PREMIUM CONTENT

2020 Senior Bowl | North Roster Day Two Recap

Russell Brown
01/22/2020
DB+

Just like that the second day for the North roster at the 2020 Senior Bowl comes to a close. There was plenty to talk about from this practice compared to yesterday. Obviously, we could talk about the emphasis that the Lions coaching staff puts on their special teams but just scroll through Twitter and you’ll read about it.

Outside of the special teams, there was high energy in just about every area on the field. Meanwhile, head coach, Matt Patricia was coaching players up left and right. He made his rounds on the field and spoke with every single group and helped coach every group. But he was very much involved with the offensive and defensive line on the second day. One spot that I primarily noticed was when he took Utah edge rusher Bradlee Anae to the side and gave him some pointers.

Just a few plays later, Anae was back on the field and was his disruptive, usual self. It wasn’t all good for everyone though. There wasn’t winners on every rep and not every player won the day. That’s the unfortunate reality of each practice. For example, Shea Patterson struggled during plenty of portions of practice. He dropped some snaps from under center and he misfired on a handful of throws.

Aside from Patterson, his center from Washington, Nick Harris struggled in plenty of one-on-ones. Most of his pass protection reps were poor and he was seen taking bad angles or struggled with pad level when facing more powerful interior defensive linemen. Both of them have talent but they need a solid third day to finish the week strong. Even though he didn’t flash yesterday, Jeremy Chinn from Southern Illinois had a pretty good second day from what I watched of him. He looked fluid early in practice and his range was put on display through most of the drills.

Despite being able to talk about plenty of other players, here are some of the names that I think had the best practice for the North roster from day two:

Ben Bredeson, OG, Michigan 

Every time you turned and watched the offensive line, Bredeson from Michigan was impressing me with something. He’s not flashy but he’s consistent and knows how to work within his limited frame at 6-4 and 316 pounds with 31.5-inch arms. Some of his footwork could be refined and it should be with NFL coaching but he looks like he’s ready for the NFL and it wouldn’t surprise me if teams like the Detroit Lions or New England Patriots fall in love with him.

Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA 

The first play I ever watched of Kelley was him bouncing a run outside and then trying to hurdle a San Diego State defensive back. He’s not a flashy runner and he looks a lot bigger on film but he’s got a well-built frame at 5-10 and 214 pounds. During the second day of practice, Kelley showed his vision and patience as blocks developed at the second level. His value was probably around Day 3 going into this week and it might not change much but he’s at least solidifying his status in the 2020 NFL Draft.

K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State 

Maybe the biggest winner of the last two days between both teams has been the Ohio State wide receiver. Every single person I’ve spoken with has come away impressed with his route running ability. Keep in mind, he has speed to burn and has been seen returning punts during the special teams portion of practice. From a route running perspective, he has been the best wide receiver here and he continues to build off that. Much like his former teammate Terry McLaurin, we could see Hill have a similar rise in the draft.

Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah 

The little things are the big things is exactly what I would preach to Anae. He’s probably heard that saying one million times but he stepped up and did the little things today. Not only that but he showed that he was coachable. There was one rep where he didn’t fight pressure with pressure and Patricia talked him through it. Two plays later, Anae was making a play in the backfield. He doesn’t have the most ideal length for the position at 6-3, 302 pounds and 31 7/8-inch arms but he’s a technician. He did good job off the edge a few times today and long armed an offensive tackle during one-on-ones.

Joshua Uche, LB, Michigan

From the defensive line group, Uche might have gained the most buzz today. He was incredibly consistent on just about every rep. He explosive and showed off his athletic ability and lower body movement. He checked into the Senior Bowl at 6-1 and 241 pounds, so he’ll be undersized to have a consistent role off the edge but he moves well in space and could see playing time at outside linebacker. Whatever is decided, he’s built off a strong day with his disruptiveness and versatility.

Aside from what happened during practice, there was some post-practice interviews from all of the guys at Cover 1 (@Cover_1_). For instance, Christian Page (@_ChristianPage) spoke with North Carolina defensive tackle Jason Strowbridge. They spoke on the strong performance that Strowbridge had from practice and where he’s most comfortable playing on the defensive line.

Of course, Brad Kelly (@BradKelly17) spoke with some wide receivers after practice. He spoke with Hill and he had the best answer ever given at the Senior Bowl. Likely because he’s having the best week of any player at the event.

Lastly, Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) had a great post practice interview with Notre Dame defensive back Troy Pride Jr. It’s been consecutive days for Pride who has been sticky in coverage and making life tough for most wide receivers he matches up against.  Be sure to give it a listen!

2020 NFL Draft | Ben Bredeson | Bradlee Anae | Detroit Lions | Jason Strowbridge | Jordan Love | Matt Patricia | Nick Harris | Senior Bowl | Shea Patterson

Russell Brown

National Scout for Cover 1. Host of Cover 1 | The NFL Draft Podcast. NFL Draft Enthusiast. X's and O's. Heard on ESPN Radio, FOX Sports Radio and CBS Sports Radio.

0 Comments