The Reese’s Senior Bowl kicked off today with two exciting practice sessions. Here is a stock report of some players that either increased or decreased their NFL Draft position after day one.
Five Players Who Either Improved Or Worsened Their NFL Draft Stock After Day One Of The Senior Bowl
Stock Up
WR Tez Johnson, Oregon
Johnson came into the week on a low note, measuring in at just 156 pounds. He began quieting the doubters with his first day of practice, however, as he was seemingly unguardable. He had National Team defensive backs struggling heavily to keep up with him and created more space than any other wideout by a wide margin. His excellent abilities in space were showcased throughout the two-hour practice and he looked the part of an NFL receiver.
Potential Team Fit: Arizona Cardinals
TE Elijah Arroyo, Miami
The tight ends were a noticeable bright spot throughout both practices, and none of them had a day as good as Arroyo’s. His receiving abilities have been heavily discussed among draft circles, and they were as advertised. He consistently worked past both linebackers and safeties, flashing some impressive downfield movement skills.
Potential Team Fit: Denver Broncos
OL Grey Zabel, NDSU
Zabel is widely recognized as one of the top FCS prospects in this cycle and his first day in Mobile was exceptional. His “mauler” mentality shined in OL/DL drills and he put several edge rushers and interior linemen off their base. Most of his reps came as either a guard or center, with great versatility and overall strength. He was a prospect many predicted to be a quick riser throughout the week and Tuesday was a fantastic first step toward that.
Potential Team Fit: Chicago Bears
DB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
The best word to describe Hairston’s performance was sticky. He smothered wideouts all day and didn’t give an inch of separation through the catch point. His skills translated against all types of receivers and the Kentucky product was a true lockdown corner. He looked quick, twitchy, and athletic, winning reps with both overwhelming physicality and beautiful technique in multiple alignments.
Potential Team Fit: Minnesota Vikings
Stock Down
QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Senior Bowl week was viewed as a major turning point for Milroe’s draft position and it hasn’t gotten off on the right foot. He missed a ton of throws, was shaky taking snaps, and continued to look like an athlete playing quarterback. He’s among the most polarizing prospects in the class and a string of subpar performances could severely tank his draft position. There was a level of rust among all of the QBs in Mobile, but he’s going to have to do a lot more in the next few days to solidify himself as a rightful top pick.
DB Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
Bowman Jr. measured in as quite an undersized safety and really struggled with more physical WRs and TEs on Tuesday. He was taken advantage of by savvier wideouts and completely bullied by some larger weapons. He shouldn’t be written off already, but the defensive back group’s all-around solid play does force him to work his way back up. Some already see him as a much better collegiate player than an NFL player, and a bad week would greatly damage his stock.
Main Image: Ben Lonergan – USA Today Sports
