2021 Senior Bowl: Who stood out and struggled at every position
2021 Senior Bowl: Wide Receivers
Once again, the Senior Bowl brought together an excellent class of wide receivers, with all types to fit NFL offenses.
Standouts
Is there enough to say about the week D’Wayne Eskridge had? Eskridge was downright unstoppable all week long, thanks to how well rounded his game really is. His release package is excellent, and in many reps he created separation in the early parts of his stem.
Eskridge’s explosiveness and change of direction skills were a sight to behold, and he made easy work of every defensive back he went up against. His route tree is diverse, his vertical presence is there, and he has a great pair of hands and can make catches well outside his frame look easy.
Tennessee’s Josh Palmer was another standout from the week. While he doesn’t possess overwhelming physical traits or explosiveness, he went out and made plays all week. He’s got sure hands, works through contact well, and succeeded at all three levels this week.
Cade Johnson and Demetric Felton are two players that may not have a traditional role at the next level but will make an impact. Johnson plays bigger than his size, and Felton’s change of direction skills are rare. Both can find a slot/gadget role somewhere and will be fun pieces in an offense.
Speaking of rare, Kadarius Toney has explosion and route-running ability in that category. He had a fantastic week and probably solidified his first-round stock. Drops were the only question mark from the week.
Let’s add a few more noteworthy players. Tylan Wallace flashed his explosion in and out of breaks. Dez Fitzpatrick separated well on quick routes. Amari Rodgers couldn’t be guarded and separated with ease. Nico Collins, after a full season off, showed off his abilities in contested spots and red zone drills.
Struggled
Wake Forest’s Sage Surratt didn’t change the opinion of many during Senior Bowl week. He works well on a vertical plane, but asking him to create consistent separation won’t work. More physical corners made things difficult for him when he worked over the middle of the field.
Notre Dame’s Ben Skowronek, when he faced press coverage rather than off-man, didn’t make waves and might project best to a big slot role.