But where is ornicar?
Since 1950, the Senior Bowl has been a major event in the draft process. Players like Dak Prescott, Von Miller, Justin Herbert and Deebo Samuel stood out there. For the first time, players who have not completed their courses can participate.
From January 30 to February 3 in Mobile, Alabama, no less than 120 players are divided into two teams, for training and a match. Two NFL coaching staffs are in charge of each team: Jeff Ulbrich, the Jets' defensive coordinator for the team National and Tennessee defensive line coach Terrell Williams for the team American. Both are accompanied by coaches from various NFL franchises.
In addition to their sporting performances, players are also evaluated on their behavior: involvement and seriousness, character and interactions with others.
The top 5 defensive players
Laiatu Latu (UCLA) is a pass rusher very competent exterior: 23.5 sacks in two seasons! His ability to be quick while leaning to get around offensive linemen is impressive. During training, he will have to prove that he can also be a factor against the run.
Cornerback Kalen King (Penn State) paid the price for his success: 18 passes defended including 3 interceptions in 2022. Avoided as much as possible by opposing quarterbacks in 2023! His profile is that of a number 1 cornerback and he will have to prove it once again.
Kamren Kinchens (Miami) is the best safety to enter the draft. After 6 interceptions in 2022, he adds 5 in 2023! His coverage skills as well as his leadership will be scrutinized by NFL staff.
The imposing T'Vondre Sweat (DT) is not as impactful as his Texas friend Byron Murphy (also present). But his ability to block the center of the field for opposing runners is impressive. One of the most televisual workshops is the Oklahoma Drill : 1 against 1 without the ball between linemen (offensive and defensive). With his power, he could make a lasting impression!
Tyrice Knight (UTEP) signed 140 tackles including 15.5 inflicting a loss in 2023! Announced as a 3rd round pick in this Mock Drafthis week in Mobile could earn him a few more places.
The top 5 attacking players
After three mixed seasons at Auburn, Bo Nix (Oregon) has been resplendent for two years with Oregon. In 2023, he throws 43 touchdowns for only 3 interceptions! Very precise quarterback, he will be examined from every angle: throwing mechanics, footworkthrows with anticipation, leadership, readings under pressure, etc. The position is also represented by the talented Spencer Rattler (South Carolina) and the solid Sam Hartmann (Notre Dame).
Xavier Legette (South Carolina) only has one good season (out of 5). But what a season for the receiver with 1,255 yards and 7 touchdowns. He will not only have to be good but above all be good in relation to others! This position is best represented at the 2024 Senior Bowl: Malachi Corley (Western Kentucky), Jacob Cowing (Arizona), Ladd McConkey (Georgia), Roman Wilson (Michigan), Brenden Rice (USC), Ricky Pearsall (Florida), Devontez Walker (North Carolina), Johnny Wilson (Florida State) etc.
Taliese Fuaga plays a vital position, that of offensive tackle. Tall, strong and athletic, he could solidify his presence in the 1st round with good performances. Ditto for the one who is considered (for the moment) as the best center: Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon).
No Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs this year! The best prospects at the runner position will not be present (Corum, Benson, Estime, Shipley etc.) so MarShawn Lloyd (USC) could take advantage of this to score points. His size, his experience and his success in two universities are already making people salivate. scouts.
Don't sleep on them
This inelegant translation of the term sleeper denotes players who could greatly boost their odds with a good week in Alabama.
Michael Pratt (QB) offers an average physique and he comes from an average university (Tulane). However, his 90 touchdowns thrown in four seasons give him value. He already seems a perfect candidate to get a backup quarterback position in a franchise (and therefore be a 4/5th round pick in the draft).
Brevyn Spann-Ford is a huge tight end because he is close to 2 meters! His potential as a blocker is attractive to the NFL. Relatively little used in the air at the University of Minnesota (25 receptions and 2 TDs in 2023), his skills in running routes and catching balls will be tested in Mobile.
Players coming from smaller programs must show they can continue to dominate despite higher quality opposition. Guard Christian Haynes plays big. Just like the linebackers because the vintage is homogeneous.
Payton Wilson (NC State) must confirm that he is healthy after a career disrupted by injuries. Jaylan Ford (Texas) is a capable all-around player in coverage while Ty'ron Hopper (Missouri) wants to follow in the footsteps of Nick Bolton (Chiefs). The under-the-radar player to watch at the linebacker position could be Nathaniel Watson from Mississippi State: 137 tackles including 10 sacks in 2023!
