Offensive Players to Watch at 2022 Senior Bowl

The Detroit Lions will be all hands on deck in Mobile, Ala., for the 2022 Senior Bowl, starting on January 31.

The team will coach the American squad, with Lions running backs coach Duce Staley holding the head coaching role for the week. Tight ends coach Ben Johnson will hold the offensive coordinator duties, while secondary coach Aubrey Pleasant will manage the defense.

In coaching the team, the Lions will have first-hand access to a team of up-and-coming prospects that they could potentially draft in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Here are a few players to watch on the offensive side at the Senior Bowl, with prospects from both the American and National (coached by the N.Y. Jets) teams.

Quarterback: Bailey Zappe

Team: American

After four years at Division I FCS school Houston Baptist, Zappe bet on himself and transferred up a level to Western Kentucky. He used his electric arm to rewrite the college football record books in his one season.

There are questions as to how much higher his ceiling can be as a pro. However, there are little issues when it comes to his ability to go through reads and get the ball downfield. The Lions aren’t in the market for a signal-caller right away, but Zappe could play his way into consideration in the middle rounds with a good performance at the Senior Bowl.

Running back: James Cook

Team: American

The brother of Minnesota star running back Dalvin Cook, James brings a unique ability to catch passes out of the backfield. He made his mark on the national stage with his performance in the College Football Playoff against Michigan, catching four passes for 112 yards and a score.

Detroit is set in its top two spots in the backfield with Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift, but Cook’s versatility could make him an interesting fit with what Lions head coach Dan Campbell wants to do.

Wide receiver: Jalen Tolbert

Team: American

Another underrated prospect from the Sun Belt Conference, Tolbert brings his massive frame to Mobile in search of improving his stock. This year marked the second consecutive season in which he went over 1,000 yards.

Tolbert serves as a player who could fill a need out wide for the Lions, as he has the necessary size to play on the outside next to slot receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Many will be looking at the South Alabama product’s speed and route running to evaluate where he may belong, as far as the NFL Draft goes.

Tight end: Trey McBride

Team: National

McBride, out of Colorado State, is regarded as the best tight end in the draft by some. He has good receiving skills, and is equally as productive as an in-line blocker. At Colorado State, he finished with 90 catches and 1,121 yards.

The Lions have T.J. Hockenson, who is three years removed from being the team’s top draft choice, but could use some extra stability at the position. It may not be McBride, but it will be interesting to watch his performance in Mobile.

Offensive tackle: Bernhard Raimann

Team: National

A local product, Raimann burst on to the scene at Central Michigan, after transitioning to tackle from the tight end position. His natural athletic ability made the switch easy, as he was able to channel his strength and toughness in his new position.

Currently, the former Chippewas standout is considered to be a fringe first-rounder, hovering around the top five at his position. How he performs against some of the best of the best will be intriguing, and could define where he is selected in the upcoming draft.

Offensive guard: Cade Mays

Team: American

A former five-star recruit, according to 247Sports, Mays comes to the Senior Bowl after two seasons at Tennessee and two at Georgia. He was a FWAA Freshman All-American in 2018 and an All-SEC selection in 2021.

Mays has dealt with injuries in each of the last two seasons. However, he appears to be at full health heading into a big week. He’ll be looking to show NFL scouts why many were so high on him coming out of high school.

Center: Luke Fortner

Team: American

Fortner began his career at Kentucky as a tackle, but slid to center for his senior season. This switch was a smooth one, as he graded above 83 in both pass and run blocking.

It’s uncertain whether he’ll stay at center in the pros, but he will be a captivating watch. His flexibility could wind up being a true asset to whatever team picks him up, as he is capable of playing inside and outside on the line.