Five Risers from Day 1 of the Senior Bowl
MOBILE -- They say, “The draft starts in Mobile,” and for every player on both the American and National teams, it certainly does as they spend this week hoping to raise the eyebrows of scouts, as well as their draft stock.
As in any situation, there were several players who had scouts and media alike asking, “Who is that guy” as they stood out amongst the rest throughout Day 1 of Senior Bowl practices.
OL Jake Andrews, Troy
In early warmups, it looked like it was going to be a long day for Andrews. They tried him out at center, and he had three bad snaps. In the pass protection drill, though, he stood out in the best way. There were multiple occasions when he was stopping guys in their tracks, getting really physical, and bullying them to the turf. Guard or swing tackle would be the ideal spot for him on a depth chart. Taking a late-round swing on him wouldn’t be a bad play at all.
DL Lonnie Phels, Kansas
Phels was the most aggressive defensive lineman during the rip drill, where the defense rips the ball away from the ball carrier. He was energetic and aggressive throughout, and was also someone who made people write his name down during pass protection drills. He would be a solid depth piece for John lynch to pick up in the mid-late stage of the draft.
WR Jayden Reed, Michigan State
Reed was one of the three best receivers on the field during the first day of practice. He made an over the shoulder grab on a nine route in one-on-ones, and got behind his man on a double move in his following rep. He was creating his own space, which is always a top-tier trait of a receiver, and kept finding different ways to get open all over the field.
WR Nathaniel “Tank” Dell, Houston
Dell may have been the best out of all the receivers on Day 1. He turned a defensive back around in one-on-ones, but the pass was overthrown. You could hear a big “oh wow” in unison throughout the stadium on the move. He also had a nice out-and-in that led to a reception over the middle, and a perfect curl route where he stopped on a dime and created space before lunging back for the ball in a spot where only he could get it. It was a very big day for Dell, whose stock is absolutely rising.
CB Julius Brents, Kansas State
Get used to hearing the name Julius Brents. He was the cream of the crop out of all defensive backs on Tuesday. He picked off Max Duggan in one-on-ones, and ran with a receiver on a nine route that led to an incomplete pass on his next rep. He is very sticky, not too handsy, and anticipates what his man will do very well. He’s just a smart, talented football player- you don’t need to say much more than that. A great showing from him.
