2020 Senior Bowl: Kinlaw, Greenard lead players to watch in the trenches

Five big matchups to watch at Senior Bowl practices between the offensive and defensive lines.

It’s Senior Bowl week, meaning that the entire NFL Draft world will be tuned in to watch the top seniors in the country get in three practices and finish up their week with a game on Saturday. We’ve already previewed a lot of the offensive positions here at NFL Mocks, but now we are getting into a fun preview as the practices get underway; the trenches.

Some of the best seniors on a lot of draft boards come from the offensive and defensive line, some already stamped in as first-round picks and some others who could rise up boards throughout the week.

For the offensive and defensive lines, the one-on-ones will be the part of practice to pay attention to. This is where you see offensive linemen get put on an island to see how they handle top pass rushers, whether it be on the outside or the interior. On the other side, it’s about showing off that pass rush prowess.

What five matchups should everyone watch during this time? Let’s check it out!

Josh Jones vs. Bradlee Anae/Kenny Willekes

There’s been a lot of talk in the draft community about Houston tackle Josh Jones. Jones is a solid athlete with plenty of tools to develop into a starting tackle in the NFL. He has good footwork and a mean streak to finish players off during his reps. There are reservations with Jones, especially with his hand placement, which can be very off at times, leading to edge defenders winning inside.

Jones will get an opportunity to go up against two very physical edge rushers in Bradlee Anae and Kenny Willekes. Anae doesn’t have a lot of twitch as a pass rusher, but he’s got great hands and has shown variety in his ability to get after the quarterback. As far as Willekes goes, he has good hands and a high motor that doesn’t stop. Jones will have his hands full in these matchups.

Nick Harris vs. Neville Gallimore

This one should be the highlight of Senior Bowl week. Nick Harris is starting to get some hype as IOL1 after guys like Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith returned to school. Harris is a great zone blocking center who moves so effortlessly in space and reach the second level with ease. He’s also got some lower body power to move defenders.

Going up against Neville Gallimore will be a major test for Harris. Gallimore isn’t a good run defender, but he’s excellent at rushing the quarterback. He’s quick off the ball and can move laterally very well for his size. Gallimore has also shown the ability to win with a spin move. Get ready for a battle here.

Matt Peart vs. Josh Uche/Zack Baun

Matt Peart is another developmental tackle getting hype down here at the Senior Bowl. While he’s a little more rough around the edges than Jones, especially with his hands and balance, Peart has quick feet and has good power at the point of attack when he’s square.

He does overset with his pass sets at times, and those pass sets will be interesting to watch against twitched up rushers Josh Uche and Zack Baun. Baun put up 12.5 sacks in his final season with the Badgers, showing elite bend and finish around the edge. Uche didn’t go as crazy, posting a modest 7.5 sacks in 2019, but he’s got a wicked inside move and gets off the line very well.

Ben Bartch vs. Javon Kinlaw

It was mayhem on draft Twitter when St. John’s lineman Ben Bartch was added to the roster. Bartch is a big dude (6056, 308) and probably fits best at guard at the next level. Bartch has very good power at the point of attack and anchors very well once he’s got hold.

He hasn’t faced anyone quite like Javon Kinlaw though, and this will be a massive test. Kinlaw might be the best pass-rushing defensive tackle in the entire draft. He’s got some serious twitch for his size and shows some bend from the 3-technique position. Kinlaw also has strong hands to disengage from blockers. This could be a fun matchup all week long.

Alex Taylor vs. Jonathan Greenard/Terrell Lewis

There are a lot of tackles dropping out, so it’s hard to line up matchups as it keeps happening. Alex Taylor was an intriguing add for the Senior Bowl, and he measured north of 6’8″ this morning at the weigh-ins. He’s got a lot of work to do to be an NFL tackle, but he will be an intriguing watch.

Jonathan Greenard and Terrell Lewis are two of the most fun players to watch on the edge, and they should have a productive week. Greenard can win with speed off the edge and with good hand usage, while Lewis has a great first step and length to win on the edge.