There is a lot of talent to be found on the defensive side of the ball at the Senior Bowl. Several players have the potential to improve their draft grades over the course of the week. Here’s a look at just a few of the prospects we’ll be monitoring.
Defensive Line
There is an enormous amount of potential second day talent to be found on the defensive line.
What to look for? Here’s a quick run down on half a dozen players.
Tarell Basham of Ohio and
Jordan Willis from Kansas State are both athletic college pass rushers that cause disruption up the field.
But how will they hold up against the run?
I presently grade both as third round picks but fear each player may be a liability against the run. Good results during one-on-one drills and scrimmage could push either into the top 60.
Villanova’s
Tanoh Kpassagnon entered the season stamped as a potential top 75 choice but played disappointing football in 2016. In my opinion part of the problem was Kpassagnon played out of position as a 4-3 defensive end.
Will coaches push Kpassagnon inside to defensive tackle? Line him up as a two gap end? Both seem like better fits for the big lineman.
Keionta Davis was a pass rushing terror for Tennessee Chattanooga but now must show he can compete against a higher level of competition. Being on the South squad Davis will face off against the likes of Antonio Garcia and Conor McDermott, both tough challenges.
During the year I was outspoken on
Tanzel Smart being one of the better three technique prospects in this year’s draft. The Tulane product is quick, athletic and moves well laterally. I suspect he’ll face off against Ethan Pocic of LSU from time-to-time and that will be a great opportunity to prove his worth.
Linebackers
For much of his senior season
Harvey Langi played on the defensive line for BYU. When he finally got a chance to play linebacker during the teams bowl game he turned in a monster performance.
Many believe a similar performance during Senior Bowl practices could secure Langi as a middle round choice.
Derek Rivers of Youngstown is another player switching positions.
Lining up at defensive end through most of his college career, the pass rushing terror is listed at linebacker on the Senior Bowl roster.
The ability to move in space and make plays in reverse will be a key component in Rivers final draft grade. Shea McClellin made the successful transition during his appearance at the Senior Bowl while Michael Sam did not.
Entering the season
Haason Reddick was not even mentioned by scouts while we listed him as a priority free agent. Reddick fooled both of us and went onto a record campaign which included 22.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.
On film Reddick is more than just an up the field defender; he has a terrific change of direction, shows speed in pursuit and the ability to make plays in every direction.
But the question remains what are his real measurables?
Reddick is listed at 6-feet/1-inch and 225 pounds. If he measures under 6-feet tall red flags will go up. Otherwise a good week will mean a big payday for him.
Defensive Backs
Entering the year Iowa’s
Desmond King was rated as one of the top cornerback prospects from the senior class and why not? He looked spectacular as a sophomore and played reasonably well the following season.
Scouts do have concerns about his athleticism and speed, part of the reason some teams presently grade him at safety as we were the first to report druing our
December 13th draft buzz.
One-on-one drills are critical for King. None of the receivers he’ll face are true vertical threats and if King is beaten in a footrace at any point of the week his draft stock will drop.
Brendan Langley was listed as our
Week Eight Small School Prospect of the Week and the cornerback continues to intrigue NFL scouts. The former receiver who came to Lamar by way of Georgia is a novice at the cornerback position and he’s still learning the ropes.
As previously mentioned, the Senior Bowl roster does not possess any true vertical threats rather well sized, sure handed wide outs. They pose a great challenge for Langley who must prove his 6 interceptions and 7 PBU’s last season were more than passing opportunities.
UConn safety
Obi Melifonwu has linebacker size and flashes dominance on occasion. But he also gets a rap from scouts for being soft as they feel he’s not always willing to stick his pads into the pile.
Melifonwu can quell this criticism during blitz drills, blocking drills and nine on nine’s.
