2015 NFL Draft: Players With Most To Gain At Senior Bowl

By Erik Lambert | Jan 19, 2015

Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty (14) passes against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Bears 42-41. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Sleepers will come up at some point in the Senior Bowl, but where are the names that have a real chance to help their stock in the 2015 NFL draft?

North Team

Bryce Petty – QB – Baylor

As things stand, there are two quarterbacks in the 2015 class considered 1st round worthy. That’s it. All season Bryce Petty has tried to change that with another standout season (3,855 yards, 29 touchdowns, seven interceptions). However, experts won’t grant him any leeway because of the system he plays in at Baylor. So if he wants to start changing minds, a good showing in Birmingham would do it.

Vince Mayle – WR – Washington State

Nobody could really cover Vince Mayle for most of the season but he fell off the radar at Washington State because his quarterback got hurt. Still, the 6’3″ receiver looks like an NFL player and played like one with 106 catches for 1,483 yards and nine touchdowns. He would really shoot up boards fast if he doesn’t screw up.

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Nate Orchard – DE – Utah

For most of the season, Nate Orchard was pretty much unblockable for Utah. Collecting 18.5 sacks in 13 games proved that much. Even so, early projections have him outside the 1st round due to concerns about his overall athleticism, explosion and size. There is nothing special about him when it comes to the eye test, so the Senior Bowl will be a chance to show them yet again that they’re wrong.

Josh Shaw – CB – USC

Does anybody remember that cornerback Josh Shaw was considered a 1st round talent at the beginning of the 2014 season? Well, a case of being caught lying while breaking the law can often hurt stock like that. However, Shaw isn’t in college anymore and he has a chance at a fresh start. He is no less talented than he was at the start of last year and can really regain that lost momentum by playing well.

South Team

Garrett Grayson – QB – Colorado State

Every Senior Bowl has that quarterback prospect with own separate buzz train and this year that seems to belong to Garrett Grayson. Coming out of Colorado State, Grayson doesn’t get much press; but his tape shows a player with a lot of intriguing ability. He has good size, a quick delivery and strong enough arm to make pro throws and doesn’t lack confidence.

Clive Walford – TE – Miami (Fl.)

Thus far the 2015 NFL draft class looks rather light on playmaking tight ends with only Maxx Williams of Minnesota getting serious attention. Clive Walford is probably the biggest contender to make that leap. He certainly comes from a rich background of great tight ends at Miami and has the prerequisite size-speed-athleticism ratio to become that kind of weapon. He’ll need to show his limited production in 2014 wasn’t all about him.

Denzel Perryman – ILB – Miami (Fl.)

Everything one hears about him is good: strong leader, good athlete, very smart, fierce hitter and always around the ball. Yet Denzel Perryman is still considered a Day 2 pick. Why? Apparently genetics didn’t grant him a couple extra inches in height or length. Maybe making a few plays at the Senior Bowl will remind everybody this Miami product is a player.

Cody Prewitt – FS – Ole Miss

His speed may not be ideal, but Cody Prewitt hasn’t let that stop him from becoming the most important piece to one of the best defenses in college football at Ole Miss. He’s big at 6’2″, a leader on and off the field, and thrives through contact, making receivers fear going across the middle and ball carriers finding an open hole. If he can show he’s just as dangerous in coverage, there is little question he can challenge for the 1st round.

Next: An interview with Draft prospect, Trey Flowers