Many prospects shined during Senior Bowl Week.
Senior Bowl Recap:
The Senior Bowl has been something like I have never experienced before. Whether it's bumping shoulders with players, coaches, scouts, agents, writers, podcasters, or even 49ers' GM John Lynch and the teams personnel department, the Senior Bowl has been nothing short of a dream.
We will focus on
Offense
today and drop
Defense
tomorrow.
My Guys: It's impossible for me to go through the pre-draft process without me developing a "My Guys" list. With that being said, I think it's best to get started with a list of Senior Bowl participants that flashed through the first two days of practice.
Offensive Line
IOL - Quinn Meinerz - Wisonson-Whitewater:
The second I saw his big gut hanging out of his jersey, I instantly knew he would be a guy that I would like. Quinn has been arguably the biggest riser at the Senior Bowl, catching the eye of everyone who is paying attention. He can play in any scheme at center or guard and be dominant as a day 1 starter. I see 1st round potential with the DIII kid.
IOL - Creed Humphrey - Oklahoma:
Creed came to the Senior Bowl as one of the best centers entering the draft. He leaves the Senior Bowl in the same place. He will be a consistent pro and likely be the first center off the board, that is if he can keep Quinn off of his heels.
G/T - Carson Green - Texas A&M:
I noticed Green on day 3 as it was a strong one for him. He won from both the G/T position in team and 1v1 drills. His body style and ability would translate well to the 49ers zone-run scheme as he can run block well but he is also a solid pass blocker.
G/T - Trey Smith - Tennessee:
Smith was another day 3 standout who performed well all day. His versatility is something that stood out to me. I project him as a guard but has the ability to kick outside to Tackle and be successful.
G/T - Alaric Jackson - Iowa:
I loved what I saw from Alaric as he is a very athletic and active OL that brings power as well. I can also see him filling out his frame more and adding some weight to be even better suited in the NFL.
Wide Receiver
*This will be a long list so I will only highlight risers*
UAB - Austin Watkins Jr:
Probably the biggest riser from the WR position at the Senior Bowl. Watkins showed everything that you want to see from a complete WR. He appeared to be a great teammates as well. My favorite example of this is when a RB got tripped up and went to the ground and he came rushing in to pick the RB up off the ground and literally shoved him towards the endzone to finish the run. That to me showed leadership. All day you could see DBs getting frustrated trying to cover the explosive Watkins to no avail. This guy balled out and is firmly on the "My Guys" list.
South Dakota State - Cade Johnson:
One of my favorite guys here. Got the opportunity to talk to Cade a bit and it just made me like him even more. He probably had the best catch of the week. Excited to see what he does in the NFL.
ASU - Frank Darby:
Probably the most energetic player on the field from both squads, Darby is always dancing or hyping up his players. I didn't perceive it to be a distraction, I see a guy in his element who loves what he does. We like guys like that. Big stock up for me.
Clemson - Amari Rodgers: He may have been the most polished WR I saw this week. A guy who will likely thrive out of the slot but can be used as WR1 and essentially all over the field. He's a playmaker. Period.
Houston - Marquez Stevenson:
I was put on by my guy Zach Grier about Stevenson right before I came to Mobile. His speed was that apparent on tape and it absolutely translated to the field. He showed up and showed out and confirmed he is much more than just a fast guy. He showed toughness at the point of attack as well the ability to make contested catches. I will be watching him closely throughout the process.
South Carolin - Shi Smith:
Another South Carolina baller. Are you shocked? Shi was lighting up DBs in 1v1 and proved to be a lethal threat. Has a little T.Y. Hilton vibe to him.
UCLA - Demtric Felton:
A RB/WR hybrid who blew up 1v1 drills early in the week. He is someone who has scouts intrigued based on his explosive ability, similarly to Colts RB Nyheim Hines.
Florida - Kadarious Toney
Florida - Trevon Grimes
Alabama - DeVonta Smith
Western Michigan - Dwayne Eskridge
Wake Forest - Sage Surratt
Quarterbacks
Alabama - Mac Jones: He was the best QB out there this week. Mac continues to be a slightly above average QB and I think that's how he projects in the NFL. He can be a middle-tier NFL starter who can can operate a complex scheme and make the necessary throws behind a potent running attack.
Michigan - Chris Evans: This was a guy who popped for me the first day I was at practice. I saw RB with really good size, speed, vision, you name it. He seemed like he could navigate all the junk at the LOS very well and find his lanes with ease. I came away liking him a lot and someone I will study further.
Virginia Tech - Khalil Herbert:
I really liked Herbert coming in and he continued to prove a very solid runner and blocker. I did however notice some drop issues. I will go back in his tape and see if that was a problem throughout his career.
Alabama - Najee Harris: "Are you the GM?" - Najee. If you know, you know.
North Carolina - Michael Carter:
Stud. Will be a great threat as a receiver out of the backfield. Smaller back so it will be interesting to see if he can be a three down back in the league.
Oklahoma - Rhamondre Stevenson:
The Panthers coaching staff seemed to really like this kid. He is a big back but moves much better than his size would suggest. He will be someone to watch during the game on Saturday.
There were a few more backs that also looked good:
Texas A&M - Kvlin Hill
/ Louisiana - Larry Rountree III
Tight Ends
Boise State - John Bates:
Bates doesn't stand out from a measurable's standpoint, but the just continued to win his matchups. He was a consistent threat in the pass game while holding up well as a blocker.
Georgia - Tre McKitty:
He had an amazing one-handed grab. You will see his catch from Mac Jones under the QB section. He looked more like a WR than a TE at times. Very talented player.
We are going to drop Defense tomorrow!
(All photos by me!)
