Day One of the 2020 Senior Bowl practices concluded with many players coming out with positive outlooks in the eyes of many. These players that performed well in both position drills and in team periods were regarded as winners. While there are many attributes to what makes a player in the Senior Bowl a day or week winner, consistency is one of the main performance settings to possess. These are some of the top performers of the day one practice in the 2020 Senior Bowl from the South and North Squads.
South Team
DE Marlon Davidson (Auburn)
While players in the same position group are on the same team, they are competing for the role and attention. With a loaded defensive line that includes South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw and Florida’s Jabari Zuniga, Davidson had one of the best performances overall in day one of the practices. Davidson measured in at an impressive 6’3, 207 pounds before the practices started. Davidson showcased his impressively explosive get-offs along with his speed. He was winning one-on-one’s matchups against offensive linemen with ease. He will be a player to watch out throughout the 2020 NFL Draft process as he can find himself rise sharply.
QB Justin Herbert (Oregon)
Herbert came into the Senior Bowl as one of the top prospects for the 2020 NFL Draft. He just needed to come in and perform like he has been all season long for Oregon. From start to finish, Herbert threw the ball consistently to his targets with accuracy and power. He also displayed great athleticism and great footwork in other quarterback drills that impressed many scouts. His best work on day one was in team drills where he was making excellent reads against the opposing defense and accurate throws. This first practice showed many of the pro scouts the diverse positive attributes of his profile.
WR Collin Johnson (Texas)
Many of the wide receivers were going to benefit from a South roster of offensively talented players. Some receivers did well in the specific position drills and then some did well in the 7-on-7 or team matchups versus defensive backs. Johnson was a player that performed in both areas of the day one Senior Bowl practice. He was one of the few receivers overall that caught his target throws and created separation from the opposing defender. Johnson was a borderline first-round pick in the middle of the 2019 season. His stock mostly fell due to Texas’ disappointing season. Now Johnson is on the right track of rising his Draft stock back up.
North Team
DT Neville Gallimore (Oklahoma)
There were plenty of great performers on the defensive line for the North squad on day one. Gallimore is also a borderline first-round prospect that needed to show his potential in the practices. Gallimore was the electrifying and explosive playmaker in the position drills. He was also big in winning one-on-one and was constantly in the backfield during run plays and passing plays. He also showed versatility by playing the three-technique defensive tackle and the defensive end. Gallimore was the most impressive player overall for the North Squad and will be the leader for the defense this week.
C Nick Harris (Washington)
The North Squad had noticeable names on the offensive line but the most surprising performance from Harris. He had a strong first day by performing well against a talented slate of defensive line in one-on-ones. Even in situations where he looked defeated, he quickly composed himself to keep the pocket clean. One of the most impressive attributes he fully displayed was his fast reach blocking. Harris was one of the most consistent first-teamers overall in the first-day practice. This Senior Bowl is important for a player of his lesser-known caliber to come out and have a very productive week to get the first attention from scouts and coaches.
CB Troy Pride Jr. (Notre Dame)
This day was a big day for some of the wide receivers and quarterbacks, which means it was a big day for defensive backs to start out strong. Pride was a cornerback that was highly vocal and consistent in winning coverages. There were a few times where he was beaten in coverage in Tuesday’s practice. He was, however, able to get himself back together for his next opportunity to win the matchups. Even during run plays, he was alert and productive in reading the ballcarrier and going for the tackle. He will be able to continue his impressive day one performance throughout the entire Senior Bowl
What to Watch on Day Two
There are many keys to watch for in day two of the 2020 Senior Bowl practices on Wednesday. One of the biggest areas to watch to see if Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jalen Hurts will rebound after an underwhelming first day throwing the ball. Day two will also be a good chance to see more North Carolina Tarheels defensive end Jason Strowbridge. On day one, he was dominating in one-on-one drills. Utah State Aggies quarterback Jordan Love is also looking to give NFL scouts and coaches a more extensive look at his running and throwing abilities to boost his draft stock.
