The NFL world will descend upon mobile, Ala., this week to get eyes on one hundred-plus avid gamers who might be drafted in April. With Senior Bowl practices Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (adopted by using the video game on Saturday), gamers have a chance to audition for scouts, coaches and executives who assist construct their team's draft board.
listed here are 10 key questions that evaluators might be hoping to answer this week:
1. Which position(s) will North Dakota State's Cody Mauch play all over the week?a tight conclusion and defensive end in excessive school, Cody Mauch developed into an All-the us left handle at North Dakota State. So, where will the advantage excellent-50 pick play all the way through Senior Bowl practices? Mauch turned into exclusively a tackle in faculty, however his hands are anticipated to measure below 33 inches, so groups are hoping to peer him on the interior — extra with the intention to gauge how he handles the circulation than because he can't stay on the backyard.
despite the fact, i ponder if his foremost long-time period place might possibly be core. Mauch doesn't have any in-video game or practice journey there however has practiced snapping on his own. together with his talent and tenacity, it isn't a stretch to say he can be the most desirable center from this draft category, if he commits to the brand new position. He turned into the 43rd choose (Jets) in my most fresh mock.
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2. How will downhill defenders hold up during coverage drills?Most faculty linebackers (and a few safeties) are on the NFL radar for their means to thump and force downhill. however dropping into space and dealing with insurance duties are distinct animals. eventually year's practices, Montana State linebacker Troy Andersen created a buzz all the way through seven-on-seven drills along with his speed and fluidity in coverage, and he propelled himself into the 2d round.
Two linebackers to watch this yr: Cincinnati's Ivan tempo Jr., and Texas' DeMarvion Overshown.
in case you informed me that pace moonlighted as a UFC fighter, I wouldn't be shocked. His aggressive urgency, reduce-body energy and contact balance make him a downhill playmaker. He trusts what he sees and assaults at full speed (21.5 tackles for loss in 2022). besides the fact that children, he may also be too with no trouble engulfed as a result of his measurement and isn't as proven working in reverse. Scouts are wanting to see how pace holds up one on one in opposition t backs and tight ends.
As a former shielding again, Overshown isn't new to insurance responsibilities, but he become primarily a downhill and edge presence for the Longhorns final season. When he did drop, his anticipation was lacking and he changed into often caught out of place. regarded a borderline accurate-one hundred prospect via teams, Overshown has explosive latitude. a strong week in insurance certainly would help his possibilities of touchdown on Day 2.
three. Will there be a small-faculty standout who tremendously boosts his draft grade?Two years in the past, Quinn Meinerz, a scrappy Division III interior lineman from Wisconsin-Whitewater, jumped up draft boards with his play in cellular. ultimate 12 months, Chattanooga's Cole peculiar become hoping to put himself into the suitable-a hundred dialog at the Senior Bowl. He vaulted all the approach into the first round.
Will any small-school prospect at this 12 months's Senior Bowl see a similar jump? (Mauch is already in the good-50 combine, so I don't consist of him for this question.)
The surely candidate is large receiver Andrei Iosivas, a two-recreation standout at Princeton. He turned into a school All-American in the heptathlon, with an NCAA meet-listing 6.seventy one seconds in the 60-meter sprint. On the soccer container, Iosivas had a career 12 months as a senior, main the Ivy League in receiving. The Hawaii native is a gliding athlete with excellent body handle to track and make mid-air alterations. he is greater speedy than surprising, and it'll be critical for him to focus on his footwork in his unencumber and at the break factor throughout one-on-ones. presently, the NFL remarks on Iosivas has him as an early Day three prospect.
The different non-FBS prospect I'm wanting to see is quarterback Tyson Bagent from Shepherd (W.Va.) tuition. A checklist-setting passer, Bagent dominated the Division II ranks and left faculty soccer No. 1 on the all-time landing passes record throughout all divisions. most likely, there may be a learning curve looking ahead to him at the subsequent stage, however here's the category of environment wherein scouts want to see him operate. He has projectable dimension and may sling the football in every single place the container.
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other small-faculty possibilities to monitor in cellular: McClendon Curtis, G, Chattanooga; Joey Fisher, OL, Shepherd, Marte Mapu, S, Sacramento State; Aubrey Miller, LB, Jackson State; Isaiah Land, LB, Florida A&M.
four. except for those non-FBS players, which Senior Bowl prospects have probably the most on the road?There are a number of prospects who fall in the "some thing to prove" class. One is quarterback Max Duggan, who has an awesome faculty resume highlighted via leading TCU to the national title online game and completing as Heisman runner-up. As an NFL prospect, although, he nevertheless incorporates numerous questions. He has an NFL arm with the toughness and escapability to create together with his legs, but his off-stability fundamentals and sporadic accuracy need to enhance for him to be a extra consistent passer. while Duggan has enjoyable upside, looking at him next to the other QBs in cellular will supply evaluators a higher conception of where he is in his development.
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Draft grades on BYU left address Blake Freeland are everywhere — some see an eventual NFL starter and advantage Day 2 choose, while others see a late-rounder and greater of an extended shot. A one hundred ninety-pound quarterback as a sophomore in excessive school, Freeland added weight and transitioned to the offensive line in college. He's mild on his ft and fabulous on the flow, however there are play-energy considerations that might avoid him on the subsequent level.
beneath a new coaching workforce, Virginia's offense appeared misplaced for plenty of the 2022 season. as a result, large receiver Dontayvion Wicks didn't have the senior yr many anticipated, completing with best 30 catches for 430 yards and a pair of touchdowns. in terms of skill, he is a long, loose athlete who can make acrobatic grabs and create after the capture. Consistency along with his routes and arms turned into missing on his tape, besides the fact that children. considered a possible true-60 select in the summer, Wicks can regain some of that momentum with a robust week.
5. Which offensive tackles will hold up the top-quality during one-on-one drills? (and will that exchange the order wherein they're drafted?)a few underclassman offensive tackles (like Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr. and Georgia's Broderick Jones) will be drafted in round 1. Will any senior OTs join them?
Syracuse's Matthew Bergeron can be on the brief list to be the first senior tackle drafted. He generates circulate in the run video game and controls flow rushers when his fingers, toes and eyes stay on the equal page. however, he had obstacle in opposition t the suitable pass rushers on his time table (Clemson's Myles Murphy, Florida State's Jared Verse) and scouts should be hunting for greater productive reps against the enhanced Senior Bowl aspect rushers.
despite the fact he wasn't regarded a draftable player at this time last 12 months, Tennessee's Darnell Wright shifted from left tackle to appropriate handle for the 2022 season and everything perceived to click on. whereas a few of his technical flaws display up in move coverage, the former five-megastar recruit performs with vigour twitch and an organization base to preserve his shoulders rectangular to rushers.
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Wright's former teammate Wanya Morris become the 2nd-optimum-ranked recruit in the Volunteers' 2019 category (in the back of Wright), earlier than finishing his profession at Oklahoma. His punch timing and placement may be verified, but he has the athleticism and weight distribution that groups covet at the place.
The handle I'm most interested to monitor all through one-on-ones is Ohio State's Dawand Jones. At essentially 6-foot-9 and 360 kilos, with over 36-inch palms and an 89-inch wingspan, he is a gigantic blocker with mauling palms. He can short set and get his fingers on defenders, but his range, stability and strike timing vs. broad rushers can be challenged all the way through practices. A basketball-concentrated athlete most of his lifestyles, Jones is still younger (21 years historical) and making intellectual and basic adjustments as he develops.
based on what Jaelyn Duncan placed on tape, the early top-50 love for Maryland's offensive address made absolutely no experience. but Duncan does have high-quality athletic traits and this week will give him a chance to get on the appropriate track.
Alabama's Tyler Steen and ancient Dominion's Nick Saldiveri are each wise, purposeful blockers who do an excellent job executing.
6. There isn't a extra crowded neighborhood of seniors fighting for Day 2 spots than the flow rushers. Who will separate themselves?Jermaine Johnson II become a standout ultimately year's experience and played his way into a primary-round selection (Jets, No. 26).
one of the vital proficient protective players within the complete draft, Iowa State's Will McDonald IV has the athletic features to create buzz this 12 months. He has the pace to trap the nook, the flexible body to bend the edge and the elite length to get into the physique of blockers. He isn't yet the sum of his ingredients (which is irritating for a fifth-12 months senior who may be a 24-12 months-old rookie), but he'll have an opportunity to exchange the narrative in cellular. Scouts say he performed this season at 235 pounds, so it may be exciting to peer if he's utilized in linebacker drills.
Auburn's Derick hall, Georgia Tech's Keion White and TCU's Dylan Horton are also regarded appropriate-a hundred picks at the moment and may be looking to cement that repute. military's Andre Carter II is an extra stretched-out rusher — he'll want time in an NFL electricity-and-conditioning application before he's capable for full-time snaps. He brings length, agility and energy, notwithstanding, which is an excellent place to start.
the first name that involves intellect if you think of Clemson's line of defense is continually Myles Murphy or Bryan Bresee, nevertheless it become k.J. Henry who led the Tigers in pressures this previous season … and it wasn't close. Henry will lose his balance when linemen get their hands on him, however he brings refreshing physicality and quickness to move the face of blockers and squeeze via gaps.
a few different flow rushers hoping to get into the top-one hundred latitude: Thomas Incoom (critical Michigan), Ali Gaye (LSU), Byron younger (Tennessee), Nick Hampton (Appalachian State), Isaiah McGuire (Missouri), Lonnie Phelps Jr. (Kansas) and DJ Johnson (Oregon).
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7. possibly no position shines brighter all over Senior Bowl practices than the circulate catchers. Which receivers will stand out?The Senior Bowl has a rich heritage of producing vast receivers, including Christian Watson, Michael Pittman Jr., Kadarius Toney, Chase Claypool and Brandon Aiyuk. And that's just over the closing three years. who're the expertise starting NFL receivers to return out of this year's community?
SMU's Rashee Rice turned into my maximum-graded senior wideout in the summer, and he has most effective helped himself over the final six months. with his body control and hand-eye coordination, Rice is a ball winner. The interviews right through the week might be very crucial for him.
Ole leave out' Jonathan Mingo could have the largest set of mitts amongst non-linemen in cell. He doesn't somewhat have the ability set of a movie star, but he's coordinated in and out of his breaks and tracks the ball neatly in any respect ranges.
I'm wanting to hold tabs on Iowa State's Xavier Hutchinson, who is a bit polarizing amongst scouts — some feel he can crack the good 100; others have him on Day three. He has first rate measurement (6-2, 210 pounds), however I need to see him use it invariably downfield. Hutchinson might not have any A-degree characteristics, but he has great receiving competencies.
Michigan State's Jayden Reed doesn't obtain an awful lot national love, nor does he have desired dimension on the place, however he has astonishing hand electricity to finish catches via contact. His acceleration off the road and out of his breaks is what separates him. Scouts accept as true with he might be drafted in the correct-120 range.
Houston's Nathaniel Dell (5-10, 159) and Cincinnati's Tre Tucker (5-eight, 175) are both vastly undersized, but they could play. each have striking speed and may decelerate on command to force defenders off their route. they are small aims but explosive gamers.
8. Which below-the-radar prospects will turn into much greater standard to NFL lovers?I don't feel anyone on the Senior Bowl roster really qualifies as a "sleeper," but there are a number of underrated players in cell. Cornerback Tariq Woolen was an example final year. He cemented himself in my appropriate one hundred after his week in cellular (however by hook or by crook nonetheless fell to the fifth round).
because the Senior Bowl takes place on South Alabama's campus, it'd be comprehensible to suppose that any invitation prolonged to one of that application's gamers is home cooking. Jaguars cornerback Darrell Luter Jr., belongs at this adventure, although, At 6-0 and with nearly 33-inch hands, he's a normal press-man nook with the demeanor and instincts to in shape up against NFL receivers.
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An LSU transfer, Nebraska extensive receiver Trey Palmer had probably the most most efficient seasons in Cornhuskers heritage. with his Ted Ginn-like ability set, he can absolutely fly and became responsible for 30 catches of 10-plus yards this season. Palmer additionally presents return value and may be a participant who receives loads of consideration all over the week.
a different talented but very diverse class of receiver: Stanford's Elijah Higgins, who has a draftable profile with his body (6-3, 234) and receiving skills. He doesn't all the time play up to that dimension, however he is a fluid large man who can align both outdoor and in the slot. despite the fact he turned into underutilized in Stanford's stagnant offense, don't be shocked if he turns heads this week.
There are a couple of Canadians enjoying in this year's Senior Bowl, including the Brown twins (Chase and Sydney). an extra Ontario native who isn't as established however deserves to be: Ole omit pass rusher Tavius Robinson, who spent the closing three years with the Rebels. He has an NFL body with first rate size and quickness to win on the snap and shut on the quarterback. Robinson is a toolsy participant and a major candidate to get away.
9. Who will leave the week because the desirable Senior Bowl quarterback?The remaining time a Senior Bowl quarterback wasn't drafted within the desirable 100 picks? Over twenty years ago, in 2001. it is a realistic opportunity once more this 12 months, if we don't count Tennessee's Hendon Hooker, who accepted a Senior Bowl invitation but gained't play this week as he continues to rehab his injured knee. It's no longer that this 12 months's community is under regular, simply that the senior quarterbacks challenge as backups, now not starters. several have the characteristics to carve out decade-lengthy careers within the NFL, although.
Fresno State's Jake Haener is my maximum-ranked Senior Bowl QB coming into the week, followed by Houston's Clayton Tune and Duggan. Haener may be bodily underwhelming next to a few of the different quarterbacks in mobile, but he may still stand out along with his anticipation and accuracy. a number of of his most efficient features (competitive longevity, throwing below duress, and so forth.) demonstrate up extra all over video games than they will in a tradition atmosphere.
Tune is an outstanding-sized athlete and has developed a natural consider for placement, which should be evident throughout drills. he's an extra prospect with the calm and competitive demeanor that shows up late in video games but could now not be as clear throughout practices.
BYU's Jaren corridor can basically spin it on the stream and does a good job the usage of his legs to buy time and create. His maturity and confidence will shine throughout the interview system, as well, but his timing and accuracy on the box may be what scouts watch probably the most.
With Will Levis and Stetson Bennett declining invitations, Louisville's Malik Cunningham grabbed the final quarterback spot. an electrical athlete, he's a enjoyable study as a result of he could make whatever out of nothing. youngsters, his footwork and mechanics are inconsistent, which commonly throws off his touch and ball placement. His 2022 season additionally fell in need of expectations. Cunningham is double dipping after playing in final week's NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
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10. Will there be an evident No. 1 prospect in mobile?Like every year, the 2023 Senior Bowl roster took successful from declined invites by way of possibilities like Levis, UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet and Iowa TE Sam LaPorta. several other enormously ranked avid gamers authorised however later pulled out as a result of damage or other explanations, together with Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech), Devon Witherspoon (Illinois), Dalton Kincaid (Utah), Zach Harrison (Ohio State), Siaki Ika (Baylor), Jordan combat (Alabama), Braeden Daniels (Utah) and Owen Pappoe (Auburn). just a few others might pop up early this week.
Of the prospects who will attend, will any separate himself as the accurate participant in cellular?
If I had to put odds on it, the accurate contenders to go away this week because the obtrusive No. 1 prospect are Oregon State tight conclusion Luke Musgrave, Florida shelter O'Cyrus Torrence and Notre Dame circulate rusher Isaiah Foskey.
Musgrave ignored most of his senior season with a knee harm, but he's the choicest combination tight conclusion within the draft. He has outstanding velocity and receiving expertise for the place and also earned excessive grades as a blocker. Tight conclusion is a loaded place this year, with dissimilar potential first-rounders, but Musgrave will earn consideration from a couple of teams as TE1.
Torrence changed into already well-appreciated by means of scouts when he changed into at Louisiana and didn't should switch to enhance his profile. but he challenged himself, joined his former train at Florida and turned into probably the most most fulfilling blockers within the SEC. His vigour and body handle are why he projects as an immediate NFL starter and knowledge first-round decide upon.
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Foskey isn't considered a lock properly-forty draft choose, as a result of his rush arsenal lacks variety and he need to become more constant against the run. He plays with awesome velocity and his motor is at all times revving in high apparatus, even though, which should lead to high quality reps all through Senior Bowl practices. Foskey has a excessive flooring within the NFL and that has price.
With Witherspoon pulling out, the excellent senior cornerback received't be in cellular. despite the fact, the 2d- and third-ranked senior cornerbacks on my board (Stanford's Kyu Blu Kelly and Miami's Tyrique Stevenson, respectively) are actually proficient avid gamers. It wouldn't be a shock if either received some votes as the top player at this year's Senior Bowl.
(photograph of TCU QB Max Duggan: Chris Coduto / Getty images)
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