With the National Championship wrapped up, players all declared for the NFL draft, and the "Big Game" matchup decided, we're gearing up for the (apologies to Santa) real "most wonderful time of the year". That's right, the NFL Draft, which will take up most football fan's minds for the better part of three months is just over the horizon and the East-West Shrine Game and the Reese's Senior Bowl are the first step in a long player evaluation process.
What we're looking for are players outside of the Top 50, players who shouldn't be (seriously) considered First Round prospects. That's not a slight against them, if you ask ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller, there are only twelve "true" First Round prospects in this draft. Twelve. The last time I checked, twelve was less than thirty-two, the number of picks in the first round.
Does that mean that the other twenty players selected aren't "real" first round picks? Absolutely not. What it means is that those twelve players have either no flaws that will keep them from NFL stardom, or (more likely) that they have minimal flaws. Everyone else has a big flaw or two that could prevent them from being NFL players. Some are to short, some too slow, or too heavy, and sometimes they can't get out of their own way during the interview process and come off as a potential cancer in the locker room.
Whatever reason it might be, the NFL scouts will find it. Sometimes they correctly ID a flaw and sometimes they completely blow it, because, how else would you explain Tom Brady as a Sixth Round pick?
Thursday, January 30, 2025
AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX
8p EST on NFL Network
There's a bit more star power at this year's Shrine game than in most years. I don't have an exact reason for it, but it's somewhere in the line of - Most juniors leaving early don't want to impact their chance to show up to their Pro Days so they opt not to chance a major injury in an all-star game and the seniors who don't make the Senior Bowl cut aren't prospects that people are excited about. In any case this year's edition has expected Top 5 player Shedeur Sanders, Mississippi receiver Tre Harris, and East Carolina corner Shavon Revel Jr. as potential top picks who are playing.
On the East Squad:
Phil Mafah - RB - Clemson - A big, punishing runner with great vision, Mafah's biggest downside is his somewhat questionable speed. If he can run below a 4.55 40, he'll gain interest in teams looking for a short-yardage or a change of pace back. I think he finds a roster spot and (potentially) could be a RB1 if he can improve his pass blocking to go with his reliable hands.
Marcus Wehr - OG - Montana State - A former defensive lineman who made the switch to offensive guard two years ago, Wehr has been rock solid since. He's earned All-Big Sky 1st team honors at OT and OG while also being chosen as a FCS 1st team All-American twice. Teammates talk about his "professional" behavior and he will likely impress in interviews. If he can show he belongs with the big boys his stock will rise.
On the West Team:
Cobee Bryant - CB - Kansas - Bryant shows good instincts and is a real ball hawking cover corner. Solid change of direction ability is aided by fluid hips. He's a little light at his listed 170Lbs so he'll need to put on at least 25-30Lbs and it'll need to be muscle or he'll get pushed around. Shows good football IQ and a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Theo Wease Jr. - WR - Mizzou - A 6th year senior (thank you COVID) who transferred to Mizzou after the 2022 season, Wease blossomed in Columbia playing next to (likely) 2025 First Round pick Luther Burden and was a great compliment to Burden's do-it-all toolbox forcing opponents to account for him on the outside. He's not the best blocker, but he tries and has very reliable hands. His draft stock will rise or fall according to his 40 time but if he makes a roster, he's a locker room leader.
Nick Nash - WR - San Jose State - Nash is attempting the Reverse Tannehill after arriving at San Jose State as a QB in 2019 before making the move to receiver in 2022. It paid off this season as Nash led the FBS level in receptions, receiving touchdowns, and receiving yards as well as being a Biletnikoff finalist. He has a NFL-ready frame and an excellent football IQ. He'll need to keep developing his route refinement and functional strength but does a good job of working the middle of the field and maintaining concentration through contact.
Kenneth Grant - IDL - Michigan - An athletic freak Grant is expected to run a sub 5.0 40 when he runs and he's doing that at a reported 6'3", 340Lbs, he may not top Jordan Davis' combine but it'll be interesting to see. A full workload can show stamina issues and he will have trouble maintaining correct pad level, but he is scheme versatile and is a force defending the run.
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, AL
2:30p EST on NFL Network
The Gold Standard when it comes to post-season all star games, the Alumni from the Senior Bowl bears a striking resemblance to the NFL Hall of Fame. Over the years the Senior Bowl has been the jumping off point for
so many future HOFers that it has become the unofficial start of the draft season, evidenced by it's mantra "The draft starts in Mobile".
If you've never been to the Senior Bowl, I highly encourage you to make the trip sometime. If you go, you may find yourself eating dinner next to an NFL head coach or GM, not to mention the week of open practices and activities.
As always, the Senior Bowl is packed with talent, but we're looking for the diamonds in the rough.
Grey Zabel - OL - North Dakota State - Zabel is the next NDSU linemen to make the NFL and while it doesn't quite match a school like Ohio State, the Bison are becoming a notable producer among NFL scouts. Zabel gets onto his man and either drives him out of the play or stymies his rush using natural power and solid athletic ability. Has good feet and the attitude you want your linemen to have. His hand placement could be better, but I believe that that's something that can be coached up. Most scouts are looking at him as a center, but played both guard spots and right tackle in college.
Jackson Slater - OL - Sacramento State - A two-time FBS All-American and three-time All-Big Sky tackle, Slater possesses natural power and an elite anchor. Hand placement needs to be better in pass protection and average height and weight will limit him as a tackle. Slater should get a chance to fail outside but may end up as a guard, we'll certainly see him get reps at all line positions in Mobile..
Jalen Royals - WR - Utah State - Who ever drafts Royals is getting a a solid complimentary type receiver who is dangerous with the ball in his hands. He gears up quickly after securing the ball, makes the catch through contact. is shifty and can make defenders miss in space. He an win with his route running or ability to sell a route and get the defender turned around. He'll need to get more comfortable against press coverage and develop more ways to get free at the line.
Charles Grant - OL - William & Mary - Grant is going to make somebody look smart on draft day, and for years to come. They're getting an excellent pass protector (though his technique is raw) with heavy hands, the ability to mirror and process pass rush moves and defensive plays in real time combined with excellent functional strength. There are concerns about size, specifically his weight (listed at 290 while most tackles are 25-30Lbs heavier) and the level of competition he played at.
There were a couple of others I had planned on including on this list, however they seem to be moving up the Big Boards (into the 1st or 2nd Round) ahead of the All-Star games/Combine so I went ahead and left them out, regardless these games, but more specifically the week of practice leading up to them will be where players will be able to move up or down. The players above mostly have the "knock" against them that they haven't played the best competition. Practice this week in Mobile will either show that as false or confirm it.
In any case, get ready to hang on every rumor, 40 time, and interview leak for the next three months, the NFL Draft season is here.
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