The Senior Bowl took place this past weekend, with multiple pactices being held in the days prior. The annual event is a great place for some of the top prospects in the NFL Draft to make a name for themselves in front of NFL scouts. A great showing can catapult someone from being fringe day 2 prospect to potentially being a 1st rounder. On the contrary, a poor showing can drop a player significantly. In addition to the onfield stuff, the Senior Bowl is a great opportunity for teams to get to know some of the prospects as people.
After going through the practice tape and the game itself, I decided to take note of a small handful of the players that stood out.
Practice:
– iOL, Zion Johnson (Boston College)
While he had a few tough moments at C, Johnson had a good week of practice at the Senior Bowl. He did well in the majority of his 1 on 1 matchups, while also performing well in the team drills. He especially looked good at G. Still, his versatility was one thing that teams and evaluators were buzzing about. He has experience at G and OT, and seems to be coming along at C too, with further improvement likely.
– DT, Travis Jones (Connecticut)
Jones was one of the small fish in a big pond. However, you wouldn’t have been able to tell based on his play. He held his own in the step up in competition, especially showing off his strength. On multiple occasions, he was able to bull rush quality prospects with a lot of success.
– DT, Neil Farrell (LSU)
Had several good reps in both the 1 on 1’s and the 11 on 11 drills. His power was on full display, but I found his well developed technique to be even more impressive. He won in a variety of ways, which is something that translates well to the NFL.
– DT, Perrion Winfrey (Oklahoma)
Winfrey is a great athlete and used it to his advantage at the Senior Bowl. Opposing o-linemen had trouble handling his speed, and his consistency throughout the week should help his draft stock.
– DE, Logan Hall (Houston)
Hall looked the part of your complete, prototypical DE. Great size, but also good athleticism. He won with both throughout the week. However, he didn’t rely solely on physical traits, as he was also able to win with a variety of rush moves and good technique.
– TE, Trey McBride (Colorado State)
The most impressive TE of the bunch. Athletic, good size, and won in all phases. He is able to create separation, but his ability to make grab up high really caught my attention.
– G, Ed Ingram (LSU)
Ingram was one of the better o-linemen in the 1 on 1 drills. Strength was on display. Did a good job of anchoring down in a drill that largely favours the defensive side.
– C, Luke Fortner (Kentucky)
Not to be outdone by his Kentucky teammate, Kinnard, Fortner had multiple good reps. Stayed square and anchored down against good competition.
– OT, Spencer Burford (UTSA)
Noticed him on a few occasions. A big example of a small fish in a big pond coming in, he seems to have done well in the new setting. On the reps I saw, he did well to mirror his opponent and then lock down the DL, who tried to power rush him.
– G, Lecitus Smith (Virginia Tech)
Looked really smooth out there. Handled his business well in pass protection. Showed good strength and also good foot control. Didn’t react poorly to different pass rush moves attempted on him and did well to keep his body square to his opponent.
Game:
– CB, Derion Kendrick (Georgia)
Kendrick is a player whose stock is on the rise. After a good season at Georgia, he followed it up with a good performance in the Senior Bowl. He played well in coverage and was able to make a nice play on the ball once or twice.
– DE, Boye Mafa (Minnesota)
Mafe had a good game and showed his ability to get home from around the edge. One one occasion, he was able to get to the QB and force a fumble.
– DE, DeAngelo Malone (Western Kentucky)
Doesn’t seem like the strongest guy out there — has a bit of a leaner frame. However, he was able to plough right through the TE on one occasion during the game to get home for a sack.
– LB, Chad Muma (Wyoming)
Showed off his speed and tackling ability. Made good plays against the run and also was pretty good in coverage. Overall, seemed to always be in the right places.
– WR, Calvin Austin (Memphis)
Undersized receiver. However, he was able to beat opposing DB’s with good speed and route running. He also has good hands, which is especially important for a smaller guy when making catches in traffic.
– P, Jordan Stout (Penn State)
Big legged punter who showed field flipping ability. Able to pin the opposing team deep from distance. Also showed good hang time.
NFLPA Bowl & East-West Game Standouts
Homescreen Image Via: TigerNet (CC)
