5 Takeaways from Week of Practice at 2022 Senior Bowl
As the American and National squads prepare to compete for victory in the Senior Bowl Saturday, it marks the end of a week’s worth of practice featuring some of the best prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Detroit Lions got a front-row seat to this competition, as their coaching staff led the American team. With this distinction, the coaching staff got an up-close look at the future NFL talent.
Scouts from every NFL team were in attendance, which naturally led to teams formulating opinions on certain prospects.
Here are five observations from the week of practice at the Senior Bowl.
Jermaine Johnson impresses
One of the biggest winners from the week of practice was Johnson, a defensive end prospect from Florida State. The former top recruit from the JUCO ranks had a successful stint with the Seminoles, after two years at Georgia.
He took the Senior Bowl by storm, dominating opponents in practice drills. Several media members declared him a top “winner” of the week. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler declared Johnson as “the best player here,” in a tweet Wednesday.
With his performance, Johnson has likely played himself into the first-round conversation. Following this week, he may very well be a lock to go on the first night of this April's NFL Draft.
Quarterback prospects produce mixed results
The quarterback class of the 2022 NFL Draft is perplexing, as there is no far-and-away top prospect. Rather, the members of the top tier of signal-callers are all close in talent, but have defining traits that set them apart from each other.
All six of the quarterbacks in Mobile, Ala., had their moments, creating a week of ebbs and flows. Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett, considered currently to be the top prospect at the position, has heard concerns from draft pundits about his hand size, but had perhaps the most consistent week.
On the Lions’ side, Malik Willis dominated the conversation. The Liberty product may have the highest ceiling of any of the quarterback prospects, but has some work to do, as far as refining his skills goes.
Detroit and its coaching staff got to watch Willis up close for an entire week. The team seems to be content with its current starter, Jared Goff, but the talent of Willis may wind up being something the Lions cannot pass up.
© Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Penning sticks out among offensive linemen
The offensive line crop in Mobile was led by an FCS product. Northern Iowa’s Trevor Penning got the offer to go to the Senior Bowl as a potential first-rounder, and now may be a lock for that spot in the draft.
The offensive tackle raised eyebrows with his physicality and tenacity, battling on every rep with opponents. It’s clear Penning doesn’t have too much regard for his opponents, as he worked hard to bury those across the line of scrimmage.
Penning impressed with his physicality, but has some work to do with his technique. Despite this, he certainly worked his way into the good favor of NFL scouts, thanks to his performance.
Heyward shows versatility
A Michigan State product, tight end Connor Heyward took the field in Mobile as part of the Lions’ American team. Detroit has a need at the position, as it doesn’t have an experienced option behind starter T.J. Hockenson.
The former Spartans standout impressed with his versatility. As a former running back, he has the natural athleticism and footwork to make people miss. Yet, his best trait is how he uses his body to run, block and catch passes.
Vasha Hunt, USA TODAY Sports
Heyward showed his ability to create separation on underneath routes. He had a strong season at his new position at Michigan State, and carried that momentum into Mobile, where he looked like a draftable player who could have a solid future at the pro level.
Plenty of options at receiver
Brad Holmes and the Lions' front-office brass have made it clear that they want to add multiple receivers in the offseason. Naturally, the Senior Bowl created an opportunity to get eyes on several top options at the position.
Among the options was Jalen Tolbert, a South Alabama product who is physically imposing at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds. He was a back-to-back 1,000-yard receiver with the Jaguars, and improved his stock with a solid week.
Nevada’s Romeo Doubs had a solid week, too, showing an ability to separate and compete for 50-50 balls. He was overshadowed by his collegiate signal-caller Carson Strong, who is competing to be a first-rounder. Doubs certainly showed he belongs in the conversation of top receivers.
Boise State’s Khalil Shakir also impressed, as the 6-foot-0, 190-pound receiver used his speed and athleticism to get loose and create space against defenders. Shakir profiles similarly to Amon-Ra St. Brown, so he may not be a selection for the Lions. But, he was impressive nonetheless.
The Lions are not deep at receiver, so expect them to attack the position in free agency and the draft. Tolbert and company gave the team plenty of options to think about.
