See how much progress we've made! #SoFiStadium is over 8️⃣ 5️⃣ % complete. pic.twitter.com/g5m52X4JAC

— SoFi Stadium (@SoFiStadium) January 22, 2020

Rams may reveal new logo and colors before uniforms, no timetable set https://t.co/osY1ed3aBT

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Senior Bowl Week: Top-10 storylines for NFL scouts

Dane Brugler

https://theathletic.com/1546163/2020/01/20/senior-bowl-week-top-10-storylines-for-nfl-scouts/

At this point in the process, the evaluation of college players is 75% complete based on in-season scouting and tape study. However, the all-star circuit, specifically the Senior Bowl, provides a unique perspective to help finalize reports and projections for the 100-plus NFL hopefuls in Mobile, Ala.

The Senior Bowl game is scheduled for Saturday. But most of the work will happen during the week of practices where players are basically auditioning for a spot on team’s draft boards. Last year, 93 players who participated in Mobile heard their name called on draft weekend, including 10 first-round picks.

Here are 10 key storylines that NFL decision-makers will be following this week:

10. Who is the best “small school” prospect in Mobile?
Last year it was Tytus Howard and Nasir Adderley. The year before, it was Darius Leonard and Dallas Goedert. The Senior Bowl has a long history of showcasing non-FBS prospects, giving them the chance to display their talent vs. top competition. From promising passers like Carson Wentz to Division III upstarts like Ali Marpet, the opportunities for “small school” prospects at all-star events are crucial to their draft grades.

The battle for the highest-ranked non-FBS player going into Senior Bowl week is between two players: Dayton TE Adam Trautman (6-5, 256, 4.76) and Lenoir-Rhyne DS Kyle Dugger (6-1, 218, 4.45). Both Trautman (No. 72) and Dugger (74) are ranked in the top-75 on my draft board.

When you turn on the Dayton tape, Trautman is the best athlete on the field, using his size to box out defenders and come down with contested catches. As a former quarterback, he is still learning the finer points of the position, but his height/weight/speed and ball skills are why scouts are optimistic for his pro future. Trautman is the top-ranked senior at his position on my draft board and a strong week in Mobile to show he belongs will only confirm that ranking.

Most casual college football fans can’t locate Lenoir-Rhyne on a map. But NFL scouts are certainly familiar with the Division II university (located about an hour north of Charlotte), visiting the campus numerous times over the last two years to see Dugger in person. With linebacker size and cornerback speed, he pops off the film due to his playmaking range. However, Dugger didn’t face competition anything close to NFL-level in that league, making him purely a projection based on the traits.

The other two “small school” prospects I’ll be watching closely are in the trenches. South Carolina State OT Alex Taylor (6-8, 309, 5.25) moves like a much smaller player and is considered a mid-round pick by scouts. Division III St. John’s OT Ben Bartch (6-5, 303, 5.16) was a tight end a few years ago before packing on the pounds and moving to the offensive line. While he stays light on his feet, he is still developing his body and core strength, putting him under the microscope this week.

9. Which “late” call-up proves he should have been part of the first wave?
Due to late season injuries or last-minute decisions, there is a natural attrition on the Senior Bowl roster, which is an opportunity for lower-ranked players to prove they belong.

When former Alabama QB AJ McCarron received some questionable advice and declined his Senior Bowl invitation, it opened the spot for a promising passer out of Eastern Illinois named Jimmy Garoppolo to join the roster. Would he be the 49ers’ starting quarterback in this year’s Super Bowl if McCarron elected to play in Mobile? We’ll never know, but the Senior Bowl certainly played a part in Garoppolo’s football journey.

This year, a few last-minute additions to the roster stand out. Michigan State EDGE Kenny Willekes (6-3, 264, 4.92) has been proving doubters wrong his entire career, going from walk-on to one of the most accomplished players in Spartans’ history. Although he won’t impress during the weigh-ins, his initial quickness and ability to strike blockers before they counter allow him to create movement. Willekes won’t check every box for evaluators, but he can help sway critics if his relentless style results in production vs. Senior Bowl tackles.

Fresh off a national championship, LSU OG Damien Lewis (6-2, 335, 5.30) is a wide-hipped blocker with the brute power to be a road grader in the run game. Scouts have questions about his lower body reaction quickness vs. agile defenders, but he can dominate his square with his grip strength and play personality. NFL scouts will be focused on how he handles himself in space during one-on-ones.

A few other late adds include North Carolina OT Charlie Heck, Iowa CB Michael Ojemudia, Nebraska DT Darrion Daniels, UCLA RB Joshua Kelley, Michigan TE Sean McKeon, Ole Miss DT Josiah Coatney, Michigan LB Khaleke Hudson and Tulsa EDGE Trevis Gipson.

It doesn’t matter if a player was the Senior Bowl’s first choice or a final addition, NFL evaluators only care about one thing: can you play?

8. “Maybe” top-100 prospect to “definite” top-100 prospect?
At this time last year, USC OT Chuma Edoga was considered a mid-round draft pick with a slim chance of getting into the first three rounds. But after his impressive performance at the Senior Bowl, he put himself in the top-100 conversation and was eventually drafted No. 92 overall by the New York Jets (and would have gone higher if not for concerns about his football character).

Here are three prospects who aren’t considered locks for the top-100 picks right now, but that could change after Senior Bowl week.

Florida Atlantic TE Harrison Bryant (6-5, 244, 4.79) won the 2019 Mackey Award as college football’s top tight end and is now competing to be the first senior tight end drafted. A try-hard competitor, he doesn’t really have the blocking power to face off with NFL defensive linemen on the edge, but he will make his money in the NFL as a pass-catcher. Bryant is a plus athlete for the position with fluid adjustments and the catch-and-run skills to be a threat downfield. With his ability to separate and create, he could cement top-three round status after this week.

Appalachian State LB Akeem Davis-Gaither (6-2, 214, 4.54) doesn’t look like much and it will be interesting to see how he weighs in after scouts measured him around 215 pounds this past season. But he has above average length and athletic skill – two traits that make NFL evaluators salivate. The best way I can describe Davis-Gather’s game is he was probably the best “Tag” player in the neighborhood growing up with his lower body quickness and hyperactive play style. Regardless of where he is eventually drafted, I put a day two grade on Davis-Gaither in October and I don’t see that changing.

In a weak senior center class, the Senior Bowl called upon redshirt juniors to fill three of the four center spots on the roster. Washington OC Nick Harris (6-1, 303, 5.19) is the one true senior centers who will be in Mobile and one of the more intriguing players in this class. He is very quick in everything he does on the football field, also displaying the alpha traits and intelligence that teams covet at the position. The main issues with his next level transition are the lack of ideal NFL measureables and questionable position versatility. His short, squatty body type won’t be for everyone, but he was nothing but productive in college. Harris quieted the critics throughout his career and that should continue with a strong week vs. Senior Bowl competition, which could lock up top-100 status for him.

7. After Burrow and Herbert, who is the next best senior quarterback prospect?
LSU’s Joe Burrow and Oregon’s Justin Herbert are the consensus top-two senior prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft (Jordan Love is also participating in the Senior Bowl, but he is a redshirt junior).

Who is the third-best senior passer in this class? I think it comes down to Washington State QB Anthony Gordon (6-2, 211, 4.81) and Oklahoma QB Jalen Hurts (6-1, 223, 4.61) – two very different styles of quarterback. From my evaluations, Gordon has the edge over Hurts entering the week, can he cement that status? Or will Hurts do enough to make evaluators re-think their doubts?

Taking over for Gardner Minshew as the Cougars’ starter in 2019, Gordon set numerous Pac-12 passing records this past season, slinging the ball to all levels of the field and playing extremely loose. Air raid college quarterbacks don’t carry the stigma in their NFL transition that they once did, but as a one-year starter, there are lingering questions about his skill set. Will he play with the same type of confidence outside of Mike Leach’s system? Can he find a better balance between aggressive throws and forced throws? Gordon can make himself some money this week.

Taking the temperature around the league of the interest in Hurts, the feedback was predictably mixed. The most optimistic opinion was a “possible top-60 draft pick” as a do-everything quarterback. The most pessimistic? Not a quarterback and will have to “change positions” to make it in the NFL. The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. Hurts is a fantastic runner and he is capable of making big throws downfield. However, he is below average in several critical passing traits, struggling to anticipate and hit windows before defenders can obstruct the catch point.

Can Gordon prove he is for real? Can Hurts change the narrative about him as a passer? We will learn a lot about these two passers this week.

6. Which pass rusher leaves Mobile with the scouting buzz?
Aside from the quarterbacks, the most popular position in Mobile might be the rushers who hunt the quarterbacks. It is a loaded position with a lot of talent, but who will rise to the top this week?

My highest-graded senior pass rusher on the Senior Bowl roster is Florida EDGE Jonathan Greenard (6-3, 265, 4.84), who led the SEC in sacks (9.5) and tackles for loss (15.5) this past season. Although he probably won’t test off the charts at the Combine, the pass rush drills during Senior Bowl practices are where he can create some buzz. Greenard surprises blockers with his initial quickness and physical hands, using his upper body twitch to detach from blocks. His relentless play style is a double-edged sword, can he develop better nuance in his rush throughout the week?

It wouldn’t be a surprise if scouts leave Mobile buzzing about Michigan EDGE Josh Uche (6-2, 242, 4.70), who screams out of his stance with the edge speed that stresses blockers in space. He lacks complexity as a rusher and ideal strength at the point of attack, but his juice to get after the passer is his trump card. Even if he doesn’t project as an every-down player in the NFL, his pass rush on subpackages could be a valuable weapon in the right scheme.

One other pass rusher I’ll be paying close attention to is Utah EDGE Bradlee Anae (6-4, 264, 4.76), who is the all-time leading sack artist for the Utes. He tends to rely too much on his first step as a rusher and it will be interesting to see if he can get away with that vs. better tackle play. However, I don’t question Anae’s effort or hunger for the quarterback, which are traits that should earn him immediate snaps in the NFL.

5. Five prospects seeking redemption after a disappointing 2019.
The bulk of prospect evaluations have already been completed based on in-season scouting. But for players who were highly thought of during the summer and didn’t have live up to expectations in 2019, the Senior Bowl is a setting where they can remind scouts of the pre-season optimism.

The top-ranked senior wideout entering the season according to several pro scouts, Texas WR Collin Johnson (6-6, 221, 4.56) bypassed the NFL (and a likely top-100 selection) to return to Austin and improve his draft stock even more. He wasn’t able to continue the momentum from last season, mostly due to a nagging hamstring issue that forced him to miss half the season. Johnson is a tad stiff in his routes and doesn’t offer much after the catch, but his size and adjustment skills could make him a weapon at the next level.

While Johnson was viewed as the top wideout by several, Vanderbilt TE Jared Pinkney (6-4, 250, 4.78) was viewed as the consensus best tight end among the seniors. After 774 receiving yards and seven touchdowns as a junior, he was considered a borderline first rounder in August. But with a new quarterback and play-caller in 2019 (neither will be back for Vanderbilt in 2020), Pinkney managed only 233 receiving yards and two touchdowns (and both came vs. East Tennessee State) in his final season. Right now, he isn’t considered a lock for the first three rounds, but a productive week in Mobile could help remind evaluators why he was so highly regarded six months ago.

Injuries have taken a toll on Washington OT Trey Adams (6-8, 304, 5.27), who isn’t quite the same player he was two years ago. Working his way back from back and knee issues, the medical feedback at the Combine will be paramount, but so will be his play in Mobile. His movement skills looked rusty throughout the 2019 season and how he performs on an island during one-on-one pass rush drills will be closely watched by NFL scouts. Adams needs a strong week to remain a top-100 prospect.

After leading the Pac-12 in rushing in 2018, Arizona State RB Eno Benjamin (5-9, 205, 4.46) entered his junior year in 2019 as a projected top-40 draft pick. He runs with the balance and finishing determination that should translate well to the pro level, but he isn’t overly dynamic or creative, which really stood out when the Sun Devils’ offensive line wasn’t as effective in 2019. Benjamin is a reliable pass-catcher, but his inconsistent technique as a blocker will be scrutinized in Mobile.

Like Benjamin, UCLA CB Darnay Holmes (5-10, 196, 4.36) is an underclassman who graduated early and earned himself the opportunity to play in the Senior Bowl. But also like Benjamin, Holmes has work to do as he tries to rebuild his draft stock. He entered the 2019 season as a darkhorse first round pick, mostly due to his track-like speed, but he put some ugly reps on tape this past year and needs to prove there is more upside to his game than simply the wheels.

4. Wide receiver talent is the best in years – who lives up to expectations?
The 2020 wide receiver draft class has a chance to be a historic group. And while the underclassmen (like CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy and several others) are a key reason why this class is so highly regarded, the senior class will heavily influence the narrative when we look back at this year’s wide receiver class.

The top senior pass-catcher on my board is Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk (6-0, 203, 4.45) because of his see-yah speed before and after the catch. He is a “runway” receiver athlete – if given any type of runway, he can create with his explosive gears. While he has the playmaking skills that could land him in round one, Aiyuk has only average play strength and is a work in progress with his routes, which could allow aggressive press corners to stay on top of him during one-on-one’s.

While Aiyuk is at the top, there are a handful of receivers nipping at his heels. USC WR Michael Pittman (6-4, 223, 4.55) put together a 101-catch senior year and although he has only average speed and suddenness, he wins with physicality and focus at the catch point. South Carolina WR Bryan Edwards (6-3, 218, 4.52) and Notre Dame WR Chase Claypool (6-4, 230, 4.52) are both physically impressive with their NFL-ready frames and athletic skill. But will their inconsistent technique mid-route and at the catch point be a problem?

Neither Florida WR Van Jefferson (6-2, 197, 4.54) or Ohio State WR KJ Hill (6-0, 198, 4.54) should be overly impressive at the Combine, but they are polished route runners, making Mobile their opportunity to sway evaluators. On the flipside, Texas A&M WR Quartney Davis (6-2, 204, 4.46) and Baylor WR Denzel Mims (6-3, 211, 4.48) should both be strong testers, but their lack of route discipline and rhythm could be exposed this week. All four are projected to be early day three picks – can they do anything in Mobile to change that?

SMU WR James Proche (5-11, 193, 4.51) and Texas WR Devin Duvernay (5-11, 209, 4.45) combined for 217 catches in 2019, primarily out of the slot – how will they perform in one-on-one’s vs. corners on the outside during practice? Duvernay has speed and toughness with the physicality of a running back after the catch. Proche has outstanding tracking and ball skills and it would be a disappointment if he doesn’t have at least a few ridiculous grabs this week.

3. Who is this year’s Terry McLaurin – a lesser-known player who will emerge as a big-time prospect?
Terry McLaurin put together a solid career at Ohio State both on offense and special teams. But it wasn’t until the Senior Bowl that he started receiving legitimate top-100 buzz as a pro prospect. McLaurin was drafted No. 73 overall by the Redskins and put together a productive rookie season.

Is there a Senior Bowl prospect who could see a McLaurin type of rise the next few months, starting in Mobile? I think there is – Wyoming LB Logan Wilson (6-2, 245, 4.75).

It sounds hyperbolic, but I think Wilson might be the most underrated prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft. He is such a sound tackler with a knack for keeping his feet underneath him to break down and finish in space. And as a high school cornerback, Wilson doesn’t look out of place when asked to drop and hold up in coverage, rarely coming off the field in college. A three-year captain, NFL coaches are going to love his humble, team-first attitude, doing whatever is asked of him.

Wilson’s college resume includes 421 tackles and 10 interceptions, including four defensive touchdowns. And his tape is even more impressive. Wilson belongs in the top-100 conversation and after his play at the Senior Bowl, I think the bandwagon will start to fill up – and you can find me behind the wheel.

Aside from Wilson, Liberty WR Antonio Gandy-Golden (6-4, 216, 4.50), who is already in the top-100 mix, is another player who I think will be a steady riser throughout the week. Clemson’s Tee Higgins is generally regarded as a first-round draft pick, but are there many differences between him and Gandy-Golden? Both are big, rangy targets who might not be consistent separators in coverage, but they have the body control and focus to make fluid adjustments on throws outside their frame.

2. The top-five (non-quarterback) Senior Bowl prospects are…
You never want to radically adjust prospect rankings after a week of practices at an all-star game. But it will be interesting to see if any of the top-five prospects (not including quarterbacks) has a performance that moves the needle (positive or negative) on their draft grade.

Entering Senior Bowl week, the top player on my draft board is South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw (6-5, 308, 5.06), who is arguably one of the top-10 players in the entire draft class. He aces the eye test and wins quickly due to his initial burst and raw power, flashing traits similar to Kansas City Chiefs’ Chris Jones. Kinlaw is still young in football years and developing his technical skill, making it crucial to see how he digests pro coaching and progresses throughout the week.

The No. 2 rated player in Mobile is Houston OT Josh Jones (6-5, 309, 5.31), who shares a lot of similarities with Andre Dillard – a player who used the Senior Bowl last season as a springboard in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Wisconsin LB Zack Baun (6-2, 227, 4.69) is No. 3 and it should be interesting to see him play more of an off-ball role during practices. While he was electric as a senior pass rusher for the Badgers, he has the athletic talent that could cement his status as a first round linebacker. At No. 4 is Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk (6-0, 203, 4.45), who will be a tough match-up for cornerbacks in one-on-one’s. And rounding out the top-five is Oklahoma DT Neville Gallimore (6-2, 302, 4.92) who will blow up the Combine next month, but his quickness and initial hand strength should play well during drills.

It will be tough to match the 10 first rounders that the Senior Bowl produced last year, but those five players (along with Justin Herbert and Jordan Love) have a realistic chance of being top-32 picks.

1. Are you Team Herbert or Team Love?
For most teams, LSU’s Joe Burrow and Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa (depending on the medicals) will be the top-two quarterbacks in the 2020 NFL Draft class.

However, the next tier of passers is very much unsettled at this point in the process, including the pecking order of both Oregon QB Justin Herbert (6-6, 240, 4.68) and Utah State QB Jordan Love (6-3, 224, 4.68). Although they will be practicing on different teams, the Senior Bowl will provide a great opportunity for NFL evaluators to scout them both in the same setting throughout the week.

Herbert is a four-year starter and checks almost every box with his size, athleticism and arm talent. However, while each of his game tapes include an example of a “wow” play, he also has the tendency to leave you wanting more due to his inconsistent decision-making. Herbert isn’t an alpha personality and scouts will be glued to his interactions with new teammates each day in Mobile. NFL teams want to fall in love with him and the Senior Bowl setting is set up for him to show off his skills.

After an impressive sophomore season, Love was up and down as a junior, creating doubt in his evaluation. A loose passer with easy arm strength and natural touch downfield, Love should impress during passing drills at the Senior Bowl. Love is still very raw in understanding the relationship between his progressions and the defense, but in a practice setting, he will be set up to thrive. His Mahomes-like physical traits have scouts ready to buy into him as a first round pick.

A year ago, New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman said it was the Senior Bowl when he fell in “full bloom love” with Duke’s Daniel Jones, who was the Giants’ pick No. 6 overall in last year’s NFL Draft.

And it is certainly possible that happens again this year for Love or Herbert based on how they perform.

2020 Senior Bowl Practices Film Review: South Day 1 https://t.co/eMQ3ehE0ZY pic.twitter.com/z6mcDcTOPt

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) January 22, 2020

Cameron DaSilva@camdasilva
Aaron Donald has been named PFF’s Defensive Player of the Year 4 times in 6 seasons.

That’s absolutely absurd

J.B. Long@JB_Long
In 2020, you’ll hear many versions of the #LARams aiming “to get back to the postseason.”

If they’re contenders, the real goal will be “to earn a bye.” 2012 Ravens remain the last Wild Card to reach the Super Bowl.

And in 4 of last 5 years, 13 wins were required for an NFC bye.

==

from https://www.therams.com/news/offseason-outlook-options-for-lb-cory-littleton

Scouting service Pro Football Focus (PFF), which evaluated 179 linebackers in the regular season, gave [Littleton] the highest tackle grade at his position with a 91.6. A 90.0 or higher is considered an elite grade, and Littleton was the only one to accomplish the feat among those who played at least 80 percent of their team’s defensive snaps.

The former University of Washington standout also played a pivotal role in coverage with nine pass breakups and two interceptions. PFF’s evaluation of him in that category also reinforced this, as his 82.2 coverage grade ranked ninth-highest at his position.

wv wrote:

Well zn, you called it back when he was hired. You said he was gonna be topnotch.
Why did you think that?

McVay is good, but what if he ends up being the worst coach in the division 🙂

w
v

Along with having a rep for being a top coordinator, KS also has a rep for getting players to buy in at a high level. Remember, even when they were an injured mess without players at first, KS’s SF teams were still fiesty, spirited, and competitive.

But comparing him to McVay? Big difference in experience. KS has years on McV. He was an OC from 2008, including for his father. In 2013 when he was the OC for Washington, McV was his tight ends coach. So KS was a coordinator for 9 years before becoming a head coach, and McV was a coordinator for 3 years before becoming the HC. KS was coaching in the league including the assistant then position coach levels since 2003, McV since 2008.

Carroll meanwhile was a defensive coordinator starting in 1990, when McVay was 4 years old, and a head coach in 1994, when McVay was 8.

wv wrote:

If I’m not mistaken the Packers also got humiliated by
Kaepernik’s ground game a while back, in the Playoffs.
Didnt he run, for like, a million yards against them?

w
v

Yeah, the divisional round, 2012. (The year the Rams tied SF with overtime once and then beat them in overtime in game 2). Kaepernick rushed 16 times for 181 yards and 2 TDs against GB and SF took it 45-31. The running game total, not just CK, was SF for 323 yards.

The big difference I s’pose is that this time, 2019 playoffs, Shanahan planned a running attack GB could not stop. That time, CK was improvising.

GB also lost to the CK 9ers in the wild card round in 2013. In that game SF won by a FG kicked with no time left, 23-20. CK ran 7 times for 98 yards. The running game total, not just CK, was SF for 167 yards.

In the years since then GB also lost in the playoffs to Seattle (2014) once and Arizona once (2015).

Green Bay with its Winter Wonderland & jingle bells vibe just can’t handle playing those much tougher, more physical west coast teams.

….

Tough year for 72 year old DC’s.
Romeo is a great coach and person. Wade Phillips https://t.co/s1hDpxcHRT

— Wade Phillips (@sonofbum) January 20, 2020

1 year ago to the day! Greg Zuerlein made the greatest kick in franchise history. I was there! I can’t even begin to explain the emotions I felt. When the ball was in the air all I could hear was the silent gasp of countless thousands! Then I could only hear our cheers. Cheers! pic.twitter.com/WW11FJ48ay

— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) January 20, 2020

The in-game adjustments by Andy Reid for the @chiefs yesterday were exactly what was needed with what he has. @patrickmahomes + these weapons + this coach is a tough out. Get you a coach for your QB like Reid!! @arrowheadpride @getupespn @laurarutledge with the tee up 👏 pic.twitter.com/Uva3gVNzdJ

— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 20, 2020

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"This was a 9-7 football team masquerading as 14-3… The stats and the record didn't fool my eyes. I didn't buy the Packers all year." — @ColinCowherd pic.twitter.com/kV3wTQ1s4p

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) January 20, 2020

=

Coaches searching for redemption. The best tight ends in the league. Dee Ford against his old team. @KalynKahler on the top storylines in Super Bowl LIV: https://t.co/S2kuTnG4fn

— The MMQB (@theMMQB) January 20, 2020

==

The Packers were shook by the 49ers' ability to gash them on the ground… and they made some big mistakes in the process… pic.twitter.com/5Mtj2CSCQa

— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) January 20, 2020

==

🚨 the @49ers run game scheme wise is great. The way all 11 on offense execute is even greater. @JuiceCheck44 absolutely mind bottles Martinez here. @mattbarrows @nfldraftscout @NinersNation @TheNinersWire #NFLGamepass pic.twitter.com/4I8mKT7BDs

— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 20, 2020

John Johnson 'learned a lot about the game' while out with injury https://t.co/8Ox3V6M9ED

— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) January 20, 2020