2022 Senior Bowl: Who Stood Out And Struggled At Every Position

2022 Senior Bowl: Defensive Backs

Perhaps the toughest job of the week, the defensive backs covering wide receivers at the Senior Bowl was a mixed bag. There were impressive players throughout the week of practice, though.

Standouts

Baylor safety Jalen Pitre was a big winner this week. His quickness and transitions were impressive in the short area, and he was able to handle tight ends and get his hands into some throwing windows as well. He hung with bigger guys and had great zone awareness and motor in team drills.

Tariq Castro-Fields had a great week down here despite receiving little hype entering the week. He was patient, efficient with transitions, and stayed physical with receivers throughout their routes while sticking in the hip pocket vertically. Castro-Fields gave Alec Pierce headaches at the catch point and came down with a wild interception.

Bearcats corner and Thorpe Award-winner Coby Bryant was as advertised this week. His patience in coverage was impressive, as he never opened his hips too early. He stayed in good position throughout reps and had a few pass breakups during the week.

Small-schoolers showed up as well. Sam Houston State’s Zyon McCollum had some great reps in jump-press coverage, and his technique and abilities in man coverage stood out. Joshua Williams has the size, speed, and physicality to make some hey from Fayetteville State. He can be a press-man corner.

Roger McCreary drew some question marks early in Senior Bowl week, as his arms measured below 30 inches, which normally means slot corner. However, his technique in press-man was unmatched, and while the deep speed isn’t the best, teams shouldn’t be deterred with the skill set he provides in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Pitt defensive back Damarri Mathis did better as Senior Bowl week went on. His closing burst and recovery speed was there, and he made a couple nice plays on day three of practice.

Kerby Joseph is a very good player, as his Illinois tape indicates. He was opportunistic throughout the week, making a couple great interceptions happen, one in team drills and another in a 1v1.

Struggled

Derion Kendrick had a rough week down in Mobile, especially when lined up in press. He wasn’t quick to transition and opened his hips too quickly at times. He lunged a bit in press as well, and gave up big plays vertically.

Tycen Anderson was another small-school guy with size and athleticism, but never really got his footing during the week. Tight ends and running backs consistently beat him in 1v1s, and he looked a step slow most of the week.

Tariq Woolen made early headlines with his length and size, and while he showed promise, there’s still a learning curve with technique. The upside is there, but the week of practice was a little underwhelming for him.