The Senior Bowl is an annual postseason bowl game where some of the top collegiate seniors come to showcase their talents and abilities in front of NFL scouts and coaches. Every year, several participants of the Senior Bowl stand out significantly. Other participants attempt to separate themselves from the other players and they finish the Senior Bowl process with a disappointing performance. This year’s edition of the Senior Bowl was significant for many reasons. There won’t be any physical testing in the 2021 NFL Scouting Combine and there were no visits during Pro Days. This leaves the Senior Bowl as the only main pre-NFL Draft event where NFL scouts and coaches can get a physical evaluation of the players. Carson Green and Jamie Newman, along with three other participants with disappointing performances in the Senior Bowl will need to elevate their Draft stock back in their limited Pro Days.
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Carson Green, Jamie Newman Highlight Most Disappointing Participants in the 2021 Senior Bowl
Carson Green – Texas A&M (Texas A&M)
The offensive line had some tremendous players to evaluate before the Senior Bowl. Throughout the entire week, some played well, and some failed to stand out. Since the first practice day, one of the most disappointing performances was Texas A&M Aggies tackle Carson Green. There were plenty of times where he was overpowered or beaten quickly on the edge against high-caliber edge rushers. Green never really had the opportunity to find the rhythm and consistency to get better throughout the week. He appeared just a bit slower or too unreliable against the different edge rushers in practices. This week was his opportunity to raise his NFL Draft stock to a significant level and he failed to do so.
Jamie Newman – Quarterback (Wake Forest)
All of the quarterbacks in the 2021 Senior Bowl week were highly recognizable to an extent. Former Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Jamie Newman was looking to make his opportunity with the Georgia Bulldogs happen. After a failed attempt to win the starting job, he opted out of the season. The Senior Bowl might have been his last chance to display his skills and attributes in his mechanics. Despite some flashes, he was not able to provide his receivers the ball they needed to make a big play in practice. Newman showed some inaccurate throws to his receivers by overthrowing them. In the game this past Saturday, Newman threw for 118 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 10 completions (out of 14 attempts). He was sacked four times in the game while his teammate in quarterback Kellen Mond wasn’t sacked.
Trey Smith – Guard (Tennessee)
Several participants were coming into this Senior Bowl that were first-round caliber talent. Former Tennessee Volunteers guard/tackle Trey Smith was among one of the participants to be a borderline first-round to second-round pick. This Senior Bowl week proved to be more harm than good for a prospect like Smith who showed more inconsistencies in one-on-one drills. Smith showed inconsistencies in his pass protections during one-ones and team periods. Throughout the week, he did find some rhythm, especially in the run-blocking schemes. He didn’t participate in the 2021 Senior Bowl game. This concluded with Smith’s evaluation leaving more to be desired.
Tuf Borland – Linebacker (Ohio State)
Among some of the top defenders to watch for in the 2021 Senior Bowl were several Ohio State Buckeyes. There were high expectations from Borland based on what program he is from and his production on the Buckeyes’ defense. Borland needed a great Senior Bowl week to climb into the middle of the 2021 NFL Draft discussion. Through the three practice days, Borland was underwhelming as he was not consistent in getting to the ball carrier. He was among the least productive players in one-on-one pass coverage schemes against tight ends and running backs. He rarely won matchups in pass coverage schemes and only had one positive play in coverage in the game. It will be difficult for Borland to climb higher than the fourth round-to-fifth round of the Draft after a disappointing performance.
Frank Darby – Wide Receiver (Arizona State)
The 2021 Senior Bowl featured several participants that were considered undervalued prospects. Arizona State wide receiver Frank Darby didn’t have too much of a 2020 season to showcase his talent and productivity. He needed a solid week in the Senior Bowl to boost his draft stock. Darby displayed his great speed and athleticism that made him one of the top receivers to watch for. While he had the attributes to become one of the top receivers this past week, he showed to be underwhelming. He had some rough practices and one significant practice before the game. In the Senior Bowl game, Darby caught one reception for 22 yards. He accounted for multiple in the game under different quarterbacks in different quarters. There was a period where Darby had three straight drops in the game.
