Senior Bowl: The 5 biggest North and South standouts

The 2019 Senior Bowl is in the books and it predictably had its share of standouts and surprises from both sides of the field.

This time around it was the North team getting the victory 34-18 with a 31 point explosion in the second half. Head coach Jon Gruden handed out Oakland Raiders sticker to every player who made a big play that afternoon. Suffice to say a lot of helmet had silver and black on them by the time the final whistle blew. However, as everybody knows the score doesn’t matter.

It’s the tape from the game and the previous practices that NFL teams will pay closest attention to. So looking over the course of the four-quarter action, which names ended up standing out the most? Here are five each from both teams and what they could potentially offer once on a pro roster in the next few months.

NORTH:

Tony Pollard (RB, Memphis)

Teams demand versatility more than ever before from their running backs. Simply taking handoffs isn’t enough. They have to be able to catch the football out of the backfield as a receiver. Tony Pollard wasn’t used a ton on offense at Memphis, but he displayed that capability a lot whenever he was. He’s built well, has natural hands and possesses a legitimate speed to break big runs.

Terry McLaurin (WR, Ohio State)

There are lots of guys like McLaurin. Not the biggest, strongest, or fastest but possessing a little bit of all three. It’s up to him to make the most of what he has. He showcased an ability to get open a lot during the game, making a number of nice catches and even ran a reverse for a long gain. He was also a captain in college and is known for outstanding special teams prowess.

Andy Isabella (WR, Massachusetts)

Shorter, quicker wide receivers are more in demand these days thanks to their ability to run routes and create separation. Isabella is the latest example off that assembly line. He routinely shook off defensive backs with his sharp cuts and often created yards after the catch including a touchdown. He’s only 5’10 but that shouldn’t stop him from getting attention.

Dalton Risner (OT, Kansas State)

He was considered one of the best offensive tackles at the Senior Bowl when things started and nothing happened all week to change that. Dalton is known for his athleticism and fundamentals. There is a strong element of nasty to his game that NFL teams will love. He could stay at tackle in the pros but odds are teams will choose to move him inside.

Khalen Saunders (DT, Western Illinois)

Not even the birth of his first child could distract him from having a strong week. Saunders balanced blowing up offensive linemen with traveling back home to see his new baby girl before returning for the game and deliver a strong performance that included multiple QB pressures and a sack. He’s a big, strong kid who plays every snap at 100 miles per hour.