Some of the best college prospects in the nation will descend upon the Gulf Coast of Alabama, January 29th – February 3rd, for the 75th Anniversary of the Reese’s Senior Bowl. This event is the most distinguished college all-star game in the country and marks the first step in the NFL draft process. Over 900 NFL personnel, including key decision-makers from all 32 teams, and more than 1100 media members from across the county will be represented. In 2023, the game between the National and American squads produced 100 total picks for the third consecutive year, representing 40 percent of the NFL draft, including 40 players taken in the first, three rounds. Forty-one legendary players, including 19 Hall-of-Famers will also be honored as they were selected to the 75th Anniversary Team. Stay tuned with Last Word on Pro Football all week as we provide live coverage from Mobile.
2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl Primer
Offensive Star Power
Star players are the focal point this year, and NFL evaluators will be anxious to see them in action. Quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix, Joe Milton III, and Sam Hartman highlight an incredibly deep roster showcasing their talents. Offensive linemen will also be well represented this week led by potential first-rounders, Troy Fautanu from Washington and Taliese Fuaga from Oregon State. The wide receiver group is led by Xavier Legette, Ainias Smith, Malachi Corley, Ricky Pearsall, and Roman Wilson. The tight end and running back rooms aren’t as deep as the other positions. Tight End Jaheim Bell from Florida State and running back Ray Davis from Kentucky are our favorites from these positions.
Cornering the Market
The cornerback and safety positions are a fun group to watch led by Kalen King from Penn State. The junior is a top 30 prospect in this draft and it’s great to see him wanting to still compete at the Senior Bowl. King has great feet with solid recovery skills and mobility to match his feisty nature. Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo is a fascinating player who also might hear his name called in round one with a solid showing this week. Mitchell’s reactive ball skills coupled with his plus size and athleticism have him climbing the ranks this offseason. At safety, a player to take note of is Georgia Bulldog, Javon Bullard. He plays with excellent balance and athleticism that is aided by his fluid hips that help him change direction at a moment’s notice. Lastly, his vast range at the position allows him to adequately cover the sideline.
Trench Warfare
When observing the best defensive line players in the country, two names from the University of Texas stand out. T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II will be in Mobile with scouts closely watching. EDGE rushers that we have our eyes on include Alabama’s Chris Braswell, UCLA’s Laiatu Latu, Brennan Jackson from Washington State, and Kansas’s Austin Booker. Finally, the linebackers we’re intrigued by are inside backers Marist Liuafu from Notre Dame, Payton Wilson from NC State, and Washington’s Edefuan Ulofoshio.
Main Photo:Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
