Senior Bowl-The Rise and Fall

On the Rise-Guys Who Benefited Most From Senior Bowl Week

1. Robert Ayers-DE-Tennessee-He definitely carried his weeks worth of great practices into the game. He got to the QB and was very active against the run. He is sneaking his way up into the "day 1" crowd.
   
2. Fili Moala-DT-USC-He wrecked the North's opening series all by himself. I think he is the kind of guy that teams will be able to line up anywhere, like Tuck does for the Giants, on the line depending on the situation. I think he is a definite day 1 pick after his senior bowl showing.
3. Andre Brown-RB-NC St.-He looks big and quick and he isn't afraid to lower the shoulder. He too, depending on his combine, could sneak into day 1.
4. Macho Harris-CB-Virginia Tech-He still needs to run a good time at the combine, but he proved he can hold up in coverage without constant help over the top. We already knew that he was a fierce competitor.
5. John Parker Wilson-QB-Alabama-Yes, I am serious. He emerged from the Senior bowl as the clear top senior QB in this years draft. I say that is a rise, since he was anywhere from 3-6 on most lists prior.
6. Darius Butler-CB-Connecticut-He displayed great feet and recovery speed all week. He now has an outside shot at the bottom of the first round. A few already had him slotted there. I think most do now.
7. Peria Jerry-DT-Mississippi-The big fella showed a tremendous amount of explosion. I think he showed enough to challenge Raji's standing as the #1 DT on some teams boards.
8. William Beatty-OL-Connecticut-Beatty is light on his feet. He reminds me of Chris Williams from Vandy last year. Guys with his skill set and frame always shoot up the board as the draft approaches.
9. Patrick Chung-S-Oregon-He proved that he can cover. We knew he could play in the box, but now we know that a team can put him on an island and he can take care of himself. He also made some excellent tackles during the game.
10. Evander Hood-DT-Missouri-Although he was already highly regarded, I think the extent of his athleticism opened the remaining eyes that were still closed.
    
11. Phil Loadholt-OT-During the pass block drills, he showed better feet than anticipated. When you add that to his size and strength you get a draft board riser.
12. Derrick Williams-WR-Penn St.-This guy has incredible feet and he is a natural hands catcher. He runs great routes, and he's a major RAC threat.
    
13. Antoine Caldwell-C/OG-Alabama-He was the only South OL that had any success blocking the sick South DL in one on one drills. He created significant movement during the game on several occasions.
14. Mike Wallace-WR-Mississippi-Speed! This guy can fly. He ran by people in practice and the game with ease. His combine should be impressive.
15. Ellis Lankster-CB-West Virginia-He got himself on the radar this week as a cover corner.

The above is not necessarily my list of the best players, it is simply those I think probably made the biggest climb up NFL team draft boards as a result of the Senior Bowl. For instance, I didn't list BJ Raji, but I still think he is the highest rated player that played this last week. He wasn't bad, but I think he pretty much just held the line.

Falling Down-Guys Who May See Their Stock Falling After The Senior Bowl

1. William Moore-SS-Missouri-I guess he is still coming off injury, but he looked terrible in coverage drills. He didn't look much better in the game unless missing tackles is good. If you are too injured to go, then why are you there? All of these mocks that have him as a first round pick need to kill it. I think he is sliding into day 2.
2. Michael Oher-OT-Mississippi-He was not impressive during practice. In the game he was adequate. I don't think that is good enough for a guy that many feel is a top five pick. Because of the need in the NFL for athletes at his position he probably won't slide too far, but I am sure some teams aren't near as high on him as they were.
3. Max Unger-C-Oregon-He struggled more than any OL during the week. He didn't look like he was strong enough to block bull rushers or quick enough to block speed guys. He fared a little better in the game, but he was clearly out classed by Caldwell and Eric Wood of Louisville. I do not see how anyone could still have him as the #1 rated center in the draft.
4. Sherrod Martin-DB-Troy-He emerges from Mobile as either a corner that can't cover or a safety that isn't physical and can't tackle. There isn't much need in the NFL for either. Are we sure this guy doesn't already play for the Texans.
5. Graham Harrell-QB-Texas Tech-He had a bit of roller coaster week. As the week progressed so did his ability to play under center. His footwork, drops, play fakes, reads, and rhythm were all looking pretty good. He was throwing the ball with nice velocity in team and getting praised by coach Lewis and the NFL network crew. And then came the game. The speed of the game threw him all out of whack. His weight transfer was off which was causing him to throw passes that looked like my mom threw them. Sure she has a hell of an arm for her age, but she's in her 60's. In the end I am not sure his status is any worse than it was before the week. He is the averaged arm guy that is a major project because he played in the spread that everyone though he was.
6. Rhett Bomar-QB-Sure, he has a strong arm and he is tough, but his mechanics and accuracy look terrible. I don't think this week did him any favors.
7. Ramses Barden-WR-Cal Poly-He came into the week as the 6'6" small school stud WR that was going to wow the scouts. He leaves as a big target that looks tentative and slow. He needs a good combine to resurrect the buzz.
8. Will Davis-DE-Illinois-He did show a great burst off the edge, but the dude quits. He did it in practice. He did it in the game. Someone gets there hands on him and he seems content to just lean on them and take a break. I don't know if this bothers some scouts as much as it bothers me. I am sure they think they can motivate and "coach em' up." I am not sure anyone can give a guy heart.
9. Brian Cushing-LB-USC-He didn't do major damage, but he showed a major tendency to over run plays. He got cut back on in the game and in practice due to over pursuit. I was surprised to see a guy so heralded consistently make the same mistake. For the record, over pursuit is often how 5 yard gains turn into 80 yard gains, so it is kind of a big deal.
   
10. Alphonso Smith-CB-Wake Forest-I know. I agree. I love him too. He is a small guy with first round talent. In practice he was out fought for the ball a few times and in the game he missed about three plays he should have made. One would have been a pick for a touchdown. I am just saying it wasn't a great showing for a smallish guy who hangs his hat on being a play maker.

Also, I wanted to put Pat White on both lists. Depending on the team evaluating he either rose or fell. I am sure some were upset that he didn't take any reps at WR. There are others that are hoping to make him the next "slash" type player. I have no idea where to predict what will happen to Pat White on draft day.

I will post my observations of the Texas Vs. The Nation game next weekend. Take it easy.
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