Senior Bowl Chatter....

[Risen Star]

We need a master thread for this.

The latest from Dane Brugler....

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/...highlights-the-top-offensive-players-to-watch

The Senior Bowl is a crucial step in the interview process for the 100-plus players in Mobile, but especially for these 10 offensive prospects, who have something to prove.

Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State (6-6, 235)
As the top quarterback in Mobile, Wentz is the belle of the ball. And the fact that he is being coached by the Cowboys adds even more intrigue to his week as Dallas is in the market for a young signal caller to groom behind Tony Romo. Wentz has a NFL-style skill-set with his physical tools and intelligence, but the missing variable is experience against top competition. In my opinion, he has solidified himself as a first-round player, but his performance in Mobile will go a long way in determining just how high in the first round he will be drafted.

Jeff Driskel, QB, Louisiana Tech (6-4, 234)
Many dismissed him as a legitimate NFL prospect after his struggles at Florida, but Driskel reinvented himself at Louisiana Tech this past season, rebuilding his confidence. The physical traits are there with his size, arm strength and athleticism and he should perform well in a controlled all-star setting like the Senior Bowl. Driskel, who will also be coached by the Cowboys' staff, has tremendous leadership and might be the most intriguing of the day three passing prospects in this year's draft class.

Brandon Allen, QB, Arkansas (6-2, 210)
The school record holder in career touchdown passes (64), Allen showed vast improvement throughout the 2015 season and finished the year as the SEC's top quarterback. He isn't the most physically gifted, but shows the ability to handle pressure, maneuver in the pocket and deliver downfield. Although he was the eighth and final quarterback to receive his invite, Allen has better NFL potential than several other passers in Mobile and I expect him to show that this week.

Jonathan Williams, RB, Arkansas (6-0, 223)
The forgotten running back prospect, Williams was the top senior at his position over the summer, but a foot injury in August sidelined him for the entire 2015 season. He is close to 100-percent healthy and will try and give it a go this week at the Senior Bowl -- a chance to remind NFL teams that he is back to his old self. There are three running backs competing to be the first senior drafted in April, including Williams and Louisiana Tech's Kenneth Dixon, who are both in Mobile (the other is Utah's Devontae Booker, who is out while he rehabs from knee surgery).

Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State (6-2, 215)
The most intriguing prospect in Mobile this week, Miller made the switch from quarterback to wide receiver this past season and made the transition look easy due to his natural athleticism. He is well-built with game-changing speed, but is obviously still raw in several areas, including his route running. Despite his lack of experience at wideout, Miller's athletic profile and upside should be on full display during practice, which could cement him as a top-50 prospect in this class.

Paul McRoberts, WR, SE Missouri State (6-3, 197)
Unfortunately for TCU's Josh Doctson, his wrist injury will keep him from participating this week. But it's also an opportunity for McRoberts, who received the call-up from the Shrine Game to the Senior Bowl as a replacement for Doctson. The first SEMO player to participate in Mobile, he is well-built with a large catching radius to highpoint and pluck from the sky. Although McRoberts isn't a well-known name, I'll bet that changes after this week.

Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana (6-7, 305)
A former tight end, Spriggs was a four-year starter at left tackle for the Hoosiers and showed steady development each season, filling out his frame and holding his own against the Big Ten's top rushers like Joey Bosa and Shilique Calhoun. He has the feet and body control in pass protection to keep his quarterback upright, but does he have the core strength? Spriggs will be tested in one-on-one drills, which will give scouts a better idea of his ceiling at the next level.

Le'Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech (6-6, 307)
Groomed at left tackle in the Texas Tech offense, Clark was asked to retreat off the snap and his technique faces a learning curve under pro coaching at the Senior Bowl and once he is drafted. But he has the wide base, moldable frame and lower body flexibility required to start in the NFL, showing terrific knee bend and weight transfer in his kickslide. Once his upper body mechanics catch up, Clark projects as a NFL starter at tackle or guard.

Spencer Drango, OT, Baylor (6-6, 310)
A four-year starter at left tackle, Drango has been a consistent performer in Waco and played well on the edges, but can he hold up there in the NFL? His performance this week will help answer that question. Drango plays with the snap quickness, body angles and awareness to handle speed, but his body type is better suited for guard and he needs technical refinement that can't be masked at the next level like it was in the Big 12.

Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State (6-4, 305)
Wentz is the best offensive prospect in Mobile, but Whitehair is a close second. A college left tackle, he will move inside to guard for the Senior Bowl and in the NFL, which he considers his best (and favorite) position. Whitehair is an assignment sound blocker, staying square to his target with anchor strength and aggressive hands. Although he isn't quite on the same level, Whitehair is the closest prospect to Zack Martin that this draft class has to offer.

 

[WhizKid]

We need a master thread for this.

The latest from Dane Brugler....

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/...highlights-the-top-offensive-players-to-watch

The Senior Bowl is a crucial step in the interview process for the 100-plus players in Mobile, but especially for these 10 offensive prospects, who have something to prove.
Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State (6-6, 235)
As the top quarterback in Mobile, Wentz is the belle of the ball. And the fact that he is being coached by the Cowboys adds even more intrigue to his week as Dallas is in the market for a young signal caller to groom behind Tony Romo. Wentz has a NFL-style skill-set with his physical tools and intelligence, but the missing variable is experience against top competition. In my opinion, he has solidified himself as a first-round player, but his performance in Mobile will go a long way in determining just how high in the first round he will be drafted.

Jeff Driskel, QB, Louisiana Tech (6-4, 234)
Many dismissed him as a legitimate NFL prospect after his struggles at Florida, but Driskel reinvented himself at Louisiana Tech this past season, rebuilding his confidence. The physical traits are there with his size, arm strength and athleticism and he should perform well in a controlled all-star setting like the Senior Bowl. Driskel, who will also be coached by the Cowboys' staff, has tremendous leadership and might be the most intriguing of the day three passing prospects in this year's draft class.

Brandon Allen, QB, Arkansas (6-2, 210)
The school record holder in career touchdown passes (64), Allen showed vast improvement throughout the 2015 season and finished the year as the SEC's top quarterback. He isn't the most physically gifted, but shows the ability to handle pressure, maneuver in the pocket and deliver downfield. Although he was the eighth and final quarterback to receive his invite, Allen has better NFL potential than several other passers in Mobile and I expect him to show that this week.

Jonathan Williams, RB, Arkansas (6-0, 223)
The forgotten running back prospect, Williams was the top senior at his position over the summer, but a foot injury in August sidelined him for the entire 2015 season. He is close to 100-percent healthy and will try and give it a go this week at the Senior Bowl -- a chance to remind NFL teams that he is back to his old self. There are three running backs competing to be the first senior drafted in April, including Williams and Louisiana Tech's Kenneth Dixon, who are both in Mobile (the other is Utah's Devontae Booker, who is out while he rehabs from knee surgery).

Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State (6-2, 215)
The most intriguing prospect in Mobile this week, Miller made the switch from quarterback to wide receiver this past season and made the transition look easy due to his natural athleticism. He is well-built with game-changing speed, but is obviously still raw in several areas, including his route running. Despite his lack of experience at wideout, Miller's athletic profile and upside should be on full display during practice, which could cement him as a top-50 prospect in this class.

Paul McRoberts, WR, SE Missouri State (6-3, 197)
Unfortunately for TCU's Josh Doctson, his wrist injury will keep him from participating this week. But it's also an opportunity for McRoberts, who received the call-up from the Shrine Game to the Senior Bowl as a replacement for Doctson. The first SEMO player to participate in Mobile, he is well-built with a large catching radius to highpoint and pluck from the sky. Although McRoberts isn't a well-known name, I'll bet that changes after this week.

Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana (6-7, 305)
A former tight end, Spriggs was a four-year starter at left tackle for the Hoosiers and showed steady development each season, filling out his frame and holding his own against the Big Ten's top rushers like Joey Bosa and Shilique Calhoun. He has the feet and body control in pass protection to keep his quarterback upright, but does he have the core strength? Spriggs will be tested in one-on-one drills, which will give scouts a better idea of his ceiling at the next level.

Le'Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech (6-6, 307)
Groomed at left tackle in the Texas Tech offense, Clark was asked to retreat off the snap and his technique faces a learning curve under pro coaching at the Senior Bowl and once he is drafted. But he has the wide base, moldable frame and lower body flexibility required to start in the NFL, showing terrific knee bend and weight transfer in his kickslide. Once his upper body mechanics catch up, Clark projects as a NFL starter at tackle or guard.

Spencer Drango, OT, Baylor (6-6, 310)
A four-year starter at left tackle, Drango has been a consistent performer in Waco and played well on the edges, but can he hold up there in the NFL? His performance this week will help answer that question. Drango plays with the snap quickness, body angles and awareness to handle speed, but his body type is better suited for guard and he needs technical refinement that can't be masked at the next level like it was in the Big 12.

Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State (6-4, 305)
Wentz is the best offensive prospect in Mobile, but Whitehair is a close second. A college left tackle, he will move inside to guard for the Senior Bowl and in the NFL, which he considers his best (and favorite) position. Whitehair is an assignment sound blocker, staying square to his target with anchor strength and aggressive hands. Although he isn't quite on the same level, Whitehair is the closest prospect to Zack Martin that this draft class has to offer.

Definitely looking forward to see how B.Allen performs. I think he will continue to progress forward and have a decent career. Dude was making some real impressive plays in the second half of last year.

 

[RS12]

Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State (6-2, 215)
The most intriguing prospect in Mobile this week, Miller made the switch from quarterback to wide receiver this past season and made the transition look easy due to his natural athleticism. He is well-built with game-changing speed, but is obviously still raw in several areas, including his route running. Despite his lack of experience at wideout, Miller's athletic profile and upside should be on full display during practice, which could cement him as a top-50 prospect in this class.

Who said he wouldnt get drafted?

 

[Hailmary]

Jeff Driskel, QB, Louisiana Tech (6-4, 234)
Many dismissed him as a legitimate NFL prospect after his struggles at Florida, but Driskel reinvented himself at Louisiana Tech this past season, rebuilding his confidence. The physical traits are there with his size, arm strength and athleticism and he should perform well in a controlled all-star setting like the Senior Bowl. Driskel, who will also be coached by the Cowboys' staff, has tremendous leadership and might be the most intriguing of the day three passing prospects in this year's draft class.

Dane Brugler on the Draft Show said that he was talking to a scout and he went on to state that Driskel's the best leader he's seen in a decade. I can see Garrett falling in love with that trait.....

Driskel's been my pet cat for the past month. If Goff isn't there at 4, I am warming up to the idea of trading down and adding a 2nd and a 3rd and taking Driskel in the 4th.

 

[Floatyworm]

Dane Brugler on the Draft Show said that he was talking to a scout and he went on to state that Driskel's the best leader he's seen in a decade. I can see Garrett falling in love with that trait.....

Driskel's been my pet cat for the past month. If Goff isn't there at 4, I am warming up to the idea of trading down and adding a 2nd and a 3rd and taking Driskel in the 4th.

Why on earth would anybody in their right mind draft this kid who quit on the Florida team? I hope Chicago drafts him so they can have 2 quitters @ QB.....

 

[Hailmary]

Why on earth would anybody in their right mind draft this kid who quit on the Florida team? I hope Chicago drafts him so they can have 2 quitters @ QB.....

I guess that's a fair question, as he did technically walk away from Florida. It was a bad situation for him at Gainseville though, and I can't blame the kid for wanting a fresh start while still having some eligibility left. Characterizing him as a quitter is a bit harsh imo.

 

[Fredd]

Why on earth would anybody in their right mind draft this kid who quit on the Florida team? I hope Chicago drafts him so they can have 2 quitters @ QB.....

maybe he left florida because he decided he wanted to get an education and the football players don't go to classes? I dunno

regardless, I will stick to the Connor Cook in '16 mantra...not sure I want that, I just see that in the 2nd or 3rd (with a trade up into the 2nd)

 

[ccb04]

Definitely looking forward to see how B.Allen performs. I think he will continue to progress forward and have a decent career. Dude was making some real impressive plays in the second half of last year.

Agreed on Brandon Allen...looking forward to seeing how he does as well. Also interested to see how healthy his teammate Jonathan Williams looks coming off of the foot injury.

 

[Risen Star]

These 5 players from the SEC need to strut their stuff during Senior Bowl week

http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/5-sec-players-who-can-improve-draft-stock-senior-bowl/



SOUTH CAROLINA TE JERELL ADAMS
Originally a three-star recruit from Summerton (S.C.) Scotts Branch High School, Adams caught 28 passes for 421 yards and 3 touchdowns as a senior in 2015.

At 6-foot-5 and 232 pounds, Adams is a former basketball player and has the kind of long and lean frame a lot of tight ends have used to become dangerous pass-catching weapons in the NFL. Because the Gamecocks had so many issues at the quarterback position this past season — three starters, none very effective — he likely didn’t get a chance to prove just how productive he could be in the passing game.

According to CBSSports.com, Adams is the No. 6 tight end available in the draft and projects as a fourth- or fifth-round pick:

“Adams can line up in-line next to a tackle, off-set or split out. He uses his size to his advantage, whether it’s putting his body on a defender or showing a large catch radius. His route-running is solid and he can create separation out of his breaks. At his best with the ball in the air because he can go get it. He has soft hands and shows the ability to pluck the ball right out of the air.”

Adams hasn’t proven he can be an every-down player in the pros at this point, which could be remedied by a renewed dedication in the weight room:

“While Adams has good size, especially his height and long arms, he will certainly need to add bulk and strength to his frame to compete in today’s NFL. He will also need to be more physical at the point of attack in the run game with his blocking. Added weight and strength would definitely help him there.”

Senior Bowl rules prevent offenses from getting too crazy formation-wise, so Adams and the rest of the tight ends should see plenty of snaps in the game.


LSU OT VADAL ALEXANDER
Originally a four-star recruit from Buford (Ga.) High School, Alexander helped pave the way for a Tigers offense that finished seventh nationally in rushing with 257.4 yards per game on the ground.

At 6-foot-6 and 329 pounds, Alexander started and finished his career at right tackle, although he slid inside and played guard during his sophomore and junior campaigns. While his versatility will be a selling point to scouts — a lot of guards in the NFL were tackles at the collegiate level — tackles tend to be more highly coveted and, as a result, more worthy of early-round consideration than guards.

According to CBSSports.com, Alexander is the No. 2 guard available in the draft and projects as a second-round pick:

“Alexander, who has lost 30 pounds since his freshman year, has a bright future with his natural size and strength, using better than expected mobility to get to the second level and eliminate linebackers in the run game.”

Alexander will be lining up at tackle in Mobile, where he must show an ability to keep some of the best pass rushers in the land at bay:

“He adjusts well to stunts and twists with improved awareness, but does need to refine his hand use to better handle moving targets.”

While Alexander is NFL-ready for an offense that likes to run the football, LSU’s scheme limited his opportunities to put quality pass-protection highlights on tape.”


MISSOURI LB KENTRELL BROTHERS
Originally a three-star recruit from Guthrie (Okla.) High School, Brothers recorded 152 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery and 1 forced fumble as a senior in 2015.

At 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, Brothers was one of the most dependable stoppers in the nation for a defense that was on the field an awful lot — the Tigers were positively miserable offensively from start to finish. He may not have the versatility to do some of the things outside linebackers are doing in the pros these days, but he can stuff the run between the tackles with the best of them.

According to CBSSports.com, Brothers is the No. 2 inside linebacker available in the draft and projects as a second-round pick:

“Brothers is a classic inside linebacker prospect for the NFL, showing the toughness to take on blockers in the hole and an explosive pop to knock the ball free as a hitter.”

Despite his productivity, the draft process could be frustrating for a player like Brothers because he isn’t going to blow talent evaluators away with his athleticism:

“He isn’t particularly quick, showing just average burst to slip through gaps for splashy tackles for loss or even when running outside to keep backs from getting the corner. Brothers’ heavy feet also show up in pass coverage, when he looks a bit robotic in his drops and gets stuck in transition too often.”

Look for Brothers to also be a key contributor on special teams, as he was credited with three blocked kicks this past year.


ALABAMA CB CYRUS JONES
Originally a four-star recruit from Baltimore (Md.) Gilman School, Jones registered 37 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 7 pass breakups, 9 passes defensed, 1 fumble recovery and 2 forced fumbles as a senior in 2015.

At 5-foot-10 and 196 pounds, Jones did more in Tuscaloosa as a special teamer than a defensive back, as he averaged 12.6 yards on 42 punt returns and scored 4 touchdowns this past season — twice as many as anybody else in college football. Overshadowed by the Crimson Tide’s incredible front seven most of the year, he starred in the College Football Playoff semifinal win over Michigan State with an INT and a punt-return TD.

According to CBSSports.com, Jones is the No. 19 cornerback available in the draft and projects as a fourth- or fifth-round pick. His full profile is yet to be written.

Senior Bowl practices during the week are more important for skill-position players like Jones than the actual game on Saturday, as he will get tons of chances to go one-on-one with wide receivers in both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.


ARKANSAS RB JONATHAN WILLIAMS
Originally a four-star recruit from Allen (Tex.) High School, Williams missed his senior season in 2015 after an August foot injury required surgery.

At 6-foot and 223 pounds, Williams was one of two Razorbacks to rush for quadruple digits in 2014 — draft-eligible junior Alex Collins was the other — when he posted 211 carries for 1,190 yards and 12 touchdowns. While Collins was prolific as the featured back in Fayetteville this past year, his breakout performance was at least partially due to the fact that Williams couldn’t play.

According to CBSSports.com, Williams is the No. 9 running back available in the draft and projects as a third- or fourth-round pick:

“He runs light for his 224-pound build with the body strength to run through arm tackles, lowering his pads and driving his legs to pick up tough yards between the tackles. Shifty feet and clean lateral burst to juke and quickly regain his momentum.”

The best thing Williams can do in Mobile is get a clean bill of health from doctors, which would trump anything he does on the practice field or in the game:

“Has a bad habit of running upright. Foot surgery leaves 2015 status in doubt, and the injury will lead to extensive medical checks.”

All indications are that Williams will be healthy enough to participate in Senior Bowl week and perhaps move up the draft board a bit.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

I guess that's a fair question, as he did technically walk away from Florida. It was a bad situation for him at Gainseville though, and I can't blame the kid for wanting a fresh start while still having some eligibility left. Characterizing him as a quitter is a bit harsh imo.

This. Didn't Troy Aikman "quit" Oklahoma?

 

[stilltheguru88]

Driskel in round 3.

 

[Hailmary]

Driskel in round 3.

The 3rd is high for him at this point, but it won't surprise me if that's where he ends up for a couple of reasons. First, QBs get over drafted, plain and simple. Secondly, I think he's going to test really well. Add to the fact that there's chatter about him being a great leader, I see him being one of the kids steadily climbing up the draft boards post the senior bowl and Combine.

 

[Risen Star]

Apparently the practice week is going to start off with some rain days.

 

[Risen Star]

 

[Alexander]

Smokescreen!

 

[Risen Star]

 

[CATCH17]

Smart kid.

 

[Risen Star]

http://optimumscouting.com/draft/20...nse-led-by-vernon-butler-and-tavon-young.html


The North Roster offers three potential first-round prospects on the defensive line, a host of quality linebackers and the Senior Bowl’s best cornerback, even though he may not be well known yet.

Defensive Linemen

Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
One of three Louisiana Tech prospects at the Senior Bowl, Vernon Butler has a real chance at being the school’s first first-round pick since 1993. Possessing great bend, lateral burst and an awesome motor, Butler plays a lot like former non-Power 5 conference defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson, and could earn a first-round grade with a strong Senior Bowl.

Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State
A second team all-conference selection at the tackle spot. He is a big time player, 6’4″ and 290 pounds, has the size and skill which NFL teams will be looking at. Compiled 7 tackles for loss and 4 sacks this year, was a very disruptive force in the middle to compliment Joey Bosa on the edge. He is extremely quick on the snap of the ball which really puts the offensive line at a disadvantage early on. Very stout at the point of attack and rarely gets pushed off the ball. Another early round prospect for the Buckeyes for the 2016 draft.

Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame
A player in the Aaron Donald mold, playing with exceptional explosive quickness and burst off the ball. He’s able to knife through the line of scrimmage and disrupt plays in the backfield with the ability to bend and change direction throwing lineman off balance. He’s a high motor player who will track down the ball on every play. However, his lack of size leaves him vulnerable to anchor against the run, particularly against double teams. He’ll need to add play strength in order to hold up against bigger stronger players in the NFL. Although he’s had a laundry list of injuries, we do expect him to at least go day 2 in the draft.

Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State
The nose tackle on a talented Penn State defensive line, the graduated redshirt junior is a bit inconsistent in his pad level and motor on the interior. However, when he is playing at a high, active level, Johnson offers plus-hand strength, focus on the backfield runner and lateral control to finish around him. His inconsistent pad level and exposing of his chest-plate may be an issue in some drills, but look for him to win many one-on-ones during individual drills during practices.

1. Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State
2. Jason Fanaika, DE, Utah
3. Lawrence Thomas, DE, Michigan State
4. Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois

Linebackers

Josh Perry, Ohio State
The unquestioned leader on the Buckeyes defense, Perry possess the size and speed of today’s outside linebacker prospects, he is 6’4″ and 254 pounds and extremely athletic. Perry earned first team all-conference honors this year, which was well deserved. He does not rely solely on his size and athleticism, but he plays whistle to whistle with a non-stop motor. He will not allow blockers into his body and easily sheds and pursues and makes a lot of plays for the Buckeyes defense. Will do things a lot of other players can’t do because of the way he plays and size and athleticism. Sometimes the way he plays will actually hinder him and takes himself out of position, but does a good job of regrouping and getting back into the play. Not as highly graded as some of the other players on the defense but he is definitely a mid-round prospect at the least.

Kyler Fackrell, Utah State
Fackrell has great combination of size (6’5″, 250) and speed and is an excellent athlete overall athlete. He was asked to do pretty much everything for them through the course of his career and made the first team all-conference this year in his fourth year as a starter. He is athletic enough to play in coverage as well as a pass-rusher, and offers plus-upside as an in-space linebacker. His relentless motor and range will be on display for scouts in attendance.

Blake Martinez, Stanford
Martinez is yet another intelligent linebacker to hail from Stanford. His diagnoses of plays is almost always speedy and accurate. He takes steps toward the playside as soon as the ball is snapped, which helps him mask his average athleticism. Martinez is also valuable as a coverage piece because he is able to quickly decipher route concepts and lock onto the correct receiver. Mentally, Martinez is superior to most every linebacker in the nation, but his average athleticism does not always allow him to capitalize on that.

1. Joe Schobert, Wisconsin
2. Tyler Matakevich, Temple
3. Jared Norris, Utah
4. Nick Kwiatkoski, West Virginia

Cornerbacks

Tavon Young, Temple
One of my favorite defensive back prospects in the 2016 draft, Young has been under-appreciated on a Temple defense that also boasts two other Senior Bowl invites, including Bednarik winner Tyler Matakevich. But Young’s poise against top talents and comfort ability to anticipate—not guess—on routes are what allows him to be a truly special vertically protecting cornerback prospect. Young had awesome success against Notre Dame’s Will Fuller, and will look to do the same against vertical threats in Mobile. Don’t be surprised if he leaves Mobile with top-50 expectations.

Will Jackson, Houston
A long, lean cornerback who fits the NFL’s new ideal prototype, Jackson looks the part and flashes NFL-starter talent. He plays away from his frame well in underneath coverage and when working vertically, and doesn’t mind getting physical as he works downfield. But he’s still a bit delayed, hesitant and/or indecisive in his hip turn and route anticipation, and he’ll be susceptible to double moves in the NFL and, more pressingly, in Mobile. He could have a fantastic week, but it’ll be about keeping the big mistakes at bay that scouts should look for.

Maurice Canady, Virginia
Possessing highly impressive vertical speed in both big-play prevention and vertical coveage, Canady offers adequate length coupled with bump-and-run vertical speed that makes him a plus-fit for NFL teams hoping to follow the Seahawks defensive lead. He’s seemingly unwilling to engage contact in run support and too often allows for perimeter runs or after-catch big-plays. But with his vertical capabilities and patience in off-coverage, look for Canady to really impress in practice matchups with the vertically-stretching receivers in attendance.

1. Deiondre Hall, Northern Iowa
2. Eric Murray, Minnesota
3. Kevin Peterson, Oklahoma State

Safeties

Darian Thompson, Boise State
Thompson finished a productive career as the Mountain West conference’s all-time leader in interceptions. Named to the All-Mountain West First Team, Thompson was truly deserving of this honor after his highly productive and impacful senior season. A jack of all trades player as he doesn’t excel in any one area, Thompson is rangy, aggressive, and a real ballhawk. He plays fast, but he will tend to make a mistake due to his high motor. Thompson is a player with great size and ability that teams will likely find intriguing come draft day.

Miles Killebrew, Southern Utah
Miles Killebrew boasts awesome power as an open-field tackler, standing up runners on a consistent basis at the second level. A physical, feisty tackler, Killebrew can be caught waiting and having runners work through him.

Killebrew offers some bounce to adjust and evade blockers, giving him a clear path to finish in the run game, certainly his best and most translatable skill set transcending his “level of competition” concern. But he tends to rely on strength as a tackler too much, can be evaded or worked through and is a bit stiff when reading and reacting from a midfield alignment. He physically looks and flashes the part of an NFL strong safety, but he’s not without warts that may inhibit his NFL upside.

1. KJ Dillon, West Virginia
2. Tyvis Powell, Ohio State

 

[RS12]

Tavon Young, Temple
One of my favorite defensive back prospects in the 2016 draft, Young has been under-appreciated on a Temple defense that also boasts two other Senior Bowl invites, including Bednarik winner Tyler Matakevich. But Young’s poise against top talents and comfort ability to anticipate—not guess—on routes are what allows him to be a truly special vertically protecting cornerback prospect. Young had awesome success against Notre Dame’s Will Fuller, and will look to do the same against vertical threats in Mobile. Don’t be surprised if he leaves Mobile with top-50 expectations.

Like this player.

 

[RS12]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2610796-biggest-nfl-draft-sleepers-at-the-2016-senior-bowl