Senior Bowl primer: 40 NFL draft prospects you need to know
6:07 AM CT
ESPN NFL draft experts
All eyes will be on quarterbacks Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, this week. It's a chance for the two most intriguing quarterbacks in this class to get in front of NFL scouts, coaches and front-office executives to show why they should be high first-round picks. Apart from the on-field aspect, they will both be able to do interviews and classroom sessions to prove themselves off the field. This is a huge week for both in the battle of who's going to be the top pick in the 2018 NFL draft -- and Allen and Mayfield will be coached up by the staff of the Denver Broncos, who have the No. 5 overall pick.
It's also an important event for many other NFL draft prospects, who will get the chance to compete against the best of the best. Though a few potential first-round picks pulled out of the event, the roster is still solid.
We asked our NFL draft experts -- Todd McShay, Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Bowen and Steve Muench -- to pick out the best and most intriguing prospects who will be in Mobile. Before we get into that, here's a quick primer on the Senior Bowl:
What is the Senior Bowl? It's an invite-only showcase event for the best seniors in college football, though some underclassmen who have procured their degrees -- like Allen -- are invited to participate as well. The prospects are split into two teams and coached by NFL coaching staffs.
Which NFL teams are coaching? The Denver Broncos staff will coach the North team, and the Houston Texans staff will coach the South.
When are the practices? Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. There are 90 minute-sessions for each team on Tuesday, and two-hour sessions the other days. Coverage on Wednesday and Thursday begins at 1:30 ET on ESPNU/WatchESPN.
When is the game? Saturday, Jan. 27, at 2:30 ET on NFL Network.
Where can I find out more? The full rosters can be found here.
Let's start with assessments on each quarterback in attendance -- using their Scouts Inc. rankings -- then hit the best of the rest, and we're including which team each prospect is playing for and what number they're wearing. Let's run through 1-40, in no particular order:
What Todd McShay is looking for from each QB
Expectations are different for every quarterback who accepts an invite to Mobile. With that in mind, ESPN NFL draft expert Todd McShay is keeping an eye on different things depending on the prospect and his opportunity. Here's what he's hoping to see out of every signal-caller this week:
1. Josh Allen, Wyoming
Team: North | Uniform number: 17 | Overall QB ranking: 3
This week is a great opportunity for Allen to showcase his elite skill set on a level playing field. Mayfield faced better competition throughout his career, but Allen never had the clean pockets or the reliable pass-catchers that Mayfield was afforded at Oklahoma -- especially in 2017. With that in mind, Allen needs to show more consistency with his footwork (and subsequently his accuracy). His career 56.1 completion percentage in college will be a frequent discussion topic during the pre-draft process. The tape shows a quarterback who can make the tough throws look ridiculously easy at times; now he needs to show he can make the routine throws consistently. As a side note, I think Allen will do well in the classroom and his experience in a more pro-style system should give him a mental edge over some of the other spread-based QBs. -- McShay
2. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
Team: North | Uniform number: 6 | Overall QB ranking: 4
I'm actually more interested in seeing Mayfield's numbers at the weigh-in than anything he does on the field this week. Is he really 6-foot-1 or is that a stretch? Based on standing eye to eye with him, my guess is he's a little under that number. Is his hand span 9 inches or less? The five-year NFL combine average for QBs is 9.5 inches, and anything under 9 is concerning. It won't define his career, but the list of sub 6-foot QBs who have had sustained success in the NFL is a short one. -- McShay
3. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State
Overall QB ranking: 5
A foot injury will keep Rudolph from competing in Mobile, but I'm including him here because he's expected there for weigh-ins and interviews. Even if he can't work out, it's important for Rudolph to show he can handle the classroom part of being an NFL quarterback. Coming from that system at Oklahoma State, it will be important to show NFL teams that he can quickly digest and process information at the chalkboard. -- McShay
4. Luke Falk, Washington State
Team: North | Uniform number: 4 | Overall QB ranking: 7
Falk has slipped a bit from where I had him before the season (fourth-ranked QB), so I'll be interested to hear what he tells NFL coaches and scouts about his inconsistent senior season. Coming from that Mike Leach system, I'm interested to study Falk's consistent timing and ball placement on intermediate and vertical throws (with receivers running an NFL route tree). He flashes the ability to drive the ball down the field accurately, but that system features an unusually high percentage of throws that travel less than 5 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. -- McShay
5. Kyle Lauletta, Richmond
Team: South | Uniform number: 5 | Overall QB ranking: 8
Jimmy Garoppolo is an example of a small-school quarterback who impressed at the Senior Bowl and eased scouts' concerns over the jump in talent level from Eastern Illinois. Lauletta faces the same issue coming from Richmond. It was sometimes difficult to gauge the velocity of Lauletta's drive throws on tape, so I'm also interested to see his arm strength in person. -- McShay
6. Kurt Benkert, Virginia
Team: South | Uniform number: 6 | Overall QB ranking: 9
Another guy with a low career completion rate (57.7 percent), I want to see Benkert consistently win with throws from inside the pocket. He has a good combination of size (6-2, 218), athleticism and arm strength, and he throws accurately on the move. -- McShay
7. Mike White, Western Kentucky
Team: South | Uniform number: 14 | Overall QB ranking: 10
He comes from a system with a lot of quick throws, so I'm looking to see how White handles the timing of five- and seven-step drops with wide receivers consistently running deeper routes. I also want to see him stand tall in the pocket when it collapses. That's a weakness that has shown up on tape. -- McShay
8. Brandon Silvers, Troy
Team: South | Uniform number: 12 | Overall QB ranking: 11
Silvers, who started 48 games for the Trojans, has a quick trigger and adequate arm strength. But I think he has the most to prove of the QBs in Mobile. Specifically, I'm interested in seeing how he adjusts to working under center (footwork, reading coverages while dropping back and more) after playing almost exclusively in a shotgun offense. I also want to see better touch and trajectory on downfield throws. -- McShay
9. Tanner Lee, Nebraska
Team: North | Uniform number: 13 | Overall QB ranking: 13
Lee, a transfer from Tulane who is replacing Rudolph at the Senior Bowl, put up decent numbers for the Cornhuskers in 2017, with 23 touchdown passes, 16 interceptions and more than 3,100 yards. At 6-4, 220, he has a good frame and some tools but needs refinement. I'll be most interested to see how he progresses over the course of the week and how he responds to NFL coaching. -- McShay
Mel Kiper's 15 best non-QB prospects in attendance
McShay just went through the quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl, so we asked ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. to break down the other top prospects in Mobile, starting with a small-school guy who just made his latest Big Board:
10. Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA
Team: South | Uniform number: 93
There has been a buzz about the 6-6 Davenport, who had 8.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in 2017. He's a quick-twitch pass-rusher who put up big numbers and made offensive linemen look silly in Conference USA. Can he do it against better competition in Mobile? He just debuted at No. 14 overall in my first mock draft. -- Kiper
11. Brian O'Neill, OT, Pittsburgh
Team: North | Uniform number: 70
Can O'Neill be dominant at the Senior Bowl the way he was down the stretch in 2017? Probably not. He's going to have to get a few reps against Davenport and other guys on this list. But I think he could show enough to go in the top 20 of the first round in April. A former tight end, he kept his athleticism as he put on the weight to move to tackle. At 6-6, 290, he could play on the left or right side. -- Kiper
12. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Team: South | Uniform number: 86
Goedert could be the first tight end picked in April. I have him ranked No. 2 at the position right now. It's a big step up from the FCS to the Senior Bowl, but the 6-5, 260-pounder has the frame and production to stand out. He reminds me of Eagles pass-catcher Zach Ertz. -- Kiper
13. Uchenna Nwosu, OLB, USC
Team: South | Uniform number: 42
Nwosu is probably going to be a 3-4 outside linebacker, and he shows good burst off the edge. He's not really big -- 6-2, 240 -- but he had a knack for making plays in the backfield in 2017, with 9.5 sacks. He's also extremely active in batting down passes, which shows his awareness that if he can't get to the quarterback,
he can at least affect the play. Let's see how advanced his pass-rush moves are in Mobile. -- Kiper
14. Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
Team: North | Uniform number: 66
More than 100 tackles? From an interior defensive lineman? Yeah, Phillips had a great season with seven sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. And he wears No. 66. That's a strong number for a defensive tackle. Phillips isn't a plugger -- he's listed at only 255 pounds -- but he can get to ball carriers in a hurry. I want to see what his true weight is in Mobile. -- Kiper
Harrison Phillips had 16.5 tackles for loss in 2017. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
15. Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State
Team: North | Uniform number: 59
Playing in a rotation with potential 2018 first-round pick Sam Hubbard and likely mid-round pick Jalyn Holmes -- plus possible 2019 first-round pick Nick Bosa -- Lewis gets a little lost in the shuffle. But there's a chance he could be picked near the top of Round 2, and he has a chance to prove himself in Mobile. At 6-4, 265, he's best suited to be a 4-3 end. He ran a little hot and cold in 2017 but finished the season strong with 3.5 tackles for loss in his final three games. -- Kiper
16. Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
Team: South | Uniform number: 20
Penny didn't get the publicity of Stanford running back Bryce Love this season, but it was Penny who led the FBS in total rushing yards (2,248) and yards per game (172.9). He also had 23 rushing touchdowns. Could he be a mid-round steal like Kareem Hunt, who had a great 2018 Senior Bowl week, was last year? I think Penny could go in the second round, though he doesn't have the all-around game of Hunt. Penny is going to test well. -- Kiper
17. Austin Corbett, C/G, Nevada
Team: South | Uniform number: 73
I moved Corbett up to my No. 2-ranked guard, over another guard who will be at the Senior Bowl and who's in my honorable mention below. Corbett, a four-year starter, has played both left and right tackle for the Wolf Pack, but I think he'll kick inside to guard at 6-4, 305. NFL teams like him on the interior, either at guard at center. -- Kiper
18. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, OLB, Oklahoma
Team: North | Uniform number: 31
I wrote during the season that Okoronkwo is a tough evaluation because of his size; he's listed at 6-1, 240, which is below average for a pass-rushing outside linebacker. But he can really rush the passer, and he's relentless. He had eight sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss in 2017. He's going to have to play in a 3-4 defense -- he's not a guy who could play end in a 4-3. But if he has a good week of practice, I could see him going early on Day 2 of the draft. -- Kiper
19. Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
Team: North | Uniform number: 88
Gesicki was my top-ranked tight end before the season, and now he's at No. 3. He's a prototypical modern-day tight end with great size (6-6, 250) and skills as a pass-catcher (14 touchdowns over the past two seasons) who needs to become a better blocker at the point of attack. But there's value in big targets who can move out to the slot and become mismatches against safeties. -- Kiper
Honorable mention:
20. Jalyn Holmes, DE, Ohio State: Holmes didn't put up huge numbers in a talented Buckeyes rotation, but he's super talented. -- Kiper
21. Will Hernandez, G, UTEP: Hernandez is a mauler who is my No. 3-ranked guard. -- Kiper
22. Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana: He averaged 15 yards per catch for the Hoosiers and is a big target at 6-5, 245. -- Kiper
23. Jaylon Samuels, H-back, NC State: He's a fun player to watch who should get some reps at tight end. -- Kiper
24. Johnny Townsend, P, Florida: Townsend is the best punter in this class. -- Kiper
Seven mid-round picks we're excited to see
With practices starting Tuesday, we asked NFL writer Matt Bowen, who will be in Mobile this week, to watch some tape and pick out seven prospects who could either cement their status as second- or third-round picks or move up to be in the conversation on Day 2:
25. James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
Team: South | Uniform number: 28
Playing in a high-powered play-action system at Oklahoma State, Washington (6-0, 205) lit up Big 12 defenses in the vertical passing game, and he can make plays at the point of attack. The body control is there. So are the ball skills. But where is Washington in terms of route running, and does he have the lateral ability to shake cornerbacks consistently at the line versus press-man? We will get a much better feel for Washington's development as receiver during competitive drills and team periods this week. -- Bowen
26. Armani Watts, S, Texas A&M
Team: North | Uniform number: 23
Watts has the skill set and versatility to make the jump to the league as a hybrid safety in sub-package personnel to start his career. He can play over the top as a deep half defender, and I see the footwork to drop down in coverage. An improved tackler, Watts (5-11, 205) can fit up versus the run game and will fill the alley with speed. In Mobile, I want to see the range from the middle third of the field and find out how Watts matches up in coverage versus wide receivers. Go compete. -- Bowen
27. Shaquem Griffin, LB, UCF
Team: South | Uniform number: 18
Griffin (6-1, 223) has already amazed with his ability to overcome adversity and star for an undefeated Knights team with only one hand. And for anyone questioning his projection as an NFL prospect, just go throw on the Peach Bowl tape against Auburn. Griffin was all over that field. Impact plays. He has the athleticism to shake blockers in space, the closing speed to hunt down the ball, and he flashed as a pass-rusher on the edge. Plus, he plays with a ton of energy. -- Bowen
28. Kyzir White, S, West Virginia
Team: North | Uniform number: 28
With a long frame and size at the position, White (6-2, 218) will be a downhill thumper in NFL defenses that lean on three-deep zone coverage. Drop him down as a curl defender and let him create havoc. Run and hit. But what type of range can White create as a deep half defender, and how does he match up with tight ends in coverage? This is where we can focus on his transition speed and flexibility. -- Bowen
Kyzir White had 94 tackles and three interceptions in 2017. Steve Nurenberg/Icon Sportswire
29. Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa
Team: North | Uniform number: 25
At 5-11,195, Wadley doesn't project as a back who will handle high-volume carries inside of the tackles. But given his electric lateral movement skills, the Iowa product is a fit as a third-down/situational back with the ability to impact the passing game. Look for Wadley to flash as a pass-catcher in Mobile when matched up with linebackers in space. The option route, angle route and the quick burst to the flat. Separate and create after the catch. -- Bowen
30. M.J. Stewart, CB, North Carolina
Team: South | Uniform number: 26
Stewart can fill a much-needed void for multiple teams as a slot cornerback. With the toughness to play inside the numbers and the footwork to mirror a two-way go, Stewart can physically challenge routes and tackle at the point of attack. Stewart didn't record an interception in his final two seasons at UNC, so there will be questions about his ability to finish plays. The Senior Bowl provides Stewart with the stage to find the ball in one-on-ones and team drills. -- Bowen
31. Allen Lazard, WR, Iowa State
Team: North | Uniform number: 85
With the big frame (6-5, 222) and the ball skills to make plays on 50/50 throws, Lazard can post up defensive backs. Think of red zone opportunities and matchups here for the former Iowa State star. Just give him a chance to finish. But we also have to see whether Lazard has the speed to separate over the top or shake coverage at the break on inside cuts. This is a good test for Lazard against the quality competition he will see in Mobile. -- Bowen
Five under-the radar prospects who could rise with a big week
Scouts Inc. NFL draft insider Steve Muench picks out a few prospects who could move up the draft board with solid practices in Mobile:
32. Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State
Team: North | Uniform number: 84
Gallup set the school's single-season record (100) for receptions and finished sixth in the FBS in average receiving yards per game (108.7) in 2017. He shows deceptive burst after the catch, and it tends to take more than one defender to get him on the ground. A tough open-field runner with enough elusiveness to make a defender miss and the balance to bounce off contact, he also flashes the ability to make highlight-reel catches. -- Muench
33. Andrew Brown, DE, Virginia
Team: South | Uniform number: 99
Brown has the size, strength and length to set the edge against the run. He's an above-average tackler who has excellent instincts for a defensive lineman and chases with good effort. While he's not an explosive edge rusher, he has the hands and quickness to be disruptive when he kicks inside. Consistently playing with better pad level -- especially when he lines up on the inside -- and getting off blocks quicker are two areas with room for improvement. -- Muench
Cedrick Wilson had 18 receiving touchdowns over the last two seasons. Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA TODAY Sports
34. Cedrick Wilson, WR, Boise State
Team: North | Uniform number: 11
Wilson averaged 18.2 yards per catch in 2017 and ended the season on a tear, catching 25 passes for 503 yards over his last three games. He doesn't have an elite second gear and isn't an ankle breaker in space, yet he flashes some big-play ability. He's an above-average vertical route runner with a knack for making one-on-one plays downfield, plus he shows good quickness and open-field instincts. Throw in solid ball skills and Wilson has a chance to gain some traction in Mobile. -- Muench
35. Jordan Akins, TE, UCF
Team: South | Uniform number: 88
Akins is a former outfielder who pursued a professional baseball career after high school. He was a receiver who returned kicks his first two seasons at UCF before switching positions in 2016, and the athletic tight end is now listed at 6-4 and 262 pounds. He has the speed and hands to make plays down the seam in addition to the quickness and toughness to produce after the catch. He's still developing as a blocker and projects as more of a slot tight end than an in-line tight end at this point, but he has upside. -- Muench
36. Darrel Williams, RB, LSU
Team: South | Uniform number: 29
It's tough to get touches playing behind uber-talented backs Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice. Williams started only six games in his four seasons at LSU and finished with 321 career carries. The Senior Bowl gives him the opportunity to step out of their shadows, and there's reason to be optimistic that he can take advantage. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry, rushed for nine touchdowns and flashed on tape in 2017. He doesn't have great explosiveness, but the big back follows his blocks, has good speed for his size and falls forward at the end of runs. -- Muench
Four small-school prospects to keep an eye on
Muench and Bowen pick out the guys from tiny college programs who will get their shot to compete against the best seniors in the country:
37. Desmond Harrison, OT, West Georgia
Team: South | Uniform number: 78
Harrison attended a junior college before transferring to Texas, where he appeared in seven games in 2013 and then withdrew after being suspended for the 2014 season. He didn't play football in 2015 or 2016 and enrolled at West Georgia in 2017. With that in mind, his interviews will play a critical role in teams' evaluations. In terms of the tape and skill set, he has the length, frame and foot speed to potentially develop into a starting left tackle. -- Muench
38. Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State
Team: South | Uniform number: 50
Leonard recorded 10 or more tackles in seven games and had eight sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss in 2017. He gets displaced on tape at times and is undersized (6-2, 215) so the weigh-in will be critical, but he has good take-on skills for a lighter linebacker. He does a nice job of shooting his hands inside and using his long arms to keep blockers at bay. Leonard is a sideline-to-sideline player with solid range and the tools to develop above-average cover skills. -- Muench
39. Michael Joseph, CB, Dubuque
Team: North | Uniform number: 22
I've seen some tape on Joseph and it pops against Division III competition. He has sweet ball skills at the cornerback position, and the transition ability is there to plant and drive on the rock. Joseph (6-1, 180 pounds) is going to hit, too. There is some power in his pads when he arrives at the point of attack. But can he replicate those splash plays on his tape versus the jump in talent in Mobile? This is a great opportunity for Joseph. And I'm excited to watch him line up versus Power 5 prospects on the Senior Bowl stage. -- Bowen
40. D'Montre Wade, CB, Murray State
Team: South | Uniform number: 23
A four-year starter, Wade has above-average balance, foot speed and quickness. He picked off nine passes over the past two seasons, including six in 2017, and he has the ball skills to develop into a playmaker in the NFL. He had only 33 tackles last season and is not overly physical defending the run on his 2017 Louisville tape, but any deficiencies in run support are unlikely to be exposed during practices considering the restrictions on contact. -- Muench