The Senior Bowl is a great opportunity for some players to show scouts and GMs, what they can do. Guys like Carl Davis (DT Iowa), Nate Orchard (EDGE Utah), and Anthony Shepherd (DB UCLA), are showing that they can learn and play a different position than what they were asked to do at college. Guys like Lyden Trail (EDGE Norfolk State) and Nick Boyle (TE Delaware), are setting out to prove that they can having with other big time college talent, and that they can make the transition to the NFL.
The biggest names to watch:
Bryce Petty QB, Baylor: It’s going to be interesting to watch how he handles being under center. Petty has been very good in Baylor’s system, which asked him to be in a shotgun. Petty can make every throw, and has one of the best deep balls in this draft class. He has shown toughness during his time at Baylor. It will be interesting to see how Petty transitions to playing under center.
Kevin White CB, TCU: Kevin White handles himself very well. He is only 5’9 180 pounds, but he plays very well against speed WRs, and fights for the football. He is well coached, and does a great job of keeping the ball in front of him. He can piggy back off of Jason Verrett’s success from last season. With Verrett having a solid rookie campaign, Kevin White, should be a favorite for a 1st round pick, and have immediate success. It will be intriguing to see how he does in this game
Trey Flowers DE, Arkansas: Flowers is a very overlooked prospect, that has impressive size and athleticism. At 6’2, 268, Flowers could transition to OLB in the NFL. He should be able to set out to prove that in this game. His athleticism should shine in this game. Flowers could easily be one of the players that scouts walk away, being very impressed.
Stephone Anthony ILB, Clemson: The 6’2 245 lb LB, looks to really stand out as the class of MLBs. Anthony is not only a stud tackler, but a guy that can cover and play side line to side line. Anthony is a true every down LB, and today is his chance to raise his stock.
Danny Shelton DT, Washington: Shelton was excited about his 343lb weigh in, because it is 20lbs lighter than he thought to weigh in. Shelton has very good feet and athleticism for his size. He played 3 downs against the PAC-12 offenses. Shelton’s stamina for his size is very rare. Teams that struggle to stop the run, will be looking very closely at Danny Shelton. Look for Shelton to control the LOS in today’s game.
JaCorey Shepherd CB, Kansas: Kansas has had a couple of man cover corners that have success in the NFL. Aqid Talib, and Chris Harris. Shepherd looks the part of these guys. He is only 5’10 199, but he plays with good discipline, and doesn’t allow WRs to bully him. He does a great job of watching the QBs eyes and knows how to stay right with his receivers. He has some challenges facing guys like Jamsion Crowder, Antwan Goodley, Tyler Lockett, Vince Mayle, and Tony LIppitt. It will be interesting to see how well he plays against these receivers.
Laken Tomlinson G, Duke: Tomlinson is very strong, and powerful in the run game. He has the strength to clear open running lanes for RBs. His feet are heavy, which is common for big guys like him, but his pass blocking will come into question. He gets his chance to prove himself today, against guys like Joey Mbu, Gabe Wright, and Kaleb Eulls. He has a chance to really raise his stock today
Preston Smith DE, Miss St: Smith has helped himself this week, by showing plenty of pass rush ability. He measured in at 6’4 270 lbs, and has shown very good burst. With a good game today, Smith could sneak his way into the bottom of the first round, early 2nd. Smith should open eyes headed into the Combine.
Every player in the Senior Bowl, looks to improve their stock. The guys I mentioned are guys that could greatly improve their stock headed into the Combine. There is always at least one riser.
Check back in for more the Senior Bowl Review.
