2013 Senior Bowl Risers and Fallers: Eric Fisher Steals the Show
Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad tight end Michael Williams of the Alabama Crimson Tide (89) celebrates with Brian Schwenke of Cal (57) during the first half of the Senior Bowl against the Senior Bowl north squad at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
I haven’t been able to watch every drill for every player at this year’s Senior Bowl, but from what I’ve been able to gather, there are some clear winners and losers from this year’s All-Star game in Mobile, AL.
Risers
1. Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
The biggest winner from the 2013 Senior Bowl is Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher, who has been absolutely dominant in drills, backing up what everyone saw from him this past season. Fisher showed out during Senior Bowl week, elevating his stock from a potential mid-late first round pick to a sure-fire top 12, if not top 10 pick. I don’t see Fisher sneaking past the San Diego Chargers, and there are a variety of teams in the top 10 who could use his services. Arizona Cardinals, you been watching?
2. Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State
The Oregon State all-time leader in receptions and yards had a great week in Mobile, drawing comparisons to Mike Wallace of the Pittsburgh Steelers. That might not be the greatest comparison based on Wallace’s 2012 numbers, but the 2011 version is sure as heck a good comparison. We all knew Wheaton had skills, but his speed was very evident during Senior Bowl week.
3. Mike Glennon, QB, N.C. State
Quarterbacks were marred by inconsistencies throughout the week, but that’s to be expected in a setting like this. Despite my current evaluation of Glennon (3rd round), I think he has helped himself a lot during Senior Bowl week, and made some big throws in the game that could also help elevate his stock. There are many out there, including long-time NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr., who believe that Glennon is a first rounder.
4. Marquise Goodwin, WR, Texas
Goodwin is a world-class track athlete, but he didn’t put up great numbers at Texas with the Longhorns. That being said, Goodwin put on a show during Senior Bowl week, and may have really enticed some teams to pick him in the third or fourth round as a potential slot wide receiver and return specialist. Goodwin’s speed alone will get him drafted, but he flashed some ability that had people wondering why his numbers weren’t as good as Tavon Austin’s while at Texas.
5. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas; Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
Okafor and Jones are a couple of defensive ends who may have solidified their status’ as first round selections in April’s draft. Both are very solid prospects who look like they can be strong-side defensive end starters in the NFL for a long time. They both play with power and quickness, and while they don’t have great speed around the edge, both have a knack for making plays in the backfield.
6. Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU
The guy showed up in practices, and made huge plays during the game. Ansah is being regarded as one of the players in this draft with the most potential, and he showed why. He should be a lock first round pick, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s off the board within the first 20 picks.
Fallers
1. Margus Hunt, DE, SMU
Despite the fact that Margus Hunt blocked a ridiculous amount of kicks/punts in college, teams are very aware of his age (going to be 26 as a rookie) and the fact that he didn’t stand out at the Senior Bowl with quick pass rush moves. Hunt showed flashes of how good he can be, but as a potential first round pick–even with his age–we all wanted to see more.
2. Denard Robinson, WR, Michigan
The former quarterback failed to make plays as a wide receiver or punt returner in practice. Some scouts were saying he will not be picked until the 6th or 7th round after the way he played this week. I have to give him a little break here, as it was his first time really playing this role in a full-time setting. He will continue to get better, and as good an athlete as he is, I think the future is bright for whatever team picks him up.
3. Robert Lester, S, Alabama; Nico Johnson, LB, Alabama
Two of the defenders on Alabama’s vaunted defense who came into their junior seasons with potential first round grades are going to leave Mobile with question marks of whether they can be effective as full-time starters in the NFL. Both struggled mightily and look like no higher than third round picks at this point, which is disappointing considering the impact they had at the collegiate level.
Big Winners
1. Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Trufant was outstanding all week long, and may have earned himself a first round slot with his play. He’s got good size for a corner, but the only thing scouts are worried about is the lack of turnovers he forced in college.
2. Johnathan Cyprien, S, Florida International
Cyprien showed off some great athletic ability this week at Mobile, and looks like a second or third round pick. He may have turned the most heads among defensive backs.
3. Brian Schwenke, C, California
Schwenke showed up to the Senior Bowl as a top five center in a horrible class of players in terms of depth, but may have showed enough to be an NFL starter as either a center or guard in a zone blocking scheme. Mike Mayock noted specifically that teams like Houston will be salivating at the opportunity to add this guy to their rotation on the offensive line.