Senior Bowl Week News

flgreen · January 26, 2016

Tony Pauline ‏@TonyPauline  7 minutes ago

Leone Caroo/WR/Rutgers also off to a hot start.

Jeff Risdon ‏@JeffRisdon  6 minutes ago

Nick Vannett held by Tyvis Powell, still gets off and makes a leaping catch. Buckeye on Buckeye

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Tony Pauline ‏@TonyPauline  6 minutes ago

An unusual site in recent years: Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots here at Senior Bowl practice. Usually game planning.

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Dane Brugler ‏@dpbrugler  7 minutes ago

Wentz has been as good as expected so far. Easy velocity and understands body rhythm to drive the ball w/ placement. #SeniorBowl

flgreen · January 26, 2016

Dane Brugler ‏@dpbrugler  5 minutes ago

#OhioState TE Nick Vannett lacks much shake to separate but he's impressing by finishing contested catches. Underutilized at OSU.

Jeff Risdon ‏@JeffRisdon  5 minutes ago

Admittedly not focusing on him but Kevin Hogan lacks zip noticeably

Rob Rang ‏@RobRang  5 minutes ago

Wentz's comp % may not be impressive today but he's showing off mobility, velocity & ball placement. Like the leadership & enthusiasm too.

Tony Pauline ‏@TonyPauline  5 minutes ago

After a slow start Carson Wentz/QB/NDSU getting in the groove in full scrimmage.

Jeff Risdon ‏@JeffRisdon  5 minutes ago

Hogan just missed a 6' jump pass to Bryce Williams, who is the biggest target in Mobile

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Luke Easterling ‏@LukeEasterling  6 minutes ago

Still early, but Wentz looks the part in every way so far. Very comfortable, doing the little things, great zip on the run. #SeniorBowl

flgreen · January 26, 2016

2016 SENIOR BOWL PREVIEW: NORTH OFFENSE, LED BY CARSON WENTZ AND BRAXTON MILLER

Posted by Eric Galko on Jan 24, 2016 14:10
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The North Roster offers the Senior Bowl’s best (and most intriguing) quarterback prospect in Carson Wentz, three top-100 Big-Ten receivers, plus interior offensive linemen and a running back that’s quietly among the 2016 draft’s best. Here’s our 2016 Senior Bowl Preview for the North Offense.

By: Eric Galko, OS Staff

Quarterbacks

Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

A wrist injury kept him out a solid chunk of his senior season, but despite the injury and his level of competition, Wentz has already seen his name brought up as a first-round prospect. With a live arm to throw across the field, Wentz has developed plus-velocity control to work between and over/under zone coverages, though he still fastballs a bit. His vertical throws/touch are still an issue, and may persist in the NFL. Wentz’s developed velocity control, athleticism and vertical issues remind me plenty of Ryan Tannehill.

Cody Kessler, QB, USC

Kessler is one of the most straight-forward prospects in the class. He’s a clean cut West Coast passer. He much prefers to operate within the system and can really make an offense hum when he does. Though, if he is made uncomfortable, he is not dynamic or poised enough to consistently make plays. Kessler has the appropriate short-area athleticism and mental acuity to function at the NFL level in a West Coast offense. He is starting quarterback material, but there is reason to believe he can be a useful asset, both as a backup passer and a mind in the film room.

Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford

As far as career arcs go, Hogan is an interesting prospect. During his freshman year, he got as much attention as Brett Hundley and future Heisman winner Marcus Mariota. Hogan proceeded to regress the following two years. He became more robotic in his approach and it hurt him, but it all came to fruition in his senior year. He played very close to the script, but he had taken mental steps that allowed him to be able to function well as a precision passer. Hogan lacks the natural, exciting aura of an NFL starting quarterback, though. His best fit is as an insurance policy type backup.

Jeff Driskel, QB, Louisiana Tech

The former Florida Gator found a home in Louisiana, and he’s done well to rehab his draft prospects in the LA Tech offense. Driskel got the opportunity to really utilize his vertical ball placement and bucket throws in the offense, by far his best skill set. His skittish feet and erratic placement at Florida haven’t totally subsided, but he’s shown enough with his new school potentially flash during practices.

Running Backs

Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech

Possessing remarkable patience, balance and stop-start ability, Dixon has emerged as sleeper-no-more in the running back class. Both in his initial hole build-up and on the perimeter, Dixon offers near-elite lateral quickness and smooth cuts to evade full impact of tacklers and regain his accleration when initially knocked off his hole. He has some timing/decisiveness question marks, but they may be due to lackluster blocking from his offensive line rather than his own doing. He doesn’t always initial contact in space with great power, which is both a positive (knows where he thrives) and a negative (limited as to the volume/situations he’s best in).

Tyler Ervin, RB, San Jose State

Ervin was been a do-it-all playmaker for the San Jose State offense just like Christian McCaffery was for Stanford this year (though obviously not to the same extent). With active feet on the interior as a runner and at the second-level, Ervin switches between big and small movements with ease, allowing him to re-accelarate easily and with power. He’s able to stay tight and get skinny as well as keep defenders off balance in the open-field enough to take advantage with physicality. He’s arguably the best third-down runner at the Senior Bowl and could be the best returner in practices as well.

Chris Swain, RB, Navy

The Navy power back was generally the man behind rushing touchdown record-breaker Keenan Reynolds. But Swain, who’s a remarkably built 6’1, 245, is a bruiser on the interior who’s role in the Navy offense was to stay low through contact and, if space opened up at the second-level, to explode north and south for as many added yards s possible. The transition from the Navy option offense to a deeper set in the backfield, always running upright and getting experience as a pass-blocker will all be on display, for better or for worse, during practices.

Wide Receivers

Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State

In anticipation of his Senior Bowl week, I recently wrote about why Miller isn’t as much of a project prospect as some may believe. His route running, both in his upper half movement and footwork decisiveness still need drastic improvement, eh proved in his first and only season at receiver that he has naturally soft hands, remarkable elusiveness in the open field (as he proved when he played quarterback) and vertical speed to work past defensive backs in spite of lackluster routes.

Leonte Carroo, WR, Rutgers

Aside from his off-field assault issues, Carroo is receiver prospect that’s easy to see producing at the NFL level. Exploding at his route stem, repeatedly separating in mid-field routes, finishing away from his frame and embracing contact on the perimeter and in traffic, Carroo offers an NFL-readiness as a pass-catcher despite not having an overall refinement to his game. His run-after-catch and deep play ability is a bonus. He’ll be one of, if not the, most impressive receiver during practices.

Aaron Burbridge, WR, Michigan State

Connor Cook’s favorite offensive weapon in the Spartan offense, Burbridge showcased awesome ball-skills, timing and body control throughout his senior season. Lacking great size, length or vertical speed, Burbridge plays like a taller, longer receiver, but has the lower body type and occasional burst after catch to stil work on underneath and mid-range routes. How he separates vertically as well as how he matches up with longer cornerbacks in-air will be the two aspects of his game I’ll be tracking closely.

Tajae Sharpe, WR, UMass

Jordan Payton, WR, UCLA

Chris Moore, WR, Cincinnati

Tight Ends

Nick Vannett, TE, Ohio State

While not often used in his college career, Vannett earns the benefit of the doubt in the draft process. He’s an ideally built tight end (likely around 6’6, 250 pounds) and has developed into a relatively complete player, succeeding as a run and pass-blocker, and showing patience in the seam. The draft season will define Vannett’s NFL prospects after an Ohio State career that did little for his draft grade, but he should thrive throughout the process.

Bryce Willaims, TE, East Carolina

Henry Kreiger-Cobel, TE, Iowa

Offensive Line

Josh Garnett, OG, Stanford

Stanford’s knack for producing high level offensive linemen continues with Garnett. Garnett is the spearhead of Stanford’s rushing attack as he is always ran behind, either from his normal left guard spot or as a pulling guard. Garnett’s menacing power and “play to the whistle” mentality make him a force as an interior run blocker. Once he gets his hands on a defender, the snap is over for said defender. Garnett is not the most fluid or high-speed athlete, but he more than meets the baseline for athleticism and he is smart enough to often compensate for his clunky movement ability. Garnett has all the makings to be the first interior linemen off the board in the spring.

Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana

Springs is a long and lean pass blocking tackle who offers plus athleticism, evidenced by his ability to stay in front of speed rush defenders and redirect with them on their counter moves. He also has the ability to quickly anchor and stop the charge of power rushers. His major flaw is the leverage he plays with in the running game, which prevents him from being able to move defenders off the point of attack. Jason is a 4-year starter that has been a very durable and productive player for an Indiana offense that has quietly threatened most of the Big Ten’s best teams.

Joe Haeg, OT, North Dakota State

FCS national champion North Dakota State’s left tackle Joe Haeg deserves ample credit for the team’s run and pass success. Offering quick, meaningful steps off the snap and as an interior pivoting lineman, Haeg makes up for a lack of great perimeter athleticism with efficiency and reliability. He does a great job of reengaging after first contact and works hard to keep inside hand leverage, but he could be a be a bit more decisive in pass protection when meeting speed rushers and may be better suited inside or at right tackle at the NFL level. Playing with composure, plus-hand placement and active feet, Haeg has the make-up of a reliable NFL starter.

Nick Martin, OG/OC, Notre Dame

A three-year starter for Notre Dame and brother of Cowboys standout Zach Martin, Nick has similar measureables that will keep him inside at guard or center at the NFL level. A clear leader for the Notre Dame offense and has experience making calls at the line, Martin is an adequate bender and upfield run blocker. He relies on efficient steps to his block as well as plus-hand quickness, especially from the center position post-snap. Martin is a heady interior blocker who makes up for a lack of great athleticism with refined mechanics and tenacity to his game. He may struggle in some drills during practice, but he could be a top-100 center prospect.

Kyle Murphy, OT, Stanford

Murphy played the left tackle spot next to Josh Garnett, and could be doing the same during Senior Bowl practices. Murphy brings the same power to his game that Garnett does, making that side of the line a terror for opposing teams. His punch can be deadly, both in placement and in power. Murphy does not quite have the same footwork refinement as his counterpart, though. Murphy can get flat-footed, both as a pass blocker and run blocker. Sluggish footwork aside, the power and understanding of his position that Murphy displays is going to make him a valuable asset to an NFL team.

Joe Dahl, OG/OT, Washington State

Jack Allen, OC, Michigan State

Cole Toner, OT/OG, Harvard

Willie Beavers, OG, Western Michigan

Austin Blythe, OC, Iowa

flgreen · January 26, 2016

2016 SENIOR BOWL PREVIEW: SOUTH OFFENSE, LED BY JACOBY BRISSETT AND STERLING SHEPARD

Posted by Eric Galko on Jan 24, 2016 14:15
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The South Roster offers two potential “project” quarterbacks, a running back who was among the country’s best before a season-ending injury, the best small school receiver in the 2016 draft and loads of offensive line talent, especially at guard.By: Eric Galko, OS Staff

Quarterbacks

Jacoby Brissett, NC State

At times, Jacoby Brissett draws stark similarities to Ben Roethlisberger, his ceiling as a prospect and a projection that some feel isn’t too lofty. He’s a plus athlete in and outside the pocket, is a highly skilled passer on the move (primarily when rolling to his right) and, as a streaky passer, can have drives where his placement, poise and decision-making (including when to run or pass) can really threaten any defense in the country. But his indecisiveness along with over-reliance on his first-read gets him into trouble. His flashes over the last two years should have scouts excited, but showing a next-level control, confidence and accuracy during Senior Bowl practices could get him into the second-round discussion.

Dak Prescott, Mississippi State

Seeing Prescott develop over the years has been a treat. When he first attained the starting job, he was not much more than a strong athlete with a nice arm. Prescott, in his final year, looked much more mentally adept than ever before. He was not holding the ball as long and was getting the ball where it needed to be more often than not. Obviously, there is still a lot to work on for Prescott, namely in the department of getting consistent accuracy out of him, but his athletic traits and the confidence that he exudes are more than enough to want to bring him in as a developmental backup quarterback.

Brandon Allen, Arkansas

Much like Hogan, Allen has the makings to be quality backup. He flows smoothly within the structure of the play, but he needs that structure. When structure is there for him to lean on, Allen looks confident and sharp, but he is not so impressive when forced to improvise. There is nothing wrong with that. The league is in dire need of reliable backups and Allen can be that for a team, given proper time to adapt to the system. His experience in a traditional pro-style offense should help his adjustment.

Jacob Coker, Alabama

Coker may have been a part of a national championship winning team, but he has a long way to go before he can operate in the NFL. Though he slowly got better as the year went on, Coker struggled as a passer in 2015. His accuracy was as erratic as could be and his timing, both with sensing pressure and knowing when to throw, was poor. His progress, so to speak, was diminished by his performance versus Clemson; a game in which he crumbled on the biggest stage of his career. Coker’s appeals are his arm and size, but he has yet to show NFL traits beyond his physical gifts.

Running Backs

Jonathan Williams, Arkansas

Johnathan Williams is more of a power back than elusive. A big, durable rusher who runs through defenders and has good lateral quickness. A between-the-tackles runner he won’t make many miss, but he will fight for tough yards. One of the top senior backs in the nation that had over 1,100 yards last year, but was lost for the season due to foot injury. Williams has solid vision reading blocks and is patient enough to hit holes and hits holes hard. It’s worrisome to see where he fits as an every down back because he isn’t the best in pass pro or as receiver in the check down.

Aaron Green, TCU

With what looks like legit low 4.4 speed, Green offers high-end big-play speed out of the backfield, requiring plus blocking initially to work on the interior. He tends to shy away from big contact, both as an interior runner and when playing on the perimeter. Green offers awesome one-on-one elusiveness, but it’s the lack of contact aggressiveness that worries about his NFL future.

Kenyon Drake, Alabama

After suffering a broken leg in 2014, Drake dealt with nagging leg injuries in 2015, a major concern for NFL teams. A taller, leaner rusher, Drake offers dynamic running ability as a running back, pass-catcher and returner, and certainly made his presence felt on special teams against Clemson. His special teams upside will be the reason he gets drafted, but a strong week in Mobile, likely with ample fan support, could force more teams to consider him a mid-round running back worth drafting.

Wide Receivers

Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma

Shepard is one of the best route-running receivers in recent draft history, as he thrives in multiple aspects of route separation. He’s decisive in his build-up and eventual break steps, consistently escaping hand contact designed to dislodge him. He’s able to change speeds at the top of his routes, setting up double moves naturally and without hesitation. And when his quarterback is in trouble, he’s the best college receiver I’ve ever seen at coming back to the ball, adjusting off his initial route, and giving his quarterback a throwing lane. Length, size and timed speed limitations may not help his draft process, but Shepard has a long-term home in the NFL as a starter.

Paul McRoberts, SE Missouri State

Our top rated small-school receiver, McRoberts got the late call-up from the Senior Bowl which forced him out of the East-West Shrine game week ago. Clearly dominating his level of competition in college, McRoberts offers smooth vertical athleticism, natural finishing ability away forms frame and after-catch running upside on film. He’ll have to answer level of competition concerns from NFL-level cornerbacks, especially physicality-wise, and show off route polish and development, but his smooth athleticism and finishing ability away from his frame should make him an early impact in the NFL.

Malcolm Mitchell, Georgia

A once remarkably talented athlete who played both sides of the ball earlyin his career and seemed destined for a first-round pick, Mitchell now appears to be an unrefined and injury-prone prospect. He’s college routes were primarily vertical, deep post and underneath routes, and it’s unclear whether the 6’0 receiver can get separation at the NFL level. Still, when healthy, Mitchell’s vertical speed and ball skills flash of an NFL starter. A strong Senior Bowl coupled with strong injury checks at the NFL Combine could push him into the early rounds once again.

Jay Lee, Baylor

Charone Peake, Clemson

KJ Maye, WR, Minnesota

Tight Ends

Jake McGee, Florida

A 6^th year senior transfer from Virginia, McGee is intriguing because he fits the mold of a Chris Cooley type of Tight end/H-back. He can be moved around the offense and can create mismatches along the edge or across the middle vs. linebackers. Hands-catcher that will go up and grab the ball. Plus athletic ability for a tight end that can create separation due to plus route running. He can be a big weapon at the next level on 3rd downs and this year has been Florida’s most consistent receiver. McGee’s weakness lies strictly in the running game as he is a well below-average blocker with poor strength. But in a Senior Bowl setting, McGee could quickly grow into one of the quarterbacks’ favorite targets.

Glenn Gronkowski, Kansas State

Jerrell Adams South Carolina

Offensive Linemen

Cody Whitehair, OG, Kanas

Whitehair plays left tackle for Kansas State and shows the necessary punch, strength, and speed combination to make it stick at the next level. However, not having the best measurable may make him a better prospect at guard for the NFL. Whitehair has brute strength and hand placement that allows him to control defenders and get to the next level in the running game. He plays with a certain nastiness that you love to see in an offensive lineman and could be a top 50 pick in the upcoming draft. Whitehair’s versatility and ability to do everything well as a left tackle earned him his Senior Bowl invitation, and he’ll look to leave as Mobile’s best blocker.

Vadal Alexander, OG/OT, LSU

Alexander has been very versatile along the offensive line for LSU. He’s started at both guard positions and this year as right tackle, and offers plus run blocking and can be inserted at either guard. Strengths of his game include being a mauler on edge defenders often gobbling them up with his large frame and brute strength. He can get to the second level and take you of play. In the passing game he can adjust to stunts and inside rushes well, but struggles vs. speed rushers on the edge due to sluggish footwork and a below average slide step, which will likely keep him from becoming an NFL left tackle. Best suited as a guard in a rushing attack where he can create running lanes and show off his strength.

Le’Raven Clark, OT/OG, Texas Tech

Clark has rare size, athleticism, and length at nearly 6’7” and 315 lbs. The film shows a solid pass blocker who can adjust to counter moves very effectively and quick run blocker. Clark has good bend on the edge and good foot quickness to slide over for speed rushers. Clark is a 3-time all-conference selection, but there’s a question as to which position he’ll play at the NFL level. How he kick slides against speed rushers will determine if he’s a tackle at the NFL level, but his efficiency as an upfield blocker and keeping inside leverage strong should make him one of the more impressive blockers in Mobile.

Connor McGovern, OG, Missouri

Playing with plus power at the line of scrimmage to handle bigger interior defensive linement and staying balanced and fluid at the second-level, McGovern might be a better prospect than rookie standout and former Missouri Tiger Mitch Morse. McGovern is a tremendously strong interior blocker who could offer NFL value at right tackle too. Along with a strong week in Mobile, I’d expect McGovern to shoot up draft boards at the NFL Scouting Combine.

John Theus, OT, Georgia

An experienced starter in the SEC at left tackle, Theus is a massive left tackle prospect who offers great length, bulk and experience that NFL teams will covet. However, despite his bulk, he doesn’t play with great initial strength off the snap, coming off a bit high and not driving with his legs all that effectively. He also doesn’t show, at least on film, a nastiness that most Georgia (and many SEC) offensive linemen show. He’s a near lock to be drafted based on his experience and length, but he could be one of the more abused left tackles in Mobile if he hasn’t worked on that core strength between his season’s end and practices.

Christian Westerman, OG, Arizona State

Sebastian Tretola, OG, Arkansas

Spencer Drango, OT/OG/OC, Baylor

Evan Boehm, OC, Missouri

Graham Glasgow, Michigan

flgreen · January 26, 2016

2016 SENIOR BOWL PREVIEW: NORTH DEFENSE, LED BY VERNON BUTLER AND TAVON YOUNG

Posted by Eric Galko on Jan 25, 2016 08:56
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The North Roster offers three potential first-round prospects on the defensive line, a host of quality linebackers and the Senior Bowl’s best cornerback, even though he may not be well known yet.

By: Eric Galko, OS Staff

Defensive Linemen

Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech

One of three Louisiana Tech prospects at the Senior Bowl, Vernon Butler has a real chance at being the school’s first first-round pick since 1993. Possessing great bend, lateral burst and an awesome motor, Butler plays a lot like former non-Power 5 conference defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson, and could earn a first-round grade with a strong Senior Bowl.

Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State

A second team all-conference selection at the tackle spot. He is a big time player, 6’4″ and 290 pounds, has the size and skill which NFL teams will be looking at. Compiled 7 tackles for loss and 4 sacks this year, was a very disruptive force in the middle to compliment Joey Bosa on the edge. He is extremely quick on the snap of the ball which really puts the offensive line at a disadvantage early on. Very stout at the point of attack and rarely gets pushed off the ball. Another early round prospect for the Buckeyes for the 2016 draft.

Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame

A player in the Aaron Donald mold, playing with exceptional explosive quickness and burst off the ball. He’s able to knife through the line of scrimmage and disrupt plays in the backfield with the ability to bend and change direction throwing lineman off balance. He’s a high motor player who will track down the ball on every play. However, his lack of size leaves him vulnerable to anchor against the run, particularly against double teams. He’ll need to add play strength in order to hold up against bigger stronger players in the NFL. Although he’s had a laundry list of injuries, we do expect him to at least go day 2 in the draft.

Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State

The nose tackle on a talented Penn State defensive line, the graduated redshirt junior is a bit inconsistent in his pad level and motor on the interior. However, when he is playing at a high, active level, Johnson offers plus-hand strength, focus on the backfield runner and lateral control to finish around him. His inconsistent pad level and exposing of his chest-plate may be an issue in some drills, but look for him to win many one-on-ones during individual drills during practices.

Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State

Jason Fanaika, DE, Utah

Lawrence Thomas, DE, Michigan State

Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois

Linebackers

Josh Perry, Ohio State

The unquestioned leader on the Buckeyes defense, Perry possess the size and speed of today’s outside linebacker prospects, he is 6’4″ and 254 pounds and extremely athletic. Perry earned first team all-conference honors this year, which was well deserved. He does not rely solely on his size and athleticism, but he plays whistle to whistle with a non-stop motor. He will not allow blockers into his body and easily sheds and pursues and makes a lot of plays for the Buckeyes defense. Will do things a lot of other players can’t do because of the way he plays and size and athleticism. Sometimes the way he plays will actually hinder him and takes himself out of position, but does a good job of regrouping and getting back into the play. Not as highly graded as some of the other players on the defense but he is definitely a mid-round prospect at the least.

Kyler Fackrell, Utah State

Fackrell has great combination of size (6’5″, 250) and speed and is an excellent athlete overall athlete. He was asked to do pretty much everything for them through the course of his career and made the first team all-conference this year in his fourth year as a starter. He is athletic enough to play in coverage as well as a pass-rusher, and offers plus-upside as an in-space linebacker. His relentless motor and range will be on display for scouts in attendance.

Blake Martinez, Stanford

Martinez is yet another intelligent linebacker to hail from Stanford. His diagnoses of plays is almost always speedy and accurate. He takes steps toward the playside as soon as the ball is snapped, which helps him mask his average athleticism. Martinez is also valuable as a coverage piece because he is able to quickly decipher route concepts and lock onto the correct receiver. Mentally, Martinez is superior to most every linebacker in the nation, but his average athleticism does not always allow him to capitalize on that.

Joe Schobert, Wisconsin

Tyler Matakevich, Temple

Jared Norris, Utah

Nick Kwiatkoski, West Virginia

Cornerbacks

Tavon Young, Temple

One of my favorite defensive back prospects in the 2016 draft, Young has been under-appreciated on a Temple defense that also boasts two other Senior Bowl invites, including Bednarik winner Tyler Matakevich. But Young’s poise against top talents and comfort ability to anticipate—not guess—on routes are what allows him to be a truly special vertically protecting cornerback prospect. Young had awesome success against Notre Dame’s Will Fuller, and will look to do the same against vertical threats in Mobile. Don’t be surprised if he leaves Mobile with top-50 expectations.

Will Jackson, Houston

A long, lean cornerback who fits the NFL’s new ideal prototype, Jackson looks the part and flashes NFL-starter talent. He plays away from his frame well in underneath coverage and when working vertically, and doesn’t mind getting physical as he works downfield. But he’s still a bit delayed, hesitant and/or indecisive in his hip turn and route anticipation, and he’ll be susceptible to double moves in the NFL and, more pressingly, in Mobile. He could have a fantastic week, but it’ll be about keeping the big mistakes at bay that scouts should look for.

Maurice Canady, Virginia

Possessing highly impressive vertical speed in both big-play prevention and vertical coveage, Canady offers adequate length coupled with bump-and-run vertical speed that makes him a plus-fit for NFL teams hoping to follow the Seahawks defensive lead. He’s seemingly unwilling to engage contact in run support and too often allows for perimeter runs or after-catch big-plays. But with his vertical capabilities and patience in off-coverage, look for Canady to really impress in practice matchups with the vertically-stretching receivers in attendance.

Deiondre Hall, Northern Iowa

Eric Murray, Minnesota

Kevin Peterson, Oklahoma State

Safeties

Darian Thompson, Boise State

Thompson finished a productive career as the Mountain West conference’s all-time leader in interceptions. Named to the All-Mountain West First Team, Thompson was truly deserving of this honor after his highly productive and impacful senior season. A jack of all trades player as he doesn’t excel in any one area, Thompson is rangy, aggressive, and a real ballhawk. He plays fast, but he will tend to make a mistake due to his high motor. Thompson is a player with great size and ability that teams will likely find intriguing come draft day.

Miles Killebrew, Southern Utah

Miles Killebrew boasts awesome power as an open-field tackler, standing up runners on a consistent basis at the second level. A physical, feisty tackler, Killebrew can be caught waiting and having runners work through him.

Killebrew offers some bounce to adjust and evade blockers, giving him a clear path to finish in the run game, certainly his best and most translatable skill set transcending his “level of competition” concern. But he tends to rely on strength as a tackler too much, can be evaded or worked through and is a bit stiff when reading and reacting from a midfield alignment. He physically looks and flashes the part of an NFL strong safety, but he’s not without warts that may inhibit his NFL upside.

KJ Dillon, West Virginia

Tyvis Powell, Ohio State

flgreen · January 26, 2016

2016 SENIOR BOWL PREVIEW: SOUTH DEFENSE, LED BY NOAH SPENCE AND REGGIE RAGLAND

Posted by Eric Galko on Jan 25, 2016 09:03
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The South Roster offers the Senior Bowl’s most talented defensive player in Noah Spence, two potential Alabama defenders, versatility in their secondary players and a Maryland defender who reminds an awful lot of last year’s late rising second-rounder Eric Rowe.

By: Eric Galko, OS Staff

Defensive Linemen

Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky

Noah Spence’s talent on the field puts him squarely in the top-20, if not top-10, discussion. But first, teams need to feel comfortable with his past, most notably a drug addiction while at Ohio State. Fox Sports’ Bruce Feldman detailed Spence’s recovery from drug addiction, and signs point to the elite talent working his way into pro teams’ good graces. As a prospect, Spence possesses elite initial quickness, burst off the snap on the perimeter and countering inside and finishing ability in space to persistently capitalize on tackle-for-loss opportunities. His athleticism and explosiveness as a pass-rusher puts him in the discussion for the best “edge” prospect in the 2016 class, potentially making an immediate impact for 3-4 defenses at the NFL level.

Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama

Reed is the best run defender of the NFL-bound Alabama defensive line bunch. Playing primarily the nose guard (in 3-4 set) or 3-technique spot (in 4-3 sets), Reed gets his hands up quickly to establish position and hold ground well on the interior. His extension off the snap and extremely sturdy lower half allows him to thrive against the run, and he’s the key to Alabama’s interior run defense that allowed top players like Jonathan Allen and Reggie Ragland to thrive. He was a bit under-appreciated this year, but really showed up in the National Championship game against Clemson. He was a crucial cog in the Alabama defense, and could prove to be the most impactful interior defensive lineman in Mobile.

Sheldon Rankins, DT/DE, Louisville

Rankins is an average height defensive tackle with a large round body that is a run stopper. The All-ACC defensive lineman does a good job of firing off the ball low and hard and using his hands to lock out blockers and control the P.O.A. He has good lateral quickness that allows him to stunt easily to make big plays in the opposing backfield. His major flaw is his pass rushing ability that is caused by his lack of a first step and poor hand usage. Sheldon has the ability to play as an interior lineman or an end.

Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor

With one of the most physically imposing body types college football has ever seen, Shawn Oakman looks the part and then some of a future NFL superstar. But the 6’8″, 290-pound defensive end has been a three-year key contributor and a two-year starter and still doesn’t offer consistent play to merit a first- or maybe even second-round draft grade. Oakman is a project, a talent worth tapping into, but NFL teams will question if he’ll ever reach the peak that his body type alludes to. Similar to Oklahoma State’s Justin Gilbert from two drafts ago (though character has derailed Gilbert’s career so far), some players just will not improve, regardless of their athletic capabilities. But he’ll look to prove that theory wrong in Mobile.

Matt Ioannidis, DT, Temple

Charles Tapper, DE, Oklahoma

Dadi Nicolas, DE, Virginia The

Bronson Kaufusi, DE, BYU

Quinton Jefferson, DT/DE, Maryland

Linebackers

Reggie Ragland, Alabama

Ragland is destined to be compared to prior Alabama linebacker turned first-round pick CJ Mosely, but Ragland is a slightly different type of inside defender. While not an elite athlete, Ragland’s adeptness in mid-field pass coverage was part of how the Alabama pass-rush was able to thrive so much. A polished, patient and calculating inside presence, Ragland doesn’t take his defensive line’s play for granted, rarely taking false steps and reacting at a high level on the perimeter. Ragland’s range, effectiveness in space and coverage upside should have him land in the first-round. NFL teams will covet his readiness, but his athletic testing at the NFL combine could be difference, assuming he plays as well as expected in Mobile.

Kentrell Brothers, Missouri

Brothers was a bit forgotten on a Missouri defense that, as a whole, was under-appreciated thanks to a putrid offense. Still, Brothers might be one of the best linebackers in the 2016 class. He’s extremely explosive in his change of direction, utilizing active feet to both react in coverage and turn and run upfield with burst. His activeness tends to cause him to be at times a bit over-aggressive in running lanes as well as not setting up well enough to take on blockers as he scrapes, but he’s among the most explosive and strong armed linebackers in Mobile, and should thrive in all drills during the week of practice.

Jordan Jenkins, Georgia

Playing a defensive end role for the Bulldogs this year, Jenkins will look to return to his more natural linebacker spot during practices. As an edge, Jenkins struggled to show build-up speed to win as an edge rusher, though he proved effective at pinching down the line, separating in traffic and finishing as a run defender. He’s not overly quick off the snap, but his inside pass-rush capabilities is a plus for his 3-4 strongside linebacker upside. How he fares in coverage and in space in run defense will be intriguing to watch during practices.

Deion Jones, LSU

A Butkus finalist for the nation’s top linebacker award, Jones had a breakout year racking up 80 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss. Athleticism is a key attribute of Jones. He can run with tight ends and slot receivers in coverage. His instincts are the main reason why his reaction time to plays is like a lightning stike. He uses his eyes to diagnose plays, but sometimes is too patient and has to run and chase. Jones will be a solid weakside backer primed to contribute on 3rd downs and is worthy of a draft pick for his special teams contributions alone. Jones could improve his stock dramatically with a great week.

Antonio Morrison, Florida

Eric Striker, Oklahoma

Josh Forrest, Kentucky

Cornerbacks

Jalen Mills, LSU

Mills missed most of his senior season with a fractured fibula. A 4-year starter, Mills transitioned from corner to free safety last year and has fits better in a zone coverage scheme. He plays the ball very well and is suited for FS position due to his football IQ, even though he’s listed as a cornerback on the Senior Bowl roster. He can pack a punch for a smaller safety. Mills has the athleticism to fly around with very good range and can support in the running game despite being subpar at finishing tackles. Mills has a very high ceiling and could be a solid mid-round pick up as a nickel cover guy or as a free safety, and I’d expect him to get time at corner and safety during practices.

Cyrus Jones, Alabama

Thriving most as a dangerous punt returner for the Crimson Tide, Jones’ dynamic return skills stem from confidence in his reads and remarkable acceleration to his top speed. As a cornerback, Jones is an athletically gifted and speedy cornerback whose footwork in underneath and comeback routes coupled with poor footwork and timing in vertical routes stunt his NFL upside. His willingness to be physical and as an effective tackler will make him a solid cornerback prospect, but one that will need time and safety protection early and often during his NFL career.

Harlan Miller, Southeastern Louisiana

Miller is one of the better run defending cornerbacks in attendance at the Senior Bowl despite not boasting great bulk or size. Playing away from his frame to explode through receiver contact and finish at the ball carrier, Miller is highly effectively in off coverage as a run and pass defender. He’s a bit indecisive at times, and could be susceptible to more polished receivers in attendance, but he fires his hands well through coverage and should be able to make-up for missteps with plus ball skills

James Bradberry, Samford

Jonathan Jones, Auburn

Safeties

Jeremy Cash, Duke

Cash is an all-around football player with a muscular and filled out frame. He plays the run like a linebacker and plays the pass like a safety. The Two-Time All-American has a had a stellar collegiate career filled with an abundance of accolades such as 2015 ACC Defensive Player of the Year which are the result of his ability to consistently create turnovers, make TFL’s, sacks PBU’s and tackles. Cash reminds a bit of Tyrann Mathieu due to his position versatility, finishing ability as a tackler despite just mediocre size and range as a run-defending safety.

Sean Davis, Maryland

Offering some position and college situation similarities to Eric Rowe a year ago, Sean Davis has played cornerback and safety in his career, but may be best at safety. What he lacks in top-end hip fluidity for vertical coverage he makes up for with decisive footwork, plus-timing in coverage and a knack for dislodging the ball on underneath routes, Davis could offer value at either safety spot and in the nickel cornerback spot during practices.

Jordan Lucas, Penn State

DeAndre Houston-Carson, William & Mary

Kevin Byard, Middle Tennessee State

flgreen · January 26, 2016

Rob Rang ‏@RobRang  27 minutes ago

Defensively, Ohio State OLB Joshua Perry and Temple CB Tavon Young standing out early during North practice.

Luke Easterling ‏@LukeEasterling  25 minutes ago

Wentz's leadership & enthusiasm so far today has been equally as impressive as his physical talent. Comfortable & in command. #SeniorBowl

Eric Galko ‏@OptimumScouting  23 minutes ago

Great example here of Braxton: Deliberate, focused, feet JUST not there yet. #OhioState #SeniorBowl

flgreen · January 26, 2016

Tom Middlescreen‏@bdbsport

@JeffRisdon Hogan reminds me so much of Tebow. Like if Tebow ran a pro style offense in college.

Jeff Risdon ‏@JeffRisdon 25 minutes ago

IMO Tebow was better, definitely a stronger arm and quicker delivery. Yes, you read that right...

flgreen · January 26, 2016

Dan Kadar ‏@MockingTheDraft 23 minutes ago

Jason Spriggs being put at RT for some timing drills

1 retweet3 likes

Tony Pauline ‏@TonyPauline 25 minutes ago

Joe Haeg/OT/NDSU looking good. Only blocker that's been able to stop Jihad Ward.

flgreen · January 26, 2016

Jeff Risdon ‏@JeffRisdon  18 minutes ago

Wentz looks polished and smooth. His feet look better here than on tape

Tony Pauline ‏@TonyPauline  14 minutes agoMobile, AL

Tajae Sharpe/WR/UMASS picking up where he left off at Shrine and catching everything.

7 retweets10 likes

Dane Brugler ‏@dpbrugler  15 minutes ago

Braxton Miller doing a nice job fielding punts. Doesn't have special teams experience at OSU, but DAL staff coaching him up as a return man

flgreen · January 26, 2016

Tony Pauline ‏@TonyPauline  10 minutes agoMobile, AL

Braxton Miller, Nick Vannett and Josh Perry all doing well.

6 retweets8 likes

Dan Kadar ‏@MockingTheDraft  11 minutes ago

Harvard OT Cole Toner has good footwork. Moves around nicely lined up at RT.

1 retweet2 likes

Tony Pauline ‏@TonyPauline  12 minutes agoMobile, AL

Nick Vannett/TE/Ohio State looks so good. Athletic and very natural catching the ball.

14 retweets21 likes

Dan Kadar ‏@MockingTheDraft  12 minutes ago

Some solid blocking by Jack Allen on Austin Johnson. Held his ground.

3 retweets3 likes

Dan Kadar ‏@MockingTheDraft  13 minutes ago

Jihad Ward has looked good. Quicker than anticipated.

2 retweets5 likes

Chris Burke ‏@ChrisBurke_SI  14 minutes ago

Carson Wentz up the seam to Nick Vannett.

flgreen · January 26, 2016

Chris Burke ‏@ChrisBurke_SI  7 minutes ago

For a guy whose hands are "too small," Tajae Sharpe sure makes a lot of tough catches with his hands.

3 retweets3 likes

Justis Mosqueda ‏@JuMosq  7 minutes ago

Ward looking like Mario Williams

Tony Pauline ‏@TonyPauline  7 minutes agoMobile, AL

Jason Spriggs/OT/Indiana another Big Ten player that's looked real good.

2 retweets

Walter Cherepinsky ‏@walterfootball  8 minutes ago

NBA FanDuel Value Picks for today by @Chet_G posted - http://walterfootball.com/nbafanduel.php

Dan Kadar ‏@MockingTheDraft  8 minutes ago

Kyle Murphy has gotten beaten to the edge at least three times already.

2 retweets1 like

Luke Easterling ‏@LukeEasterling  8 minutes ago

Just shells today, but I'm impressed w/the intensity of both practices today. #SeniorBowl

flgreen · January 26, 2016

Dan Kadar ‏@MockingTheDraft  4 minutes ago

Loud applause for Matt Ioannidis after he blows up the RT to get into the backfield.

Tony Pauline ‏@TonyPauline  5 minutes agoMobile, AL

Love the way Braxton Miller/Ohio State uses his hands to separate. Just left Eric Murray in the dust.

Charlie Campbell ‏@DraftCampbell  5 minutes ago

#OhioState DT Adolphus Washington and #LaTech DT Vernon Butler are dominating the North one-on-ones. Speed to power in abundance.

Tony Pauline ‏@TonyPauline  3 minutes agoMobile, AL

Nick Vannett/TE/OSU doing the job blocking as well.

Tony Pauline ‏@TonyPauline  4 minutes agoMobile, AL

Matt Ioannidis/DT/Temple just made a handful of tremendous plays. Drawing applause from teammates and coaches.

flgreen · January 26, 2016

Chase Goodbread ‏@ChaseGoodbread  1 minute ago

QB Carson Wentz to Rutgers WR Leonte Carroo, strip by Virginia CB Maurice Canady. #SeniorBowl

1 retweet

Tony Pauline ‏@TonyPauline  1 minute agoMobile, AL

Three in a row for Jason Spriggs/Indiana over Jihad Ward/Illinois. Spriggs could cement himself as a first round pick this week.

Dane Brugler ‏@dpbrugler  1 minute ago

So far set-up and timing hasn't been an issue for Wentz with the step up in competition. Action isn't moving too fast for him.

flgreen · January 26, 2016

Jeff Risdon ‏@JeffRisdon 14 minutes ago

Braxton Miller draws a crowd after practice

4 likes

flgreen · January 26, 2016

Eric Galko ‏@OptimumScouting 15 minutes ago

#SeniorBowl North Practice Day 1 "Winners": #OhioState WR Miller and TE Vannett, #Temple CB Young and DT Ioannidis and #Indiana OT Spriggs

dom cosentino ‏@domcosentino 10 minutes ago

Jets scout talked to Penn State DE Carl Nassib after North practice. #SeniorBowl

flgreen · January 26, 2016

Dan Kadar ‏@MockingTheDraft 4 minutes ago

From the North practices today, I thought Braxton Miller, Adolphus Washington, Jack Allen and Matt Ioannadis looked good

4 retweets

Kyle Crabbs ‏@NDTScouting 6 minutes agoMobile, AL

Illinois DL Jihad Ward was the best defensive player on the field today. Only one day; but my goodness was he great.

5 retweets4 likes

SenorGato · January 27, 2016

I am liking Joshua Perry as a potential Jets LB. Came to the Senior Bowl ready to rock with one of the better weigh ins among LBs.

maury77 · January 27, 2016

http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2016meetings.php

"New York Jets - Penn State defensive end Carl Nassib, Western Kentucky outside linebacker Noah Spence, Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jenkins, and Virginia Tech outside linebacker Dadi Nicolas. Per sources, the Jets had a longer interview with Nicolas on Tuesday night.
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2016meetings.php#CSWAiIFVHhzj7VUW.99"

Sounds like we are looking at edge rushers

SenorGato · January 27, 2016

Jordan Jenkins helped himself just by being 6'2" 257 with 34" arms and 11" hands. Seems like he could end up a big riser with a WALDO approved combined. Is it still WALDO?

Nicolas, one of my favorite sleepers in this draft because I couldn't name most of these other folks, came in with 35 1/4" arms and 10 1/2" hands with good height at 6'3" to help offset weighing 235 some. Glad to hear the Jets are interested.

KRL · January 27, 2016

From watching NFL Network's "recap" of the first day of practice
it appears there's a TON of front 7 talent that will improve our
speed. I'm looking forward to watching the practices today and
tomorrow. Hopefully ESPN won't ruin it with "hokey" coverage

Beerfish · January 27, 2016

From watching NFL Network's "recap" of the first day of practice
it appears there's a TON of front 7 talent that will improve our
speed. I'm looking forward to watching the practices today and
tomorrow. Hopefully ESPN won't ruin it with "hokey" coverage

Unfortunately the deeper areas area DT and DE. We need the LB's

flgreen · January 27, 2016

JOSH NORRIS

ALL STAR CIRCUIT

Senior Bowl Day One
Wednesday, January 27, 2016

The first day of the Senior Bowl is always nuts. From morning weigh-ins to back to back practices 30-plus minutes apart to media night interviews. I will not be sharing thoughts on weigh-ins and body types. It is not my thing.

However, weigh-ins can be meaningful. Many teams implement minimums, eliminating players who do not reach certain thresholds. The Seahawks are often mentioned with tall corners, but it is actually arm length, not height, that they prioritize. The last five corners Seattle drafted have arms at least 32-inches long (Deiondre’ Hall, James Bradberry, and Sean Davis are the three possible corners with 32-plus inch arms). Other teams will not draft receivers with small hands. There are many other examples, including testing times not just physical measurements.

Just a few years ago I was very against this idea. Then I read this article. Yes, these teams will miss on some quality players that fit outside their parameters, but tightening the pool of potential prospects in the hopes of making a better decision makes sense.

Position shifts are always worth monitoring. Sean Davis played both corner and safety at Maryland, and is spending most of his time here at safety. I liked him at both spots, and we talked about the differences in playing the two positions. (Obviously) Davis was confident in his ability in either spot. I bet you will hear his name more often during the process. Kyler Fackrell is playing a true linebacker spot with some snaps as a pass rusher. He profiles as a drop end in an odd man front, but moves well enough to play in space as a true linebacker if necessary. He models his game after Clay Matthews. Reggie Ragland is seeing reps on the edge under the Jaguars coaching staff. The inside linebacker at Bama is serving the OTTO role, which allows him to move around quite a bit.

Braxton Miller was obviously a hot topic. From the first game of the season you could see natural receiving skills, namely catching the ball away from his body after adjusting to make the catch. Sadly, the step back in quarterback play for Ohio State limited Miller’s effectiveness, and I think it made Urban Meyer resort to more manufactured touches. Miller is not a finished product, but his movement is special at a position that can benefit from an athletic advantage.

Expect more 1 on 1s between offensive and defensive linemen, beginning tomorrow. Noah Spence and John Theusimmediately participated in some extracurricular activities after their first rep. It continued following the second. Spence is a top three prospect at this event. I guarantee his name will be called by those in attendance over the next two days.Sheldon Rankins, my top Senior Bowl prospect, unleashed a nasty spin move from the interior, which completely overmatched his opponent. I asked him about this very move later that evening. “Yeah, I’ve been working on that one for a bit,” he responded, with a slight smirk. Vernon Butler (my personal No. 4) is another interior defensive lineman who rushes the passer with intent. These types have success at some point during the week.

Finally, get to know Jihad Ward. I had a great conversation with Ward this evening, which will become part of a podcast down the road. Ward’s games at Illinois always intrigued me (No. 13 prior to this week), however, I had no idea Ward only began playing football in 10th grade. He idolizes Julius Peppers because the two share a basketball background. If Ward’s strengths get stronger, watch out.

I was most surprised by Matt Ioannidis today. The Temple Owl was disruptive in every single drill. I will closely be monitoring his play tomorrow and when reviewing practice film tomorrow night.

That is it, for now. Much more tomorrow. Thank you for reading and checking back.

flgreen · January 27, 2016

http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2016meetings.php

"New York Jets - Penn State defensive end Carl Nassib, Western Kentucky outside linebacker Noah Spence, Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jenkins, and Virginia Tech outside linebacker Dadi Nicolas. Per sources, the Jets had a longer interview with Nicolas on Tuesday night.
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2016meetings.php#CSWAiIFVHhzj7VUW.99"

Sounds like we are looking at edge rushers

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS
Has a lightning quick inside moves including spin that can catch slow-footed tackles sleeping. Long-strider with the acceleration and lateral quickness to create problems when twisting inside. Plays with desired upfield burst. As pass rusher, can brush aside lazy outside hand placement to open door around the edge. Forced two fumbles and recovered two more in 2015. Miscast with hand in the ground and over-matched physically, but was always willing to compete and battle the man across from him. Has experience as outside linebacker. Bouncy athleticism in space and looks natural dropping into space. Good burst to make up ground quickly while chasing the ball. Runs through tackles with as much force as he can muster with his size.
WEAKNESSES
Looks more like a safety than an edge player. Two years of tape show alarming lack of functional strength. Easily redirected as pass rusher and washed down against the run. Not a physical player by nature. Labors to disengage. Can be controlled by by quality tight ends at the point of attack. Avoids contact at times to stay clean rather than stacking and shedding. Edge-setting always an issue as an end or outside linebacker. Below average instincts against the run. Thin lower body foreshadows inability to generate speed to power. Needs to eliminate false step from his get off. Below average body control in space overrunning plays that are there to be made.
BOTTOM LINE
Wiry edge player forced to play too often with a hand in the ground despite his clear lack of power to handle the the position. Nicolas combines hustle and exciting athletic traits that will have evaluators trying to find a place for him, but without better technique and overall strength, life as an edge player might be difficult. If a team is willing to be patient, it might be worth taking a look at Nicolas as a 3-4 inside linebacker.
-Lance Zierlein

flgreen · January 27, 2016

Patrick Woo ‏@P_Woo 3 hours agoMobile, AL

#SeniorBowl roster additions: -North RB #18 DJ Foster -South TE #84 Darion Griswold. Out - Josh Perry, Connor McGovern, Jake McGee.

flgreen · January 27, 2016

Ohio State players own the Senior Bowl on day 1

By Dan Kadar  @MockingTheDraft on Jan 27, 2016, 8:10a +

Braxton Miller and Adolphus Washington put in a good first day of practice, but plenty of other players stood out during the first day of all-star practice.

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MOBILE, Ala. -- With five players on the North roster, it should come as no surprise when Ohio State players have good days at this year's Senior Bowl. That was the case on Day 1 of practices on Tuesday with a couple of Ohio State's big names standing out in front of throngs of NFL scouts and personnel people.

One of the bigger attractions on the day was Braxton Miller, the quarterback turned wide receiver. Pressed about the position switch on Tuesday, Miller declared his quarterback days are "in the past" and that he's a receiver now. As he's switched to wide receiver, Miller said he closely studies Julian Edelman of the New England Patriots and Randall Cobb of the Green Bay Packers.

On the field, Miller displayed many of the same skills Cobb does. He runs crisp routes, has quickness and really impressive body control. Miller looked like a natural returning punts as well. He's the type of multi-talented player who can fill two roster spots for a team.

Side note: Miller said he never considered transferring to Alabama before last season, despite some reports to the contrary.

Another Ohio State player who stood out on Day 1 was defensive tackle Adolphus Washington. He's the total package as an interior defensive lineman. He used his speed to work past blockers and his power to push them around. After practices concluded, a couple scouts were quick to meet with Washington and set up future meetings. (Random things you learn hearing a scout interview a player: Washington was only subleasing his apartment and is figuring out his living arrangements. Scouts ask weird questions.)

Washington moved from nose tackle to the three-technique defensive tackle role for Ohio State last season. Washington said he prefers the new position. He said teams have spoken to him about staying at that position as a pro.

"I like three-technique because it lets me use my quickness," Washington said. "(Three-technique) lets me get to the quarterback faster."

Quarterbacks quiet on Day 1

Things are a little different for the quarterbacks at this year's Senior Bowl. In previous years, each team had three quarterbacks. This year it's four per team. That means fewer snaps for each. Because of that, it was hard to get a gauge on them because real consistency couldn't be developed.

The headliner, of course, is Carson Wentz of North Dakota State. His day started optimally at weigh-ins where he came in at 6'5 1/4 and 233 pounds. His hand measurement of 10 inches also caused a stir. The belief has always been that larger hands mean a better grip, so there should be no questions for Wentz in that regard. On the field, though, a few of his passes were off. During one string, he threw the ball at his receiver's feet, threw it over the receiver's head on the next play, and finished the series by overthrowing on an outside pass. Wentz's passes had a lot of zip, and his timing with a new group of receivers was impressive. But over the next couple of days it would be nice to see his accuracy on point.

Still, Wentz looked like the best quarterback in this year's game. Alabama's Jake Coker threw a few solid deep outside passes. Dak Prescott of Mississippi State showed good placement on a few plays, and the ability to move out of the pocket when there's pressure. The other quarterbacks in attendance really did nothing else of note.

Spence stands out on the South roster

Eastern Kentucky pass rusher Noah Spence lived up to the hype on Tuesday. Spence moved around effortlessly in drills, tossing blocking dummies to the side with ease. Some of the drill work can be overblown, but it does show functional traits to help project a player to the next level.

Spence's aggression was utilized on sentient beings as well. In one-on-one drills against offensive linemen, Spence's mean streak showed. Following one play against John Theus, Spence had to be physically removed from the Georgia blocker. At 6'2 5/8 and 254 pounds, Spence looks the part. On Tuesday he played like it.

More notes

Dadi Nicolas of Virginia Tech didn't have an especially impressive first day. His hand technique looked sloppy and the pass rusher allowed blockers to get underneath his pads. Baylor's Spencer Drango gave Nicolas trouble on two consecutive plays. On the first one, Drango got underneath Nicolas and then popped him in the head. Nicolas complained to get another shot and proceeded to get thrown around by the Baylor tackle.

Clemson defensive tackle D.J. Reader is as powerful as you'd expect at a blocky 340 pounds. On one play he drove an offensive lineman back like he was nothing. On another play he powered Missouri guard Connor McGovern to the ground.

One of the noteworthy takeaways from weigh-ins was LSU linebackerDeion Jones weighing just 219 pounds. When he got on the field a few hours later, it didn't matter. Jones moved around more fluidly than any other linebacker on the South and never appeared to get overpowered. Fellow South linebacker Kentrell Brothers also looked good on Tuesday. He moved around better than expected for a 249-pounder.

Baylor wide receiver Jay Lee had a good day of practice. He can gain easy separation on deeper routes with simple fakes and showed good hands. Jacksonville Jaguars wide receivers coach Jerry Sullivan got after Lee for getting beat at the top of a comeback route, but that was the only critique sent his way. Sullivan also spent a fair amount of time working with Oklahoma's Sterling Shepard on his footwork to hasten his short routes.

Kansas State guard Cody Whitehair is among the best players in Mobile, and it showed Tuesday. He's a powerful and effortless blocker. He played tackle last season, but will be a guard in the NFL.

Louisville defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins looked really good. He plays a lot like Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams, but that's not to compare the two. Hopefully more to come on Rankins in the next day or two.

Temple has three players on the North roster, and two of them stood out on Tuesday. Cornerback Tavon Young looks like a solid nickel cornerback because of his quickness and ability to close ground in a hurry. Defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis destroyed Western Michigan offensive lineman Willie Beavers so thoroughly on one play that his teammates screamed and sprayed water bottles in approval.

flgreen · January 27, 2016

Dan Shonka ‏@Ourlads_Shonka  2 hours ago

#SeniorBowl #CharonePeake WR #Clemson has a fluid upper body and is a smooth route runner

2 retweets2 likes

Dan Shonka ‏@Ourlads_Shonka  2 hours ago

#SeniorBowl After 1 practice & fall film study it is clear #JayLee #Baylor is a vertical threat 1st. Needs work on all receiver nuances

4 retweets3 likes

Dan Shonka ‏@Ourlads_Shonka  2 hours ago

#SeniorBowl What do some players do after interviews and an intense day of practice? The #Gophers #KJMaye WR watched tape with me

3 retweets5 likes

Dan Shonka ‏@Ourlads_Shonka  2 hours ago

#SeniorBowl Met #JalenMills #LSU last night after he was done interviewing in the hotel. A gd day of practice & is sweet in his transition

5 retweets4 likes

Dan Shonka ‏@Ourlads_Shonka  3 hours ago

#SeniorBowl #DeAndreHoustonCarson #WilliamandMary safety is active & aggressive on the ball. May be box only player though. Gd angles

2 retweets4 likes

Dan Shonka ‏@Ourlads_Shonka  3 hours ago

#SeniorBowl #SheldonRankins #Louisville explosive and quick 1st step gave fits to blockers in 1 on 1s

flgreen · January 27, 2016

2016 SENIOR BOWL: NORTH PRACTICE DAY ONE REVIEW

Posted by Eric Galko on Jan 26, 2016 22:55
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Biggest winners from the Senior Bowl North Practice on Day 1 were Ohio State receiver Braxton Miller, Ohio State tight end Nick Vannett, Temple cornerback Tavon Young, Temple defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis and Indiana offensive tackle Jason Spriggs.Eric Galko (@OptimumScouting on twitter) covered QB, RB, WR, LB, and DB. Charles McDonald (@SundayFiasco on twitter) covered OL/DL.

Quarterbacks

-North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz is clearly the talk of Mobile, as Phil Savage put a huge target on his chest for the media with top-10 talk. I’ll probably have ample articles trying to ease the hype, as only one team in the top-10 really has legit interest. He has the best velocity of the North quarterbacks (which isn’t saying much). But he had three really noticeable incompletions, a combination of timing of routes, reacting to the man coverage alignment and just poor placement. He was fine, but this is who Carson Wentz is: tools-y, but a guy who needs time and patience, not overhype.

-The other quarterbacks all had their woes. Kevin Hogan of Stanford had adequate velocity in slant routes and shorter throws, but once he worked downfield, his delayed release allowed DBs to react, and he simply didn’t have the velocity to really threaten on the perimeter. USC’s Cody Kessler seemed to have a slight hitch in his perimeter throws and really needs to load up on the perimeter. He had a few errant throws. And Jeff Driskell….didn’t have a good day.

Running Backs

-Didn’t get a great look at the running backs, but Kenneth Dixon of Louisiana Tech actually looked like the best of the bunch as a pass-catcher. He’s the best running back on the North squad (and probably the whole Senior Bowl crop), but I’m expecting Tyler Ervin of San Jose State to impress as the week goes on. And keep an eye out for Navy’s super athletic but a bit raw Chris Swain.

Receivers/Tight Ends

-I probably will gush about him all week, but Braxton Miller of Ohio State isn’t a project receiver. Deliberate and focused in his routes, he’s mere reps and secondary anticipation development from being a first-round worth receiver. He finished away from his frame well again today, and he’s such a natural pass-catcher. He had great battles with Temple’s Tavon Young (more on him below).

-Rutgers’ Leonte Carroo showed off as the North’s best true route runner, getting consistent separation with explosive steps at the top of his stem and breaking in, out, on post routes and quick hitches/comebacks with success. Didn’t get a chance to attach vertically yet, but he’s got that in his arsenal as well.

-The two small-handed receivers in Aaron Burbridge of Michigan State andTajae Shape of UMass (both with 8 inch hands) had strong days. They’ll have to overcome the hand size woes, but Burbridge finished in traffic well on two occasions (as he did in college), and Sharpe hung in air on three different occasions to reel in misplaced outside throws.

Offensive Linemen

-Indiana offensive tackle Jason Spriggs was stellar. He was the only tackle to consistently block Jihad Ward who dominated every other offensive lineman. He moves extremely well and has some nastiness to his game.

-Stanford guard Josh Garnett performed well for the North squad. Garnett stonewalled Sheldon Day a few times in pass rush one on ones. Garnett is built like a house and he performed up to his hype today.

Defensive Linemen

–Vernon Butler from Lousiana Tech had a decent start to the Senior Bowl week. He showed up heavier than his listed weight and did a great job plugging holes against the run. His pass rush reps were a little shaky, but he has rare length.

Linebackers

-Like the running backs, I didn’t get a great look at the linebackers, but Ohio State’s Josh Perry played well in both team and mid-range coverage, and looks to be the most NFL-ready linebacker on the North squad. Tyler Matakevichsurprisingly wasn’t bad in flat coverage either.

Defensive Backs

-As I stated in the week preview, Tavon Young of Temple is the best cornerback here, and he had a great day today. Despite measuring in at 5’9, he continued to play physical in receiver’s route buildup, reacted when they hit their stem and consistently finished at the catch-point. He’s an NFL outside cornerback, and may be a top-3 or 4 CB overall in this class when it’s all said and done.

-Virginia’s Maurice Canady runs vertical with his receivers with ease, and his bend and vertical speed is remarkable in man coverage. But his lack of physicality in forcing receivers off their route and recovering to underneath routes is a major issue. He’ll test the part at the Combine, but may not be reliable for most NFL teams.

-Northern Iowa’s Deiondre Hall looks the par with tremendous length and engaging with some receivers in space, but his hip fluidity concerns are going to linger in the draft process.

-Among the safeties, Boise State’s Darian Thompson impressed, but he was late on two occasions to transition outside-in in center field, allowing two seam catches by tight ends. Ohio State’s Tyvis Powell had one strong stand against Bryce Williams in coverage, but got beat later that drill against Nick Vannett

flgreen · January 27, 2016

2016 SENIOR BOWL: SOUTH PRACTICE DAY ONE REVIEW

Posted by Eric Galko on Jan 26, 2016 22:58
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Biggest winners from the Senior Bowl South Practice on Day 1 were Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen, Baylor wide receiver Jay Lee, LSU cornerback Jalen Mills, Louisville Defensive Tackle Sheldon Rankins and Clemson defensive tackle DJ Reader.

Eric Galko (@OptimumScouting on twitter) covered QB, RB, WR, LB, and DB. Charles McDonald (@SundayFiasco on twitter) covered OL/DL.

Quarterbacks

-To me, the best quarterback of the South today was Arkansas’s Brandon Allen. At the very lease, he had the best velocity of the four quarterbacks on the South roster. He’s a bit of a fastball-er too much at times, and had a slight sidearm delivery on shorter routes that may be an issue at the line of scrimmage. I had been told he struggled towards the end of practice (as I transitioned to the North for the day), but he did his best to generate some good discussion after having 8.5 inch hands in the weigh-ins this AM.

-Mississippi State’s Dak Prescott was adequate today, but his biggest concern on film as a throw was that he tends to try and place passes rather than throw with confidence and velocity on routes. His perimeter placement was an issue, and he just looked a hair off on most routes today. While I would chalk that up to just being his first day with his receivers, it wasn’t an issue for Allen and, to some extent, Jacoby Brissett.

-On Jacoby Brissett, his biggest issue is his release point. He’s a taller passer with a high release point, and his passes under 10-15 yards tend to stay too high too often. In those shorter routes, he doesn’t always give his receiver room to work upfield. It’s likely a slightly coachable fix, but it’s a concern nonetheless.

Running Backs

-I didn’t get a great look at the running backs for the South squad, butJonathan Williams flashed a little bit of everything on day one. He’s a natural pass catcher, he’s well position in pass blocking and quick routes and he’s always in control in his vision as an upfield runner.

Receivers/Tight Ends

-Surprisingly, the receiver I came away most impressed with on day one was Baylor’s Jay Lee. Despite hailing from a spread offense, Lee looks efficient in getting off press, staying balanced through cornerback contact and finishing his route with subtle separation with his hands just before rising to the catch point. He beat James Bradberry and Jonathan Jones on two separate plays during plays just like that.

-Georgia’s Malcolm Mitchell was the best among the receivers in finishing away from his frame, reeling in two really impressive hands catches. He’s clearly an impressive athlete and a natural receiver, and in positional drills he’s displaying when he had so much promise coming into his Georgia career.

-SE Missouri State’s Paul McRoberts is one of my favorites of the receiver class, but he had an expectedly inconsistent day. He’s a smooth, efficient yet slightly slow moving receiver who relies on speed change and efficient steps to succeed as a receiver. He even admitted as much that it’s an adjustment against better quality cornerbacks. But he’ll improve as the week goes on, and he’ll leave as one of the top four or five receivers here.

-Didn’t get many notes on Oklahoma’s Sterling Shepard, as he was pretty routine and effective, but didn’t get a chance to show much other than his overall polish as a route runner.

Offensive Linemen

–Graham Glasgow’s day was mixed. He looked very fluid moving in the kickslide drills, but his work against the South defensive line was a mixed bag. He faired better in the run game than isolated pass blocking, which is fairly common.

-Georgia offensive tackle John Theus did not fair well at all. Eric Striker blew through and by him. Theus really needed a strong showing this week to prove he’s worth a draft pick; he’s not off to a good start.

-Arkansas guard Sebastian Tretola had an impressive day as well. He anchored well against the heavier defensive lineman and had light feet in pass protection.

Defensive Linemen

–Sheldon Rankins from Louisville was completely dominant. He showed impressive burst and athleticism, an array of moves pass rushing and versus the run, and read the offensive line play beautifully.

–Jihad Ward was dominant today. He didn’t produce much at Illinois, but his potential is obvious. Rod Marinelli spent a lot of time coaching Ward up and he proceeded to get better as the day went along.

–Jarran Reed from Alabama had a solid first day in Mobile. He was immovable off the line of scrimmage and showed some quick, efficient hand usage. There were a couple reps where he threw Michigan center Graham Glasgow on the ground

–D.J. Reader was a late addition to the Senior Bowl and he justified his roster spot on the first day. Reader is 6’3”, 340 but moves much nimbler than you would think. His athleticism was on display in run game and pass rush one on ones.

–Charles Tapper from Oklahoma showed off solid athleticism. He was able to bend around the edge against Spencer Drango a few times and showed off impressive power on bull rushes.

–Shawn Oakman and Dadi Nicolas struggled tremendously. Nicolas looks clueless out there and Oakman can’t anchor against the run or rush the passer at all. Both look like fringe draftable talents.

Linebackers

-Like the running backs, I didn’t get a great look at the linebackers, but Oklahoma’s Eric Striker had a strong day when working as an edge rusher (especially against Georgia’s John Theus and Texas Tech’s Le’Raven Clark), and LSU’s Deion Jones’s balance and transition to explosiveness upfield was clearly on display.

Defensive Backs

-Playing a few roles for the LSU defensive secondary, Jalen Mills looked the part of an NFL ready cornerback. Possessing a similar frame to last year’s LSU second-rounder Jalen Collins, Mills was a naturally fluid corner who transitioned vertically with plus-hip quickness and in-synch body control. And either he or SE Louisiana’s Harlan Miller was the top press cornerback for either team. Miller’s length impressed as well.

-Maryland’s Sean Davis is a favorite of him, and the former safety, turned cornerback in 2015 and now back at safety had a strong day today. His experience as a cornerback appears to have helped his turn and run steps and confidence, and he was one of the better defensive backs in terms of staying low in his turn and getting vertical with control. As the week goes on, look for him to really impress in team drills.

-Samford cornerback James Bradberry played with high pad level in multiple drills, and get bullied a bit by a few receivers as they rose to the catch-point. William & Mary’s DeAndre Houston-Carson didn’t show a whole lot of fluidity in turn and run drills, and I don’t think he’s suited to play cornerback in the NFL despite playing there at a high level in 2014.

flgreen · January 27, 2016

Dan Shonka ‏@Ourlads_Shonka 2 hours ago

#SeniorBowl Strange observation #Alabama's #ReggieRagland takes a while to get going down field but then has a nice closing burst

flgreen · January 27, 2016

It wouldn't be a Jets offseason without some juicy QB speculation

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Jan 25, 2016

Rich CiminiESPN Staff Writer

You're going to hear a lot about these two players in connection with the New York Jetsover the next few months -- Paxton Lynch and Carson Wentz.

They both play quarterback and they're both projected as first-round picks, and we all know there's a pre-draft obsession when it comes to the Jets and potential franchise quarterbacks. Last year's buzz focused on Marcus Mariota. This year it'll be about Lynch and Wentz because, if the early prognostications are correct, one or both could be available when the Jets pick at No. 20.

We all know things could change over the next few months -- good quarterbacks shoot up draft boards -- but, for now, they're worth discussing because they fit the profile of what the Jets need. They don't need a plug-and-play quarterback because they have 33-year-old Ryan Fitzpatrick, assuming he re-signs, but they could be in the market for a long-term answer. They haven't given up on Bryce Petty, but Lynch and Wentz have the kind of raw talent that warrants consideration.

Carson Wentz would at least have to be considered by the Jets if he's available when it's their turn to pick. AP Photo/Mike Stone
The postseason evaluation process already is underway. Wentz will be under the microscope this week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., starting Tuesday with the first practice. This is a huge opportunity for Wentz, who played at tiny North Dakota State and needs to convince pro scouts he can succeed against big-time competition.

Wentz, listed at 6-foot-6, already is drawing plenty of attention from scouts and draft experts. He's ranked 18th on Mel Kiper Jr.'s Big Board. Cal's Jared Goff (6-foot-4), widely regarded as the top quarterbacks prospect, is fifth on Mel's BB. Memphis' Lynch (6-foot-7) is 19th.

It's too early to predict what will happen on draft day, but what if Wentz and/or Lynch slips to the Jets? Would they take the quarterback plunge?

"I would say simply, quarterback is like a lot of positions in the draft," general manager Mike Maccagnan said after the season. "We’re going to kind of evaluate it as a whole, and once we sort of establish our board we’ll make that determination if the best player available at our pick is a quarterback or another position and go from there.

"I think every NFL team probably goes into the draft, with maybe a few exceptions of people who have really well-established quarterbacks, looking at that position as a position of interest," he added. "We’ll be no different than them. I don’t want to sit there and say, with the 20th pick were going to be targeting a quarterback. Two things: one is you don’t want to tell the 31 other teams what you’re going to do, but I also think that’s kind of a flawed approach to a certain degree."

Translation: Don't bet against it at this point.

Yes, the Jets have other needs, but Maccagnan, in a recent interview, referred to a conversation with Hall-of-Fame GM Ron Wolf when he interviewed for the Jets' job last year. Wolf, consulting for the Jets during their GM search, told Maccagnan his philosophy was to draft a quarterback every year, if possible, because it's the most important position.

We'll have three months to debate the topic. Consider this an early look-in.

KRL · January 27, 2016

Bowles is a Temple alum who has a good relationship with the school. So keep an eye on their

players during the week

PFF ANALYSIS TEAM · January 27, 2016

(AP Photo/Gregory Payan)

5 NAMES TO KNOW AFTER DAY 1 OF SENIOR BOWL PRACTICE

PFF ANALYSIS TEAM16 HOURS AGO

Day 1 of practices is in the books at Senior Bowl. Here are five players who stood out who also put up impressive numbers in our college football grades this season:

1. Jeremy Cash, S, Duke: While he is listed as a safety, he primarily lined up as an outside linebacker and slot cornerback at Duke this season (just 2 percent of his snaps came at safety, compared to 41 percent in the slot and 57 percent at linebacker). He earned just an average coverage grade in 2015, but was an absolute standout against the run and as a pass-rusher, earning the No. 1 grade in both areas at his position.

Cash is a player who could be viewed 32 different ways by the 32 different NFL teams, but he has the potential to be an elite prospect in the eyes of teams who are looking to recreate what Arizona has done with Deone Bucannon – a college safety who now lines up at linebacker in the Cardinals’ defense. The only question mark there is whether Cash — who measured in at 6-foot-1 and 212 pounds — is big enough to play that type of role.

Cash’s coverage ability is a question mark, and there wasn’t much for scouts to go on based on his few snaps at free safety in Tuesday’s practice. But he flashed in pass-rush drills, again confirming that he’s a playmaker you want attacking the ball as a second-level defender.

2. Bronson Kaufusi, DE, BYU: Kaufusi was a standout in our PFF grades this season. Among draft-eligible 3-4 defensive ends, he earned our eighth-best run-defense grade. Even more impressively, he ranked second in our pass-rush grades, ranking behind only Oregon’s DeForest Buckner (who looks worthy of at least a top-10 pick). And in our pass-rush productivity metric, Kaufusi actually ranks higher than Buckner.

Kaufusi backed up that season-long performance with an impressive first day of practice. Kaufusi has the size that NFL scouts are going to look for at the 3-4 DE position, having measured in at 6-foot-7 and 281 pounds, with 34-inch arms.

More importantly: He plays that big. To play this position in the NFL, you need to have the length and power to take on blockers, and during one-on-one pass-rush drills as well as team drills Tuesday, Kaufusi consistently used his length to control opposing offensive linemen and get free of them.

3. Tajae Sharpe, WR, Massachusetts: Sharpe was picked on a bit on Twitter Tuesday after his hands measured just eight inches — far below what you typically see from top wide receiver prospects.

But here’s what our data tells us: Sharpe hardly ever dropped a pass this season. On 114 catchable targets, Sharpe had 111 receptions and just three drops, giving him a drop rate of 2.6 that is third-lowest among draft-eligible receivers. And on deep balls thrown 20 or more yards downfield, he had zero drops, hauling in all 12 catchable targets.

He also stood out for his all-around play, earning our fifth-best receiving grade among draft-eligible WRs.

He’ll have to overcome questions of competition level during the draft process, but he did very well in Tuesday’s practices against better cornerbacks than he’s faced all year, making a couple of impressive catches. That’s after a very good showing at the East-West Shrine Game, making him a potential sleeper moving forward.

4. Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana: Spriggs has largely been flying below the radar to this point, but he is someone who graded out well this season. Among draft-eligible offensive tackles, he ranked 20th in our run-block grades, but where he stood out more was in pass protection. He allowed just 13 pressures all season long, ranking fifth in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric.

His athleticism was on full display in Tuesday’s practice, particularly with his footwork. He consistently was able to mirror pass-rushers, even when they came at him with counter moves. Because he is better as a pass-protector than as a mauling run-blocker, he’s likely a better fit in a zone-heavy scheme than a power scheme. But he could be really highly valued by NFL teams that put a premium on athleticism on the offensive line. We wouldn’t be surprised if he emerges as a rising prospect in the coming weeks and months.

5. Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma: He was the No. 1 wide receiver in our PFF grades this season, doing most of his damage from the slot (71 percent of routes run came as a slot receiver), ranking No. 1 in the nation in catch rate from that position.

But it would be unfair to label him as simply a slot receiver, as he demonstrated remarkable efficiency on deep routes. He caught all 10 of the catchable balls thrown to him on passes that traveled 20 or more yards downfield, including four touchdowns. That’s a limited sample size, but shows what he’s capable of when utilized as a deep target.

He was impressive in Tuesday’s practice, appearing bigger and stronger than you’d expect from a player who measured in at 5-10 and 193 pounds. He looks like he has a strong frame to absorb contact, and he showed the ability to separate from coverage during one-on-one drills.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/01/26/draft-5-names-to-know-after-day-1-of-senior-bowl-practice/

flgreen · January 27, 2016

REPORT: Jets meet with NDSU's Carson Wentz at Senior Bowl

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By: Connor Hughes | 14 hours ago

At his end-of-year press conference, Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan said the team would explore taking a quarterback with their first-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft.

At the Reese’s Senior Bowl, the Jets met with North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz. NJAM’s Dom Consentino was the first to report the meeting.

Wentz, 23, is a bit of a wild card prospect in this year’s NFL Draft as he’s kind of an unknown. Size wise (6-6, 235 pounds), he’s got the perfect built to be a quarterback. He also has good accuracy, good arm strength and competent mobility.

The issue? He just didn’t play high-level college ball.

According to scouts, Wentz tends to lock onto reads and “needs to develop his eye use,” he has a tendency to stare down targets and lead defenders. He also needs to get a better feel for timing routs, and needs to speed up his reads. Essentially, the biggest criticisms of Wentz are about the mental and experience aspect of the game, not the talent.

Wentz finished his four-year career at NDSU with a completion percent of 64.1 and having thrown for 5,115 yards with 45 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. His best season came as a junior when he completed 63.7 percent of his passes and threw for 3,115 yards with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

As a senior last year, Wentz played in seven games before breaking his wrist. He finished the year throwing for 1,651 yards with 17 touchdowns and four picks.

NFL.com had the following to say about the signal caller:

flgreen · January 27, 2016

Joe Marino’s Day One 2016 Senior Bowl Notes

Written by Joe Marino on January 26, 2016

Weigh-Ins

Starting your day by watching 110 men in their underwear get measured in a room full of NFL coaches, scouts, executives and media personnel sounds odd but there was lot on the line for the NFL prospects invited to participate in the 2016 Senior Bowl.

All of the weigh-in results can be found in the results page: Senior Bowl Weigh-In Results

Other notables outside of what you can read on the chart:

-I was sitting next to an AFC offensive line coach. When LSU OL Vadal Alexander walked across the stage he wrote down one word to describe his body: sloppy. I also had the word sloppy written next to BYU DL Jason Fanaika, Western Michigan OT Willie Beavers and Arkansas G Sebastian Tretola.

-Alabama LB Reggie Ragland had a disproportionate frame. He is built like a defensive tackle in the lower half but slender up top.

-Alabama RB Kenyan Drake and CB Cyrus Jones showed up in great shape. Bothe were chiseled and stocky.

-Defensive Players with notable “bubble butts”: LA Tech’s Vernon Butler, Maryland’s Quinton Jefferson, Alabama’s Reggie Ragland, and Oklahoma’s Charles Tapper.

-LA Tech QB Jeff Driskell has one of the most chiseled frames of any player at any position.

-Texas Tech OT La’Raven Clake’s arms come down to his knees. He has unbelievable length.

It’s also worth noting that before the weigh-ins commenced, Phil Savage announce that only three players declined invitations to participate in the Senior Bowl by choice: Oregon DL DeForest Buckner, Michigan State QB Connor Cook and Alabama C Ryan Kelly.

I discussed Connor Cook’s decision to decline the invitation with a source that has knowledge of the situation and he told me that Cook called Phil Savage and said it did not fit into his schedule this year.

South Team Practice Notes

The South practiced in Fairhope which is located just outside of Mobile and my eyes were focused on the offensive and defensive lines. Some quick-hitting notes:

-Despite multiple years of starting at left tackle for Kansas State, Cody Whitehair played exclusively inside at guard. Many had already pegged him to kick inside and showing up with 31 ⅜” arms cemented that move.

-Many believe that LSU OL Vadal Alexander is a guard at the next level but lined up both at guard and right tackle on day one. He struggled to sink his hips and mirror in one-on-one drills and should focus on playing inside.

-Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and assistant coach Joey Porter were locked in watching defensive front seven players. The Steelers have used a first round draft choice on a defensive front seven player in each of the last three drafts and six of the last eight.

-Virginia Tech’s Dadi Nicolas and Louisville DT Sheldon Rankins were among the most intense players in defensive line drills. Their high-effort and energy was obvious.

-Nicolas was asked to hold the edge in team drills and at 235 pounds, he struggled.

-Rankins was the most impressive player in one-on-one drills. He dominated with a variety of moves and was unblockable at times.

-Clemson DT DJ Reader was fatigued and it showed.

-Baylor OL Spencer Drango was continually off-balance and over-extended in drills and one-on-one’s.

-Alabama DL Jarran Reed continued to impress as a run defender with his ability to stack and shed.

-Coming into this week I thought Alabama LB Reggie Ragland was a dominant c-gap to c-gap player but that has minimal value in today’s NFL. He is clearly wanting to show a more diverse skill set and is lining up on the edge. This will be something to watch.

North Team Practice Notes

Before I get into my notes, I have to give credit to Jason Garrett and the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff for running an incredible practice. The intensity and competition level was far and away better than the South practice. It was setup to emphasize one-one-one battles and structured to allow the attendees to focus on them without missing useful reps at other positions.

-Notre Dame DL Sheldon Day’s intensity and effort was obvious in drills.

-Illinois DL Jihad Ward was incredible in drills and excelled in individual battles. He seemingly caught everyone’s eye today and I am eager to watch his film.

-Southern Utah S Miles Killebrew had a great day breaking on the football and showing a physical, competitive demeanor. The same can be said for Temple CB Tavon Young as he broke up multiple passes and competed with intensity.

-East Carolina TE Bryce Williams had a rough day and struggled at the catch point.

-Ohio State TE Nick Vannett is really intriguing and physically imposing. He flashed skills at the catch point and blocked well in team drills. Keep an eye on him as the process continues.

-Everyone is buzzing about North Dakota State QB Carson Wentz and he had a great day. He has excellent physical traits and physical ability while showing a live arm. He missed a few throws early on but settled in. His command and leadership skills are apparent. This stage is clearly not too big for him and he is performing despite the recent hype over his draft stock.

–All of the concerns that I had about Penn State DE Carl Nassib showed up in the first practice; a lack of twitch, agility and balance.

-In mid-December, I highlighted Indiana OT Jason Spriggs and stated he is the 3rd best offensive tackle in the class and a potential first round pick and he played like it today. He has the skills to be a starter on the left side in the NFL.

-Stanford G Josh Garnett and Notre Dame’s Nick Martin were excellent today in one-on-one’s. Both showed a strong anchor and good feet.

-The lowlight of the day was the play of Western Michigan OT Willie Beavers. He is simply over-matched on this stage.

Joe Marino

Joe Marino is Senior Scouting Consultant for NDT Scouting and Senior NFL Draft Analyst for Draft Breakdown. Joe has been evaluating NFL prospects since 2001 and a published analyst since 2011.Joe has been a featured NFL Draft Analyst on local ESPN Radio, national NBC Sports Radio, and numerous local radio shows and podcasts. Joe is also the co-host of NDT Scouting's 365 Draft Podcast.

http://draftbreakdown.com/joe-marinos-day-one-2016-senior-bowl-notes/

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JOSH NORRIS

ALL STAR CIRCUIT

Senior Bowl Day One

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ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS

WEAKNESSES

BOTTOM LINE

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Quarterbacks quiet on Day 1

Spence stands out on the South roster

More notes

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