5 players who boosted their draft stock at the Senior Bowl
The Senior Bowl provides teams with their first extended look at a number of top-tier prospects ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Here are five players who starred in Mobile, Alabama, and improved their draft stock:
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
You know the big-name receivers ahead of April's draft - Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb, Henry Ruggs, and Laviska Shenault stand out - but it's time we pay more attention to Mims.
The former Baylor standout demonstrated in Mobile nearly every desirable trait a pass-catching prospect can possess. Mims showed off his fluid route-running skills and ability to separate from defensive backs, dominating both in practice and during Saturday's game. He used his near-6-foot-3 frame to high-point a number of balls and haul in contested catches, much like he did in the Big 12.
Mims will lock himself in as a top-50 pick if he carries this momentum into February's combine, and could be among the most valuable offensive selections.
Bradlee Anae, DE, Utah
It's difficult to fly under the radar following a 13-sack campaign, but Anae was still underappreciated coming into the Senior Bowl.
The star Pac-12 defensive end was dominant all week, consistently bullying offensive linemen in one-on-one practice drills with disruptive hands, explosive athleticism, and a developed pass-rush plan.
Anae was even more impressive during Saturday's game. He notched multiple sacks and forced a second-quarter interception from Jalen Hurts after immediately besting the opposing left tackle. The consensus first-team All-American demanded attention in Mobile, locking himself in as a second-round selection (with perhaps an outside shot at the first). His stock is soaring.
Troy Pride Jr., CB, Notre Dame
Most Senior Bowl drills favor skill position players due to the extra room and time they're provided, but Pride apparently didn't get the memo.
With a number of highly touted cornerback prospects sitting out the event (Kristian Fulton and Damon Arnette among them), the Notre Dame product made a name for himself with his physicality and fluidity. He was sticky in coverage, notched a number of pass breakups, and displayed smooth hips to mirror his opponents during their routes. The talented defender also added an interception Saturday.
In a deep defensive back class, Pride's impressive week likely raised his stock from a Day 3 pick to a selection in rounds two or three.
Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA
A handful of running backs performed well this week, but Kelley perhaps shined the brightest.
The former Bruin broke off a few big plays for the North squad, displaying excellent vision and breakaway speed. He rushed for 102 yards on 15 carries.
Kelley boosted his draft stock most as a receiver out of the backfield. While a number of tailbacks struggled early in the pass-catching department, he made it look easy. Kelley's soft hands, quick change of direction, and spatial awareness make him a weapon underneath. You can be sure that NFL teams noticed.
K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State
A Buckeye receiver dominating the Senior Bowl sounds all too familiar. Just as Terry McLaurin did last year, Hill had cornerbacks on skates all week long. He showed advanced route running and quick feet, consistently separating from defenders during drills. Hill was crisp in and out of breaks and caught every ball thrown his way. His high level of play helped him earn a spot as one of the North squad's offensive practice players of the week.
Hill failed to shine in the game but had a strong enough week to improve his draft stock. He's a prospect to keep an eye on during next month's combine.
Honorable mentions: Justin Herbert (QB, Oregon), Adam Trautman (TE, Dayton), Javon Kinlaw (DT, South Carolina), Van Jefferson (WR, Florida), Damien Lewis (G, LSU), Kyle Dugger (S, Lenoir-Rhyne)
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