PREMIUM CONTENT

2020 Senior Bowl | Practice Week & Game Notes

Christian Page
01/25/2020
DB+

MOBILE, Ala. — From the usual chilly, rainy afternoon practice days to a beautiful game day setting, the 71st Reese’s Senior Bowl functioned in its true fashion.

The players stayed in that same realm as many players coming in with hype, equaled or increased the buzz. The quarterbacks didn’t blow anybody away, as expected, but many others, especially in the trenches, showed out in the game and practice.

 

  • Ben Bartch (Saint John’s | OT) can play at the next level. His 33-inch arms and 80-inch wingspan compare to Indianapolis Colts OL Braden Smith (Round 2; Pick 37). Movements are fluid and feet are swift. Hands can be more consistent. Top 100 is definitely in play.

 

  • Despite the buzz of Javon Kinlaw — who left after Day 2 of practice — Terrell Lewis (Alabama | EDGE)  is the best player here from a talent perspective. His quick get off and explosive nature paints the picture of a top-tier edge rusher. His technique when rushing the passer is nearly bar none when supplementing with his quickness.

 

  • Despite being somewhat positionless, there’s a spot in the league for Jason Strowbridge (UNC | DL). He told me he played the majority of his snaps at 3-tech at UNC and feels most comfortable there. He has the length (6-4, 32 7/8 arm length, 80 1/4 wingspan) to play inside but his anchor and girth is what draws questions.

 

  • As a late addition, Javaris Davis (Auburn | CB) shined, especially in his last practice. He looked a little unnatural when lining up in press situations at the line, but constantly battled and won many physical contests. His inferior size may be a red flag for some, but his physical play, speed and open-field tackling ability prove his worth for the next level.

 

  • John Simpson (Clemson | OG) played above average in every practice this week. He’s not a flashy player with devastating blows or highlight reel type finishes, but his consistency and technique speaks volumes. Simpson’s technique starts with his anticipation and timing. He is a methodical striker knowing when to hit his target. His symmetrical body leverage creates for balanced pass sets and run blocks.

 

  • It’s no stretch to say Lloyd Cushenberry (LSU | C) had the best week. His leverage and hand placement was near superb. Keeping his feet and anchor intact while dealing with contact, proved his strength and lower body is ready for the league. He has No. 1 center written all over him entering the NFL Scouting Combine.

 

  • KJ Hill (Ohio State | WR) showed a lot of promise this week. A balanced route runner with enough short area quickness and lateral speed to create instant separation. Mirroring a similar week that his former teammate Terry McLaurin had a year ago in Mobile, Hill showed his versatile skillet this week.

 

  • Washington center Nick Harris had a rough week overall. He continually over pursued, was overaggressive, in one on one drills. This caused him to constantly be off base displaying poor body leverage. He couldn’t seem to get in a rhythm as far as snaps go either. Though on film he showed consistent pad level and hand placement, this week didn’t do him any favors of slipping in that top 50 range.

 

  • Josh Jones (Houston | OT) looked every bit of the part of a starting offensive tackle. I was bullish on him coming into the week but this week showcased that he is more versatile in his pass sets than his college tape showed. He was great on the run and will fit in nicely in a zone blocking scheme giving him the opportunity to accentuate his athleticism.

 

  • Showcasing some of his slashing ability and vision in the game, Joshua Kelley (UCLA | RB) was the best runner here this week. He showed patience yet decisiveness when toting the ball. His movement skills and change of direction show promise in both areas of the game. Knows how to read blocks and get skinny when necessary. Some of the quickest feet in this class, regardless of position.

 

  • Putting together a practice week that somewhat contradicted his film, Denzel Mims (Baylor | WR) impressed every day. Winning the majority of physical battles timing his extension and jump. He won constantly off press whether with a quick release or appropriate hand fighting technique to disengage.

 

  • With a lot of hype coming into the season (blame me), Alton Robinson (Syracuse | DE) had a down year and that same disappointment came to Mobile with him. He showed too many lackadaisical moments and didn’t have the strength to disengage in nearly every one on one drill. Robinson has the length and measurements that teams covet for 4-3 ends, but his skillset lacks diversity. He splashed in the game giving everyone a reason to leave with some puzzling opinions.

 

  • With plenty of buzz entering the week, he left with more. Bradlee Anae (Utah | DE) was money all week showing his complete skillset: diverse pass rush moves, short area quickness, burst and underrated power. His game showcased every bit of that dominating the left side of the offensive line (mostly against Calvin Throckmorton).

 

  • Rough day for Calvin Throckmorton (Oregon | OT). Hasn’t been able to keep up with the speed, bend or burst from really any of these pass rushers. Anae with constant pressure and then Trevon Hill with the pressure at the end of the first half. Throckmorton was a late addition and did just okay in practice. Didn’t stand out in a positive way. Murmurings that he will most likely kick inside.

 

  • Troy Pride Jr. (Notre Dame | DB) had a spectacular week. Despite not coming away with the defensive back practice player of the week award, he should have. He was cool in press coverage and showed his range and ball skills. His ball awareness and timing was on display. He had the type of week to encourage those to go back and watch his film.

 

  • Van Jefferson (Florida | WR) was the best wide receiver in Mobile this week. Jefferson rivals Jerry Jeudy as the best route runner in this class and it was on display all week long. His crisp cuts and ability to quickly gear down and change direction is art. His reliability as a pass catcher and ability to get consistent separation at all areas of the field was proved this week. He moved in to Round 2 conversation.

 

  • Michigan EDGE defender Josh Uche was a constant highlight reel. He spun tackles around all week with his quickness and showed a nice blend of handwork with his bend.

**More updates and notes to come…

2020 NFL Draft | 2020 Senior Bowl | NFL Draft | Reese's Senior Bowl | Senior Bowl

Christian Page

Christian Page is a scout and writer for Cover1.net. His scouting experience dates back to 2015. Christian has a background of radio along with collegiate athletic department experience and corporate marketing.

0 Comments