So many prospects took advantage of the Senior Bowl, but one thing is for certain, don’t expect many offensive linemen on this list.
Before I list the 5 prospects, I have to give a special shoutout to the offensive tackles from both the South and North teams, as I can personally say from my novice offensive line mind, that some of these offensive tackles looked downright undraftable.
Many defensive prospects raised their stock immensely at the Senior Bowl, but there were definitely some offensive players that raised some eyebrows.
1.) Taylor Moton, OT, Western Michigan
If there was any offensive tackle who looked like the real deal during Senior Bowl week, it was definitely Moton. During the game, Moton rarely looked like he had any difficulty at all. I don’t know how to explain it, but he just seems to have a great anchor and rarely seemed overpowered at the point of attack. He definitely raised his stock down in Mobile. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up being among one of the first offensive tackles taken in an absolutely abysmal class.
2.) Haason Reddick, LB/EDGE, Temple
Reddick (besides our next prospect) definitely raised his stock the most. Not many were familiar with the Temple product coming into the week but after Senior Bowl week, he may have vaulted himself into first round discussion. His combination of speed and ability to change directions quickly makes him a very good option as an off ball LB. That said, he played with his hand in the dirt at Temple as a DE and he raised some eyebrows when it came to his upside as a potential Edge defender. No matter what position is in his future, the point is clear, he’s a heck of an athlete and a tremendous football player.
3.) Zay Jones, WR, ECU
I feel bad, I hadn’t watched a single game of him going into Senior Bowl week. Not only did he impress with dependable hands, route running and acrobatic plays, he absolutely was the most impressive WR at the Senior Bowl. I really liked Ryan Switzer, I thought Cooper Kupp showed dependable hands and ability to get off press. That said, I felt that Zay Jones was just a more complete player and he didn’t look like just a slot WR either. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go on the 2nd day of the NFL draft.
4.) Derek Rivers, EDGE, Youngstown State
I didn’t hear very much public media talk about him but that said, I thought he looked like the most complete edge defender at the Senior Bowl. He showcased excellent power, burst off the line, good hand usage, didn’t get overaggressive against the run, along with the key ability to bend and flatten the edge to get to the QB. I really came away impressed with Derek Rivers. If he was a day 3 pick going into Senior Bowl week, he’s definitely a day 2 pick now.
5.) Obi Melifonwu, Safety, UCONN
It was only a matter of time before Obi would introduce himself to the causal fan. Obi not only is a athletic freak but he could be the biggest tight end eraser in this draft. I’ve never seen a safety with his combination of size, length, speed, instincts, fluidity and coverage skills. Prospects with traits like him don’t come around very often and when they do, they go in the first round. It would absolutely shock me if he was not taken in the first round. This safety class is the deepest I’ve seen, but Obi’s combination of talent may be from another planet.
Honorable Mentions
I had to give him a shoutout, especially after the 2 weeks he has had. He dominated the FCS, got 2 INTs in the NFLPA bowl, got called up to the Senior Bowl and had 2 more INTs and a forced fumble. There’s no reason for me to believe that Lorenzo Jerome’s ball skills are a fluke. The guy can not only play, he could be a huge turnover machine in the NFL. Never count out the small school players as Javon Hargrave taught many of us.
Don’t forget the RB out of Toledo either, Kareem Hunt. Hunt showed some really nice burst, vision and balance during the game. I really came away impressed by him and it’s crazy to think he may not even be a top 10 RB in this class. That’s how deep this RB class is.