georgia offensive tackle, Isaiah Wilson is all about his traits. He has the size and frame to develop into a starting option. He faced good competition, but he never stood out.
Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State
Eno Benjamin is a shifty running back I could see rising up boards at the combine. He played on a middling Arizona State team that didn’t get much press. He could start to work his way into the top five conversation with a good showing in Indianapolis.For more NFL Draft coverage, check out the Aftermath’s NFL Draft Podcast, with new episodes every Thursday.