2015 Senior Bowl Review

There have been record numbers of early entrees into the NFL Draft in recent years. Too many of those players are drafted late or go undrafted. One of the many reasons to return to school for your senior season is the ability to compete in the Senior Bowl, which gives prospects a week long stage to answer any lingering questions about their game. A number of players took advantage of this weeks events to enhance their draft stock, and we will run down some of those players here.

You have to start with the game MVP, Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah. He has been one of college football's most explosive and most productive backs the past two seasons, as both a runner and receiver. He does have one glaring weakness, and that is his size. Abdullah checked in at 5'8 198lbs, which gives teams pause about how durable he can be in the NFL, and how much of a threat he can be between the tackles. Abdullah showed the same fearless running style, aggressively attacking holes and exploding through them to make big plays. The questions about how big of a workload he can handle still remain, but teams definitely feel better about his big play ability carrying over after watching him all week and during the game on Saturday. His performance may have cemented his status in round two come April.

Northern Iowa's David Johnson is another running back that made a name for himself this week. He may have improved his stock as much as any back at the event. Johnson has been a tremendous runner and receiver for four years at UNI, compiling over 6,400 yards from scrimmage to go along with 63 touchdowns. This week gave him the opportunity to showcase his skills against the big boys, and he took full advantage. Johnson's slashing style and receiving ability at 6'1 224lbs will remind you a lot of Matt Forte. He has great feet and balance for a bigger back, and even showed he can return kicks at the game. The ability to run, catch, and play on special teams enhances his value at the next level, and he may have locked in a day two selection after this week's performance.

Wide receiver Jamison Crowder of Duke was impressive all week long. Duke isn't exactly a small school, but acclaim for athletes at the school is usually related to it's basketball program. Crowder has been an explosive return man and receiver for three years, but still wasn't a well known name. He definitely made a name for himself this week. Crowder definitely has limitations with his 5'8 174lb frame, but he's a playmaker. He has tremendous agility, quickness, and acceleration and it was on display time and time again all week. Crowder did have a couple bobbled punt returns in the game but that pales in comparison to the good he did to his stock all week long. Teams covet playmakers and guys who can play in space, no matter how big they are. And Crowder is a playmaker.

Crowder's Duke teammate, offensive guard Laken Tomlinson was equally as impressive. He was already creeping up guard rankings, but he is now battling South Carolina's AJ Cann for the top spot overall. He was one of the most consistent linemen all week, and showed off impressive natural strength, and as well as good initial and short area quickness. Tomlinson even fared well against Danny Shelton, arguably the game's top talent. His play this week likely locked in him as a day two selection.

Penn State offensive tackle Donovan Smith may get the nod for the player that improved his stock the most in the entire event. Smith is an early entry into the draft, but since he has graduated, he was allowed to play in the game. When he left, the expectation was maybe a 5th or 6th round pick based his upside. He was a bit inconsistent and sloppy at times, but is 6'6 341 with power and long arms. This week though, he was dominant at times and was one of the better offensive linemen in the event, despite facing off with some elite defenders. Smith will need to keep the momentum going at the combine, but the way he played in Mobile, he has the potential to land on day two and play early in his career.

Utah OLB/DE Nate Orchard was one of college football's most feared pass rushers this season, and has seen his stock rise exponentially throughout the season. He continued his ascent up draft boards this week. Orchard was originally a wide receiver and is still developing as an edge rusher, but he showed an impressive all around game this week. Orchard showed better power at the point than expected, holding his ground against the run, but also showing some pop with his bull rush. He also displayed the ability to stand up and play in space, which will be needed if he is drafted by a 3-4 team. Orchard's play has put him squarely in the second round, and a big showing at the combine, could push him into the first round.

Iowa DT Carl Davis used the Senior Bowl to re-establish himself. He entered the year as a borderline first round talent, but inconsistency as a senior dropped him a bit. He didn't play with any urgency and didn't play up to his physical talent. This week though, he put it all together. He checked in at 6'5 321lbs, and was impressive with his natural athleticism and his strength. Davis was able to consistently apply pressure and get into the backfield, but also did a good job holding up at the point of attack. All the ability is there for Davis to be an excellent pro, but he needs to want it. He showed teams he has first round potential, but he'll need to keep that momentum going and prove to teams he's going to play up to his ability each and every play.

Cornerback Quinten Rollins of Miami(OH) was one of the more intriguing names entering the Senior Bowl. He was a basketball player his first four years in college, then decided to give football a try. He then goes out and wins the MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors with seven interceptions, despite a four year layoff from the game. That is a testament to his god given ability, and teams wanted to see how he fared against better talent. He passed with flying colors. While there may be some question about his long range speed, Rollins has everything else to be a lock down corner at the next level. He's a great athlete, has good size, is physical, and has great ball skills. The combine may be the ultimate determining factor in his draft stock, but the man a lot of people wanted to see, impressed all who laid eyes on him. He may be knocking on the door of the first round now.

A couple small school players stood out as well this week. Ali Marpet (OL, Hobart College) was not on anyone's radar entering the week, but looks every bit the part of a mid day three prospect at guard. Norfolk State's Lyndon Trail originally signed with Florida but never played there. He took his 6'6 262lb frame down a level and was dominant as a linebacker. This week, his athleticism was apparent at DE and OLB, but he also asked to give TE a try, and was again impressive athletically. His upside may be highest on offense, but his physical skills could be a benefit on either side of the ball, in the right system.

It was not all positive this week, however. Some players were not able to step up and take advantage of this opportunity, but they should not be written off just yet. Pitt OT TJ Clemmings had a lot to gain this week. He's had a lot of hype associated with his name as the season has progressed, and a good showing could have pushed him into the top half of the first round. Clemmings lack of experience has been an issue, and it was evident this week. The talent is still there, but he is the project everyone expected him to be. He's still a possible first rounder, but a big leap was within reach, but it slipped away.

Stanford's Ty Mongtomery is a player who seemingly continues his slide down boards. Hes electric with the ball in his hands as a receiver and return man, but lacks polish, and has questionable ball skills vertically down the field. Montgomery checked in two inches shorter than expected, then continued to show his lack of refinement down the field. He was once touted as a potential first round pick, but he's sliding now, and may be on the verge of falling out of the second day.

Notre Dame's Ben Koyack was looking to become the next Irish TE to make a splash on draft day and in the NFL, but his stock continues to trend downward. He had a mediocre season but hoped to impress this week. Koyack looked sluggish as a blocker and receiver despite a touchdown catch during the game. Hailed as a potential day two guy entering the year, Koyack now looks like a mid day three guy at best.