The Senior Bowl is underway with the first practice completed, and we are gearing up for the American Team to take to the field. So far, the Senior Bowl Notes are mostly positive as the teams settle into the week of practice with each other.
We had a good time in Mobile, Alabama, watching the first roster of future NFL players take to the field at Hancock-Whitney Stadium, surrounded by thousands of media and NFL personnel all on hand to observe. The weather in Mobile this year is perfect, a balmy 60 degrees with a coastal breeze keeping the sun from getting too hot, and weather projections show that it should remain like this all week.
Senior Bowl Notes: Offensive Standouts
RB Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
Dylan Laube was one of the guys I came into the event wanting to see how he looked playing against a step-up in competition from his days in the CAA. He looked every bit like he belonged here, playing impressively well with his short burst and exploding off of his first step. Laube had some runs to the boundary where he broke every angle and turned the corner, so defenders were surprised to see that he was as quick as he was.
Laube also showed his versatility, running several routes and making impressive catches. I’ve heard two really good comps for him today – Jaylen Warren, the Pittsburgh Steelers running back, and James White, the former New England Patriots running back.
QB Michael Penix Jr, Washington
It’s hard to talk about quarterbacks on the first day so favorably, but Michael Penix Jr looked every part today of an NFL quarterback. He’s got the ability to stretch the field with his deep balls and made a lot of impressive throws in team drills. While its hard to connect with receivers so quickly, Penix seems to already be throwing receivers open and anticipating the coverages he’s facing.
OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
Most of the offensive linemen struggled in the 1v1 period, but Kingsley Suamataia (outside of a bad rep) had a good period and looked the part in team drills. I was impressed with his ability to anchor and recover when dealing with initial power. Kingsley looks like a good week will make him some money.
Senior Bowl Notes: Defensive Standouts
DT Gabe Hall, Baylor
Gabe Hall was unblockable in 1v1’s and turned in a dominant performance. His first-step quickness and his hand placement and usage were impressive and the interior linemen who matched up against him couldn’t handle him. Hall came into the week projected in the day-three range, he might make some money this week if he keeps it up.
DT Keith Randolph, Illinois
Keith Randolph also had his way with offensive linemen as a three-tech. He has quick feet and quick, heavy hands, deflecting a lot of contact over the day. His beautiful, smooth approach certainly caught some eyes, and he simply reaffirmed everything we had seen on tape.
EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
Marshawn Kneeland was a player I came into the week interested in watching, and most tackles couldn’t deal with his bend off of the edge or his dominant first step. It looks like Kneeland has the hustle and range too, chasing plays downfield in the team period. I’m very interested to see what he does over the rest of the week.
CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Quinyon Mitchell looked the part every chance he had. I didn’t watch the 1v1’s with defensive backs as much as I watched the linemen, but there was some buzz about Mitchell early and then he showed out with instincts and smooth hips in the team period. Mitchell is a guy who potentially can go from a solid day-two evaluation to a first-round pick this week and he has taken the first step toward accomplishing that.