Dynasty Scouting Notebook: Senior Bowl
This year’s Senior Bowl event, played on February 3, was none like any other in recent history.
I have been watching and following the event for some time now, and, I mean this – I never saw the bevy of talent like there was in Mobile, Alabama this year. This was the most stacked roster of Senior Bowl players that I could remember in a long time. However, it was exciting to see these prospects compete and play one last game before they head to Indianapolis for the Scouting Combine.
This is a very intriguing draft class to study so far. Position groups such as offensive tackle and wide receiver are loaded at the top with terrific depth spread out among the rest. Other groups such as defensive backs, quarterbacks, and running backs are solid but don’t appear to be as top-heavy.
This edition of the DLF Scouting Notebook will focus on the fantasy-relevant positions and my observations from both rosters as to who helped best their dynasty and draft stock after the Senior Bowl.
National Roster
Quarterbacks
Bo Nix, Oregon
Michael Penix Jr, Washington
No real surprise here for these two. Both had their moments in Mobile and flashed their traits, but also showed the red flags and concerns that preclude them heading into the Combine. I think Nix is more likely to be the guy who sneaks into day one. Penix, in my opinion, is looking closer to a day two, early day three conversation where you just cross your fingers and hope can develop.
I am fading the hype on Penix. Even though I am a gambling man, I will let someone else take that bet.
Running Backs
MarShawn Lloyd, USC
Rasheen Ali, Marshall (Honorable Mention)
It’s unfortunate Ali exited Mobile early due to a torn biceps injury suffered during practice. He looked the most complete and best running back out of the entire position group during practice week. His recovery will be long and creep into the summer, but he could be an upside dart throw.
After Ali, Lloyd was the one who stood out. There’s nothing very flashy or exciting with Lloyd, but he runs hard and can catch passes. He’s becoming a very trendy dynasty roster target, but I am in wait-and-see mode. I most likely will not have many shares on my roster, though.
Wide Receivers
Roman Wilson, Michigan
Luke McCaffrey, Rice
Javon Baker, UCF
This group of pass catchers “made some money” during their week in Mobile. Wilson was arguably the best receiver on the field, while Baker turned a lot of heads with his route running and good hands. McCaffrey obviously has the bloodlines but clearly has the talent to play at the next level.
Should any or all three stand out at the combine, they will be solid day three targets.
Tight Ends
Theo Johnson, Penn State
Brevyn Spann-Ford, Minnesota
Johnson was the biggest winner of the tight end group. Most likely you haven’t heard about him, because he was not used as a catch weapon that often for the Nittany Lions. He was asked to block quite a bit as the offense ran through Drew Allar and their running game. The fact is, Johnson is a loose, fluid athlete who is projected to run in the 4.4s at 260 pounds at the combine. He is the type of gamble teams love to bet on.
As for Spann-Ford, I have always been a fan. His touchdown catch in the game showcased the underrated athleticism and upside he has.
American Roster
Quarterbacks
Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
There is probably no other prospect from the Senior Bowl who helped themselves more than Rattler. At one time a darling devy pick, Rattler self-destructed in Norman, then transferred to South Carolina and has had to claw his way back ever since. Maybe there is something to be said about overcoming the adversity he faced. It certainly showed in Mobile as he threw for 65 yards and one touchdown and was named Senior Bowl MVP.
Stock way up for Rattler.
Running Backs
Cody Schrader, Missouri
Ray Davis, Kentucky
Emani Bailey, TCU
This trio each had their moments during the week. Schrader received a lot of game reps, along with Bailey. Both were physical and able to break tackles at the line of scrimmage and display short-area speed to pick up extra yards. Davis shined during his reps in practice and was the best receiver in this group.
All three are looking like draftable backs on day three. Should they land in the right situation, they can contribute early next season.
Wide Receivers
Ladd McConkey, Georgia
Jamari Thrash, Louisville
Jha’Quan Jackson, Tulane
McConkey was the biggest winner for the American wide receiver group. He just looked the part of a solid day-two prospect who has the talent and route-running chops to find an early role as a rookie. Thrash was a guy I liked at the start of the season, popping in week one against Georgia Tech. It was good to see he did not look out of place. Lastly, Jackson flashed his upside as a speedy, explosive vertical threat with good hands.
All three are going to be rookies I am interested in rostering.
Tight Ends
Jared Wiley, TCU
Wiley was the biggest winner for the American squad. He was little known throughout the season, but this is what makes the Senior Bowl special. It allows for under-the-radar prospects like Wiley to shine, and shine he did. He is intriguing at 6 foot 5 and 253 pounds. If he impresses at the Combine, he will continue to be a riser throughout draft season in this tight end class.
- Devy Scouting Notebook: Early-Season Standouts - September 28, 2024
- Devy Summer Scouting Series: Running Backs - August 8, 2024
- Devy Summer Scouting Series: Quarterbacks - July 16, 2024
