Senior Bowl Practice Recap

FROM WES BUNTING:

Senior Bowl practices kicked off today in front a packed house of NFL officials at Ladd-Pebbles Stadium in Mobile, Ala. The tempo picked up quickly as North players, wearing only shells and shorts, were put through a workout by Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and his coaching staff. The National Football Post was on the scene and breaks down today’s action.

Day One Studs

QB Graham Harrell was very impressive. He showcases good accuracy on all levels of the field. He also displayed exceptional timing with his receivers considering it was only the first day. A guy who could really move up boards as possibly the third quarterback off the board in April.

Also among the quarterback group, QB Nathan Brown performed well. He displays a live arm and can fit the ball into tight windows. He looked a bit hesitant early, but he moves around well in the pocket and exhibited the ability to throw receivers open on all levels of the field. Another quarterback with a shot to move up draft boards with a strong week.

DT B.J. Raji was the most impressive defensive lineman on the day. He displays impressive power and body control during one-on-one sessions and was consistently able to drive defenders into the backfield. He exhibited a power rip and knows how to make plays versus the pass.

Raji’s teammate, DT Ron Brace also had a good day inside. He showcases impressive bend for his size. However, it’s his first step, hand technique and rip that allows him to consistently shed blocks.

Outside of the Boston college duo, DT Ziggy Hood was the only other interior D-lineman to have his way inside. Hood displayed an explosive first step with the lateral mobility and body control to consistently make offensive linemen miss. His spin move left guard Trevor Canfield grasping air.

C Alex Mack displayed good versatility bouncing back and forth between center and guard. He showed better athleticism in space than first thought by consistently getting out to the second level. Mack has by far the quickest and most powerful punch at the Senior Bowl.

Still Need Work…

WR Derrick Williams was the most explosive receiver, showing a consistent ability to get behind corners down the field. However, he isn’t a real sharp route runner or natural catcher. He dropped two punts today, one drilling him right in the facemask.

WR Brandon Gibson seems to lack any kind of second gear to his game. He plays at one speed and doesn’t display any kind of explosion out of his stance.

LT Xavier Fulton is a natural, fluid athlete but lacks technique and power in pass protection. He consistently oversteps on his punch and lacks the strength to simply stay on blocks. A guy who needs to play in a zone-blocking scheme.

QB Rhett Bomar was solid. He has a compact motion with good zip and arm down the field. However, he lacked timing in the pass game and wasn’t as natural in the pocket as the other two. He should improve as the week goes on, but his lack of playing at a high level was apparent.

Not only did 5-foot-11 CB Victor Harris weigh in at just 186 pounds, he also struggled with his footwork in one-on-one drills. He didn’t look natural getting out of his stance and was turned around big time on some inside moves.

SS Patrick Chung struggled playing the center field-type role during 11-on-11 drills. He was turned around a couple times and lacked the range and re-direction skills to make up for a false step. This looks like a trait that will follow him through his NFL career.

Speaking of safeties struggling in coverage, former Oklahoma SS Nic Harris will attempt to make a transition to OLB in front of scouts this week. He displayed quick feet and good range to the perimeter against the run. However, he is very slow to read and react at the line of scrimmage and struggles taking on blockers inside. He is a work in progress, but, as many expected, he struggled in his first action.

**Click HERE to see the results from today's Senior Bowl weigh-ins.

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