2016 Senior Bowl Review

The Senior Bowl has proved to be a very valuable tool in evaluating potential draft picks. It is a very competitive week and the players that excel can really improve their draft stock. Players like Eric Fisher, Dee Ford, and Aaron Donald have used the week to make themselves a lot of money. Here is a look at some players that took advantage of Senior Bowl week, and some that struggled a bit.

North Dakota State's Carson Wentz was gaining steam as a prospect entering the week, and he continued his rise up draft boards. The talent was never the issue: he has the size, arm, and athleticism to play on Sundays. But playing at a lower level and missing half his senior year with an injury left some questions unanswered. He answered them this week. Despite battling poor weather and defensive standouts from bigger schools, Wentz still stood out. He displayed the accuracy and touch, along with the confidence to command the offense. Wentz has solidified himself as a first round talent, and could possibly land in the top half of the round now, with the need for quarterbacks.

There have been a number of college quarterbacks that have made the conversion to wide receiver at the NFL level, such as Julian Edelman and Hines Ward. Ohio State's Braxton Miller appears to be the next one. He was always an explosive playmaker as a quarterback, showcasing agility, acceleration, and breakaway speed. A shoulder injury shifted him to receiver for his senior season, and gave him a bit of a head start in the transition. He's still a work in progress, but he proved that his explosiveness is legit and will carry over to the next level. He also impressed with his quickness in and out of his breaks, his ability to get off the line of scrimmage, and impressive ability to adjust to the ball in the air. Once considered a mid round project, Miller now has the look of a bonafide second round prospect. If he continues to impress throughout the rest of the draft process, do not be surprised if he starts generating some first round buzz.

Michigan center Graham Glasgow is a former walk on that was considered a late round type two weeks ago. He was always tough and intelligent, but seemed a bit limited athletically. He had a very good week at the Shrine Game, earned a Senior Bowl invite, and again was impressive. While not a great athlete, he showed improved footwork and range, along with his tremendous instincts and toughness. He is a bit tall for the position, but that could also give him the versatility to play other positions. He's definitely moved into the middle portion of the draft, with a shot at cracking the end of day two.

Louisville's Sheldon Rankins was one of the most impressive players on either side of the ball during the week of practice. He was already a talented player in a deep defensive tackle class, but he has definitely climbed a few spots on the board, and now looks like a certain first rounder. His burst off the line, quickness, and change of direction ability make him a real difference maker on the interior line. Danny Shelton and Aaron Donald were short defensive tackles that used big Senior Bowls to move into the top 15 of the draft. Rankins may have done the same with his performance this week.

Eastern Kentucky's Noah Spence rivaled Rankins as the most explosive defensive linemen this week. He's not your typical small school standout, as he was a playmaker at Ohio State before getting kicked out of school for a drug problem. He has the explosive first step, balance, and closing speed to be a mid first round pick. He put that ability on display with a spirited effort this week, and is trending up. He has appeared to get his life in order and as long as he stays focused, should be a first rounder. With a lack of truly explosive edge rushers at the top of this year's draft, Spence could surprise and go even higher than his late first round ranking at the moment.

With more and more teams spreading out their offense and opening it up, it has put a premium on defenders that can run and play in space. It's hard to find big linebackers capable of doing it, so many teams are using smaller, quicker players to fill the role. Jones fits that role to a T. He has tremendous range and closing speed, as well as the ability to drop into coverage and make plays. Jones could probably play a more traditional safety role with his movement skills, but his ability and willingness to play closer to the line will find him a role in the NFL. It's a role that has become very coveted in today's NFL.

SE Louisiana's Harlan Miller has been a standout at the college level, earning All American honors the past two seasons. There were still questions about his talent level, however. He eased some of those concerns this week, and showed some tenacity that teams love in corners nowadays. Miller is still very thin and will need to bulk up, but he is willing to get physical as a cover man and in run support. He didn't back down from any challenge, and stood out with his quick feet and change of direction ability in coverage. The natural cover skills, length, and feistiness displayed this week pushed him from day three up to a possible second round selection.

Another small school defensive back, Northern Iowa's Deiondre Hall, stood out this week in Mobile. He definitely looks the part, checking in at 6'1.5" 192lbs, with the longest arms of any non lineman in attendance. He knows how to use that length to his advantage. He shows the ability to be a press man corner, jamming receivers at the line, and then also shows excellent awareness in coverage, using his length to make plays on the ball. Hall was amped up to play against the big boys and that type of toughness along with his length, gives him tremendous upside as a corner. He doesn't have ideal change of direction or speed, but that can be covered in the right scheme. He also brings experience as a safety and in the nickel, which only enhances his value as a pro prospect. Hall may have locked up a day two selection with his play this week.

Darian Thompson (Boise State) was already viewed as one of the top safeties in the draft, but he may have vaulted himself to the top with his performance this week. He checked in at 6'2 215, and verified his range and playmaking ability this week. He was able to close on the ball quickly, and matched up well in coverage, staying stride for stride in most of his matchups. The size and toughness along with his range, could make him the top true safety in this year's draft class.

Unfortunately for some players, the stage at the Senior Bowl did not suit them well.

Georgia offensive tackle John Theus carried a second round grade on many boards, but did not play up to that level this week. His struggled with speed and power this week, which was surprising for the SEC veteran. There is time left to re-establish himself, but he's a borderline day two guy after his showing this week.

Southern Utah safety Miles Killebrew was drawing a lot of Kam Chancellor comparisons for his size and hitting ability as a safety. He was over aggressive and had trouble changing directions this week, as well as coming in a bit smaller than expected. His stock may not have taken a big hit, as he was considered a project anyway, but this was a big opportunity for him to make a name for himself, and he did not take advantage. He's still a worthy pick on day three for his upside, but he failed to capitalize on a chance to push himself into day two.

Michigan State's Connor Cook may have been the biggest loser this week, and he didn't even suit up. That is why his stock has taken a hit, though. Cook declined the invite to the Senior Bowl, passing on an opportunity to stake his claim as the top senior QB available this week. He had the chance to go heads up against Carson Wentz and leave no doubt who would claim that honor. The doubt was removed, despite his absence. Wentz has locked up the top senior QB label, and firmly entrenched himself above Cook as a prospect.