The Senior Bowl is a major event in the Draft. Again this year, many players have just earned draft credit, others have fallen behind. Here is a summary of the major trends.
MVP (Offense): Zion Johnson (C/G, Boston College)
While he has spent almost his entire career as a guard, it was at center that Johnson shone. Aggressive and violent (in the good sense of the term), he showed great mobility in the first and second curtain. To the point of becoming a first whole? It’s more likely than ever.
MVP (Defense): Jermain Johnson (EDGE, Florida State)
In this talented class of EDGE, three players seemed to stand out: Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon Thibodeaux and George Karlaftis. Now we have to add Jermaine Johnson into the equation. Author of a great end to the season, Johnson confirmed day after day at the Senior Bowl. Fast, powerful and explosive, Johnson has given all of his opponents a nightmare this week. The former Georgia, now at Florida State, can dream of a top 20, see more.
The Riddle: Trevor Penning (OT, Northern Iowa)
In tackle or guard, Trevor Penning has proven that, although coming from FCS, he has the level to become dominant in the NFL. The problem is that Penning tends to be (much) too aggressive. As in the video below, he tends to want to put his opponent down, even if it means throwing him into his quarterback’s lap… in other words, he won’t be Joe Burrow’s best friend. There is talent, but you have to manage to channel this player to make him a starter.
Trevor Penning violently throws Isaiah Thomas into Desmond Ridder’s legacy #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/uWFLozP53d
—Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) February 1, 2022
The other winners (attack)
Malik Willis and Kenny Pickett are the winners at quarterback. The Liberty pitcher has proven his talent, but it’s clear he’s still very raw. Kenny Pickett didn’t explode during the week, but he did what he knows how to do: play clean, not make mistakes. Among the runners the winner is Dameon Pierce, who proved that he is not just a runner: in the block as well as in reception, he was impeccable. A lot of receivers shone, like Jalen Tolbert and Calvin Austin, but the big winner is called Christian Watson. The North Dakota State receiver showed his speed, his athletic ability but also his ability to land spectacular receptions. The great story of this Senior Bowl is the lineman Cole Strangefrom small Chattanooga University, who has proven he can be an asset to a running offense.
The other winners (defense)
Perrion Winfrey could have been this week’s MVP, as he showed that Oklahoma was able to reduce its impact through its scheme. In a system that corresponds to her more or even in 1 against 1, Winfrey crushed her opponents one by one without ever lacking in intensity. With huge arms, he has violent hands that will make him a potential first round. The other defensive tackle that showed up is TravisJones, a power monster that felt like playing against children. The linebacker troy andersen, of Montana State, is also a player of a “small” university which shone. Fast and smart, he is a name to follow. The versatile Jalen Pitre is the last big winner, as he seemed comfortable in cover or in a direct duel against tight ends.
Losers
Among quarterbacks, Carson Strong lost credit during the big game. Guilty of an interception and a fumble, his lack of mobility and football IQ are likely to lower his popularity. The tackle Nick Zakelj suffered all week, against Perrion Winfrey in particular, and his status as a draft candidate will suffer from his performance. The linebacker Darrian Beavers is one of the rising stars among linebackers, but the week has shown its limits, especially on the cover, and this limit can take him out of the top 100.
