Brock
01-25-2008, 01:33 PM
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/01/24/risers.sliders/index.html
Senior Bowl: Final analysis
One last stock report now that practices are complete
The practices are complete, the interviews are finished and for the most part nothing but a skeleton crew of NFL scouts remain in Mobile, Ala. All that's left is to play the game and that has little bearing on the draft stock of Senior Bowl players. Here's a quick glance at the prospects that came away from Mobile as big winners as those who did not fare as well.
Stock rising
Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware: Scouts were almost unanimous in their praise of Flacco this week, most claiming he was the only first-round quarterback in attendance. He displayed all the physical skills necessary to lead a team at the next level and flashed brilliance on a number of occasions. Flacco's biggest problem all week were fumbled snaps, something that happened quite often and was the result of the shotgun offense he played in the past two years. NFL insiders feel if Flacco played for a big time program the past two seasons he would be a top 15 selection.
Chad Henne, QB, Michigan: Henne positively answered many of the questions scouts had about his game. He proved himself to be a terrific downfield passer with a good arm. Henne's accuracy was a little inconsistent, something directly attributed to poor throwing mechanics yet something easily correctable. He comes out of the Senior Bowl as a solid second-round choice.
Justin Forsett, RB, California: Forsett started the week on fire and just got hotter every practice. His speed, quickness and ability to create yardage was eye catching. Forsett does not possess the size to be a feature runner at the next level, but he displayed enough versatility as a ball carrier and pass catcher to secure a spot in the third round.
Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California: Hawkins was the best receiver in Mobile, bar none. He showcased natural skills and athletic ability all week, consistently making the easy reception as well as the acrobatic deep catch. Hawkins is being compared to former USC receiver Steve Smith, and like the Giants rookie, he looks like a solid choice in round two.
Dexter Jackson, WR, Appalachian St: Jackson made the most of his one-day practice appearance (filling in for injured Limas Sweed). He's another natural pass catcher who ran razor-sharp routes and caught everything thrown to him. Jackson's punt return skills in the game could further bolster his already improving draft stock.
Mike Pollack, C, Arizona State: Pollack clearly established himself as the top center in the draft with his work in Mobile. His athleticism is impressive for a 300-pound lineman, as is the ease which he moves about the field. NFL teams could take a crack at Pollack in the second round considering the poor crop of centers available in April.
Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC: Ellis was impressive and leaves the Senior Bowl as a top-ten pick. His explosive play, hustle and technique are a terrific complement to the football smarts he showed on the field. Ellis has undoubtedly closed the gap between himself and Glenn Dorsey of LSU, presently rated as the draft's top defensive tackle.
Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M: Bryant's performance this week was a bit of a surprise. He displayed the power he's known for and also showed consistent intensity, something his game lacks. Scouts think the fact that Bryant, who struggled with a knee injury the past two seasons, may finally be healthy has a lot to do with his improved play.
Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn: Lee was one of the few defensive backs who put together a complete week. He displayed skill in man coverage as well as zone. Lee's stock will only improve with fast forty times at the combine.
Stock sliding
Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii: Brennan had a lot to gain this week but in the end fell short. His poor arm strength is troubling, as it gave defensive backs more than enough time to break up his passes. Scouts feel there is a place for Brennan as a backup signal-caller in a timing offense, yet most agree he presently grades as a mid-to-late round draft pick.
Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky: Woodson's arm strength was not questioned, but his terrible accuracy and pass placement has scouts concerned. His receivers were constantly slowing up in routes or reaching back to grab errant passes. He was considered a potential first-round choice prior to the Senior Bowl, but is now likely to fall out of the initial two frames.
Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma State: Bowman had his troubles from the start, dropping passes daily while displaying minimal speed to his game. He showed signs of improvement during the final day, but it won't be enough to keep him in the draft's first 60 picks.
Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College: Cherilus was expected to have a big week but failed to deliver. He possesses the size and strength to start in the NFL, but his inability to block in anything other than a small area was troublesome. Cherilus now needs a big combine to preserve being a first-round choice.
Terrence Wheatley, CB, Colorado: Wheatley struggled and consistently looked overmatched in practice. He lacks the size to cover the large receivers and did not show the foot speed to keep up with faster wide outs.
Senior Bowl: Final analysis
One last stock report now that practices are complete
The practices are complete, the interviews are finished and for the most part nothing but a skeleton crew of NFL scouts remain in Mobile, Ala. All that's left is to play the game and that has little bearing on the draft stock of Senior Bowl players. Here's a quick glance at the prospects that came away from Mobile as big winners as those who did not fare as well.
Stock rising
Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware: Scouts were almost unanimous in their praise of Flacco this week, most claiming he was the only first-round quarterback in attendance. He displayed all the physical skills necessary to lead a team at the next level and flashed brilliance on a number of occasions. Flacco's biggest problem all week were fumbled snaps, something that happened quite often and was the result of the shotgun offense he played in the past two years. NFL insiders feel if Flacco played for a big time program the past two seasons he would be a top 15 selection.
Chad Henne, QB, Michigan: Henne positively answered many of the questions scouts had about his game. He proved himself to be a terrific downfield passer with a good arm. Henne's accuracy was a little inconsistent, something directly attributed to poor throwing mechanics yet something easily correctable. He comes out of the Senior Bowl as a solid second-round choice.
Justin Forsett, RB, California: Forsett started the week on fire and just got hotter every practice. His speed, quickness and ability to create yardage was eye catching. Forsett does not possess the size to be a feature runner at the next level, but he displayed enough versatility as a ball carrier and pass catcher to secure a spot in the third round.
Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California: Hawkins was the best receiver in Mobile, bar none. He showcased natural skills and athletic ability all week, consistently making the easy reception as well as the acrobatic deep catch. Hawkins is being compared to former USC receiver Steve Smith, and like the Giants rookie, he looks like a solid choice in round two.
Dexter Jackson, WR, Appalachian St: Jackson made the most of his one-day practice appearance (filling in for injured Limas Sweed). He's another natural pass catcher who ran razor-sharp routes and caught everything thrown to him. Jackson's punt return skills in the game could further bolster his already improving draft stock.
Mike Pollack, C, Arizona State: Pollack clearly established himself as the top center in the draft with his work in Mobile. His athleticism is impressive for a 300-pound lineman, as is the ease which he moves about the field. NFL teams could take a crack at Pollack in the second round considering the poor crop of centers available in April.
Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC: Ellis was impressive and leaves the Senior Bowl as a top-ten pick. His explosive play, hustle and technique are a terrific complement to the football smarts he showed on the field. Ellis has undoubtedly closed the gap between himself and Glenn Dorsey of LSU, presently rated as the draft's top defensive tackle.
Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M: Bryant's performance this week was a bit of a surprise. He displayed the power he's known for and also showed consistent intensity, something his game lacks. Scouts think the fact that Bryant, who struggled with a knee injury the past two seasons, may finally be healthy has a lot to do with his improved play.
Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn: Lee was one of the few defensive backs who put together a complete week. He displayed skill in man coverage as well as zone. Lee's stock will only improve with fast forty times at the combine.
Stock sliding
Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii: Brennan had a lot to gain this week but in the end fell short. His poor arm strength is troubling, as it gave defensive backs more than enough time to break up his passes. Scouts feel there is a place for Brennan as a backup signal-caller in a timing offense, yet most agree he presently grades as a mid-to-late round draft pick.
Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky: Woodson's arm strength was not questioned, but his terrible accuracy and pass placement has scouts concerned. His receivers were constantly slowing up in routes or reaching back to grab errant passes. He was considered a potential first-round choice prior to the Senior Bowl, but is now likely to fall out of the initial two frames.
Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma State: Bowman had his troubles from the start, dropping passes daily while displaying minimal speed to his game. He showed signs of improvement during the final day, but it won't be enough to keep him in the draft's first 60 picks.
Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College: Cherilus was expected to have a big week but failed to deliver. He possesses the size and strength to start in the NFL, but his inability to block in anything other than a small area was troublesome. Cherilus now needs a big combine to preserve being a first-round choice.
Terrence Wheatley, CB, Colorado: Wheatley struggled and consistently looked overmatched in practice. He lacks the size to cover the large receivers and did not show the foot speed to keep up with faster wide outs.