College Football Players With Most to Gain From Senior Bowl
By Erik Lambert
Oct 31, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (26) against the Florida Gators works out prior to the game at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Over the past five or 10 years, NFL draft fans and experts have learned one of the most important parts of the process that often sees players make the biggest impact, positive or negative on their stocks is at the Senior Bowl. Several notable college football names have already been invited.
Which among them have the highest motivation to do well down in Alabama?
Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
Before a broken wrist slowed the momentum he’d been building this season, Carson Wentz was generating a lot of buzz as not only the best quarterback in the FCS but also a sleeper threat to crack the 1st round next April. The injury now makes him somewhat of an enigma. There is still no doubting he’s drafted, it’s just a matter of when. If he can turn in a solid performance at practice and the game, then Wentz could still go early.
Malcolm Mitchell, WR, Georgia
Being a school that loves to run the football, it’s always easy to overlook that they have talent at wide receiver as well. Malcolm Mitchell is as intriguing as they get. From a numbers standpoint, the 6’1″ receiver is just another guy with 45 catches for 637 yards and four touchdowns. However, when watching him it’s clear the young man uses a combination of size (6’1″), speed and body control to flash elite traits. He’s even drawn comparisons to A.J. Green.
His problems have been constantly switching to different positions, lack of route running and a recurring knee injury. He can show teams all of that is behind him in Alabama.
Bryce Williams, TE, East Carolina
One thing people will notice right away as the draft process begins is how thin the class will be at tight end. No players from that position group are currently viewed as 1st round options, which should open up opportunities for lesser known players to make a name themselves and perhaps go from a mystery to a Day 1 choice. Bryce Williams could be that guy.
The East Carolina tight end has that preferred skill set of being a tall but fast pass catcher. He’s not as bulky as some would like but he’s tough and doesn’t shy away from his blocking duties. He could be a legitimate weapon in the right offense.
Matt Ioannidis, DT, Temple
One of the better defenses in college football this season has been at Temple University and one of the reasons it’s so good is senior defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis. A big and quick player, he has become an active interior pass rusher who displays a knack for wreaking havoc in opposing backfields. Given his athleticism and size (6’4″, 292 lbs) he’s sure to become a player in high demand both in 4-3 and 3-4 defenses.
Miles Killebrew, S, Southern Utah
Jaquiski Tartt was the safety prospect who came out of nowhere in 2014, going from tiny Samford to 2nd round pick of the 49ers. His big moment that put him over the top? An aggressive showing at the Senior Bowl. Now it could be Miles Killebrew who holds that distinction in 2015.
The 6’3″ safety has rare size for his position coupled with surprising speed to cover lots of ground. Like Tartt he has a reputation for hard hits and playing downhill. He’s smart and a leader on the field who fires up teammates and gets them in position. NFL teams love players like that, especially at that position.