Each and every year, the Senior Bowl produces a few guys that helped their “draft stock”, and some that hurt it. Now, the Senior Bowl is just part of a process, and by no means should be the first and final judgment on a player. But, it is part of the process, and to say that it does not matter is ignorant.
This year was no exception, there were definitely players who “rose” and unfortunately some who “fell” in terms of the ever-debated words: draft stock. Here are five who excelled, and five who did not during last week’s Senior Bowl.
Buy
James White, Wisconsin
In the NFL, running backs need to be able to pass protect. At Wisconsin, White was unable to show what he could do in that area, and in Mobile he showed terrific ability to do so. White also showed patience when finding a gap, and burst once he found one. Some team is getting a good back later in the draft.
Kevin Norwood, Alabama
Norwood was overshadowed by teammate Amari Cooper at Alabama. Since he has the opportunity to show what he can do, he has done well. Norwood was able to catch almost everything thrown his way, and his ability to separate in tight spaces will be valuable at the next level.
Derek Carr, Fresno State
Everyone knows what Carr is capable of, and he showed that skill this week. But why he impressed so much in Mobile was how he carried himself. He has poise and confidence off the field, was terrific on the field before the play, and showed intense work ethic after practice and in the morning when he met with Jordan Matthews to watch tape at six o’clock each morning.
Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
Donald was the best football player in Mobile, and regardless of where anyone would draft him; being the best player each and every day will help anyone. Donald should be a day one pick.
Weston Richburg, Colorado State
Before the Senior Bowl, everyone wanted to see more of Travis Swanson, or Tyler Larsen. The best center during the week was Weston Richburg, without a question. Should he continue to improve and more people see him, don’t be surprised if he is among the top interior offensive linemen taken in the third round.
Sell
Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois
Coming into the week, I had high expectations for Jimmy G, but after watching him up close, he does not intrigue me, even in the least. Missing easy throws, keeping his eyes down, and missing reads were a commonplace, and not what you want to see for a quarterback.
Tajh Boyd, Clemson
See Garoppolo, Jimmy. Boyd was completely unimpressive, but he did remain positive and kept a high spirit. Maybe a move to another position suits him best. I heard a few scouts mumble the word “undraftable”.
Billy Turner, North Dakota State
As a tackle, Billy Turner struggled on every snap. He is just not quick enough to the edge, and lacks the consistent technique to get there. But in his interview, he told eDraft that he wanted to play guard in the NFL. This is the best move for everyone as Billy could be a very good guard.
Isaiah Lewis, Michigan State
Not many people were high on him before the week, but Lewis did not show anything worth watching during the week, and he constantly was beat on routes that he knew were coming. Slow to react is a way to describe his week, which is a huge red flag for a safety.
Michael Sam, Missouri
Yet another player who drew high expectations, yet never lived up to the “hype” that surrounded him. Sam proved this week that he struggles doing anything except moving forward, and he will likely have to add about ten pounds or so and be a 4-3 defensive end. Sam can still help an NFL team, but did not show great skill during the week in Mobile.