This week we will have the Senior Bowl. It is an All-Star Game, the most important of the season. Prior to last year, this was exclusive to Seniors, but now it is also open to underclassmen who have declared themselves for the draft. The event is organized by Jim Nagy, a former Seattle Seahawks scout who was even interviewed for the New York Jets’ GM position.
The game takes place on Saturday, but the process starts before. First, the measurements. The prospects will still be measured at the Combine (only for those who received the invitation), but the records are much closer to the official ones than those listed by the Universities.
After that, we have the practices. The WRs/TEs will face the DBs/LBs in a 1 versus 1. The OLs will also face the DLs. Although it is not a real game situation, many prospects see their stock soar after these practices. An example of this was Dee Eskridge, who was not a known prospect and ended up appearing in Mocks in the first round. He didn’t even go to the game in order to avoid losing his stock.
The same can be said for LJ Collier. He was a Day 3 prospect, but he dominated practice and the game his year. As a result, Seattle picked him in the first round. Rashaad Penny was also a standout in the game and only didn’t win MVP because Kyle Lauletta shone.
The event is very important to Seattle. Here are the last five years of players who were drafted (or signed as a UDFA) by Seattle and played in the Senior Bowl:
Sataoa Laumea, OG;
DJ James, CB;
Nehemiah Pritchett, CB;
AJ Barner, TE;
Tyrice Knight, LB;
Christian Haynes, OG;
Nelson Ceaser, EDGE (UDFA);
Olu Olu, C;
Derick Hall, EDGE;
Cam Young, NT;
Kenny McIntosh, RB;
Coby Bryant, CB;
Tyreke Smith, EDGE;
Tariq Woolen, CB;
Abe Lucas, OT;
Boye Mafe, EDGE;
Bo Melton, WR;
Tre Brown, CB;
Jake Curhan, OL (UDFA);
Dee Eskridge, WR;
Cade Johnson, WR (UDFA);
Alton Robinson, EDGE;
Anthony Gordon, QB (UDFA);
Darrell Taylor, EDGE;
Damien Lewis, OG;
Stephen Sullivan, WR/TE/EDGE;
And that’s just the last five years. The team’s top two picks, Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner, also played and were outstanding, with Wagner being named MVP.
Let’s go!
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
He led the FBS in sacks with 17. The big issue with him, besides being from a smaller school, would be his weight. However, Green weighed in at over 250 lbs. If he can keep up his explosiveness in 1v1s, he could even dream of a Day 1 pick.
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Watching Stewart’s tape is both exciting and frustrating. He’s simply capable of winning with speed and forcing OLs, running over most of them in the process. However, the amount of sacks and tackles for loss he’s had raises a red flag. He could have incredible production if his efficiency was higher.
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
A transfer from Purdue to the SEC, Scourton is a versatile edge rusher with the mass and bend to win all day. He’s been a standout throughout the cycle and will get his chance to solidify himself as a Day 1 pick next week.
Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan
Very athletic, explosive and has good production. The big issue is that his size and weight could be issues playing 3 downs.
Jordan Burch, EDGE, Oregon
When Burch goes up front, he’s a tough act to play against because of his strength and size. He’s not the most explosive in the class, but his long arm and ability to win the leverage battle are NFL-ready.
Deone Walker, NT, Kentucky
Kentucky has lined Walker up at every position on the defensive line, including standing. He weighed and measured more than his college listing, which is unusual. He’s a stalwart against the run game and uses brute force in the pass rush.
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
His athleticism is incredible. He’s finally taking a step toward establishing himself as one of the most threatening DTs in the 2024 draft class.
David Walker, EDGE, Central Arkansas
Walker enters the draft as one of the most productive pass rushers in the FCS historically. In 12 games, he finished with 55 pressures, 23 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, four forced fumbles and 41 QB hurries, becoming the first player in the history of the 29-year-old Central Arkansas program to win the Buchanan Award. Let’s see how he stacks up against NFL prospects.
Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota
Lindenberg has one of the highest performance floors at the position. He’s a solid tackler, excellent at identifying run-blocking concepts and has the range to make plays. Lindenberg’s leadership, communication and playmaking ability will be important to teams looking for those intangibles.
Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Could be one of the steals of the draft. A walk-on with limited snaps so far this year, he’s incredibly athletic, identifies blocks and is a threat in the backfield snap after snap. He also has solid zone work and man-to-man coverage of TEs and RBs.
Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
Former WR who has been excellent in since moving to CB in 2023, Porter is a 6-4 cornerback who has as many INTs as completions allowed this season (3). Broke the Iowa state record in the 400 meters at HS (46.99). Rare height (6’24, 33 1/2” arms) and speed (10.6 100-meter dash). Also has 4 career blocked punts.
We’ll look at the offensive prospects to watch on Tuesday.
