South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Prospecting for gold: These 10 could pan out
Three things are certain in life. Death, taxes, and over-analysis of draft prospects.
The NFL got got its first look at some of the 2019 NFL draft’s prospects at the Senior Bowl, the annual showcase for most of the draft’s top talent, and like every year some players helped themselves by dominating their competition, and some hurt their draft stock by failing to impress or live up to expectations.
Here is a look at the 10 players who stood out during the week’s practices, and Saturday’s game, a 34-24 victory for the North team:
Texas defensive end Charles Omenihu:
Omenihu came down to Mobile as one of the more highly-regarded players in the country, and he lived up the hype with a strong practice week, and disruptive game. Omehihu, who recorded 115 tackles and 16.5 sacks in his four years at Texas, has excellent length (6 foot 6, 275 pounds) and strength, which helps him stack and shed offensive linemen.
Notre Dame tailback Dexter
Williams: Williams has the ability to process what he sees
quickly and burst through a hole when he finds a crease. He can stick his foot in the ground and go, and his vision helped him get to the second level of the defense all week. He also showed good agility and fluidity in his hips to go with his vision and the ability to process things quickly. Williams, who gained 39 yards and scored a touchdown on 11 carries for the North team, would fit well in a zone-blocking scheme.
Delaware safety Nasir Adderley:
Adderley, who pulled down an interception in Saturday’s game, is an outstanding athlete with terrific short-area movement skills and quick-twitch change of direction. The fact he’s played single-high, in the box, and occasionally in the slot for Delaware, shows how versatile he can be in the NFL. If Adderley runs a fast 40-time don’t be surprised if he’s taken in the first two days of the draft.
Ohio State receiver Terry McLaurin:
McLaurin averaged 20 yards per reception and hauled in a career-best 11 touchdowns this past season catching passes from Dwayne Haskins. During the Senior Bowl practices and game he consistently showcased his speed and crisp route running. His speed indicates that he could become a receiver that spaces the field. And McLaurin, who caught four passes for 53 yards for the North team, is also a polished gunner, which means he could be an asset on special teams.
Mississippi State defensive end Montez Sweat:
Sweat measured in at 6 foot 6 and 252 pounds with an 84 1⁄2-inch wingspan. That length on the edge allowed him to bully offensive linemen, having his way with them. He dominated in 2018, racking up 53 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks and one forced fumble with the Bulldogs. His stab move indicates that he could excel in a 4-3 and 3-4 scheme.
Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham:
Stidham had some nice throws during the practice week, fitting the ball into tight windows and delivering it cleanly. He has a knack for throwing receivers open, but his lack of poise in the pocket is concerning. He fumbled the ball away twice in the Senior Bowl game, which indicates that his problems at Auburn weren’t all on his offensive line. Stidham finished the game completing 4-of-5 passes for 30 yards. He’s best viewed as a developmental project.
North Carolina at Charlotte offensive guard Nate Davis:
Davis made a number of key blocks that contributed to the North’s victory, and the movement he created on the offense line opened up
plenty of running lanes this past week. Being from a small school likely ensures he’ll be taken in the third day, but he could turn into the next Ali Marpet, going from small school player to NFL standout if given an opportunity.
South Carolina receiver Deebo Samuel:
Samuel was an explosive playmaker throughout the past week, running crisp routes. He caught everything, including one pass for 15 yards in Saturday’s game. He has a physical presence that indicates he could serve as a slot receiver in the NFL. He finished his college career with 148 catches, 2,076 yards and 23 offensive touchdowns. He also returned four kicks for touchdowns, which means he’s got special teams versatility.
West Virginia quarterback Will Grier:
Plenty of evaluators knocked Grier for his arm strength coming into the Senior Bowl, but he silenced some of those critics by posting a staggering 66.1 miles per hour initial throwing speed, according to All Pro Analytics. He finished 2018 with 3,864 passing yards while completing 67 percent of his passes (266 of 397) for 37 touchdowns and eight interceptions, and showed a knack for keeping plays alive in practice, and in the game, where he completed 4-of-8 passes, throwing for 61 yards.
Louisiana Tech defensive lineman Jaylon Ferguson:
Ferguson impressed as the week went on. He possesses a solid burst off the snap, and features a good punch that allows him to push the pocket in. He transitions speed to power well, and plays with good pad level, which explains why he’s recorded 45 sacks in his four seasons at Louisiana Tech, including 17.5 his senior season.