Risers-
Pat White, ATH: He looked the best of all the South QBs and ended up getting the MVP of the game. It is a consensus that he will not be a starting NFL QB coming into the league as a rookie, but with his athleticism he holds a high value. He could be a big threat in the wildcat formation because he can do so many things with the ball in his hands. When its all said and done there will be a spot for him on any football team.
Robert Ayers, DE: This week in Mobile, he was quietly the best defensive end and had one of the best first steps of any defensive linemen. He still has to develop a larger repertoire of moves, instead of using his signature inside rip move, but that will come with time. Ayers was the most dominant defensive player on Saturday night. He used his quickness and strength against the likes of Oklahoma OT Phil Loadholt and Illinois OT Xavier Fulton and beat them off the edge with ease. Ayers finished the game with three tackles and 1.5 sacks, which earned him the Defensive Player of the game trophy. His play this week opened the eyes of many, and this once mid-round prospect has elevated his status to a late second, early third round pick.
Juaquin Iglesias, WR: Oklahoma WR Juaquin Iglesias ran smooth, crisp routes and flashed strong hands this week in Mobile. He was impressive in the intermediate game and displayed the ability to get vertical. The 6-foot-1, 204-pound Iglesias is a physical receiver who doesnt shy away from contact and does an outstanding job of blocking downfield. On Saturday, Iglesias did a nice job blocking downfield on running situations and was the leading receiver in the game with six receptions for 90 yards. Iglesias isnt a burner, and that hurts him in some ways, but his route running and quickness will score points with teams looking for a possession receiver who has the ability to break free.
Jeremiah Johnson, RB: he versatile situational star has shown great quickness on the edge and deceptive strength between the tackles. Hes also shown the ability to be a dangerous weapon out of the backfield, a skill he didnt have the opportunity to display at Oregon. Johnson had a strong game on Saturday night rushing for 22 yards on three carries and catching two passes for 26 yards and a touchdown. The 5-foot-9, 198-pound Johnson is a small back, but this week in Mobile he assured scouts that even though he doesnt possess top-end speed, his versatility will be valuable at the next level.
Cushing, Rey Rey, CM3, LB: Unfortunately, the three-standout linebackers didnt have an impact on the game and seemed to over pursue on potential stops. Maualuga also over pursued, but he had the best game of the three, recording three tackles, and he forced Cedric Peerman to fumble in the second quarter. Although their best showings came in practice and not in the game, Maualuga and Cushing are sure first round picks, while Matthews is a solid second round selection.
BJ Raji, DT: Rajis quickness off the snap and ability to penetrate inside created problems during practice for the Norths offense. But on Saturday night, when Raji faced the Souths offensive line, it was a different story. The Souths offensive line neutralized Raji and didnt allow him to be much of a factor. Even though Raji didnt have a break through performance during the game, the dominance he displayed all week did wonders for his draft positioning, and he is now a lock to be a top-15 selection.
Alphonso Smith, CB: Was the best defensive back at the Senior Bowl this week. The 5-foot-9, 193-pound playmaking corner plays much bigger than his measurements suggest. He has lock down potential and tremendous ball skills, which he showcased during practice. But when the lights were on and he had an opportunity to make a big time play, Smith came up small. On a 3rd and 4 play on the North 14-yard line, North QB Graham Harrell dropped back and fired right looking for Ramses Barden (Cal Poly). Smith jumped the route, extended for the ball and got both hands on it, but he dropped it. If he caught the ball, it would have been a touchdown. Even though Smith didnt have a standout game, he still improved his draft stock and could be a late first round pick. But it seems more likely that he will be selected in the early second round.
Andre Brown, RB: He had a great burst through the line, displayed patience and vision as he reached the second level, and had surprising quickness in the open field. Not only is he a powerful runner, but hes also been the most impressive RB in blocking drills. Hes not afraid of contact and will use his 6-foot, 224-pound frame to knock out an oncoming defender. Brown carried over his performance in practice into the game, where he was a factor in the running and passing game. He had 10 carries for 26 yards and a touchdown, and caught two passes for 39 yards. Browns performance at the Senior Bowl will be one scouts remember as they head into the Scouting Combine, and if he does well in Indianapolis, he could emerge as a third round prospect.
Brandon Pettigrew, TE: The best blocking tight end in the country, and his positioning and strength was shown on Saturday. At 6-foot-5, 257 pounds, Pettigrew has superior strength, great lateral movement and uses his hands extremely well. As a receiver, hes not quick off the line and it takes him some time to build up momentum, but once he starts moving, he excels downfield. He displayed great field awareness during practice and found the opening over the middle and flashed strong hands. Pettigrew wasnt a target in the game, but he distinguished himself as the best TE in the draft and is a sure first round selection.
Michael Oher, OT: He was the most athletic and dominant tackle in Mobile. Hes quick off the snap, shows good lateral movement and uses his hands effectively. He has moments of inconsistency, but his ability to lock down the blind side and protect a quarterback will go a long way when NFL teams evaluate him. One of those inconsistent moments happened during the game when he was called for a holding penalty on a 4th and 1 situation. Clemsons James Davis got the first down, but Oher got a hold of North DE Cody Brown (Connecticut), which forced the South to punt.
Fallers:
Graham Harrell, QB: The highly touted field general from Texas Tech struggled taking snaps under center, showed poor mechanics, didnt display a strong arm and was uncharacteristically inaccurate.
William Moore, S: After a disappointing senior season and an underwhelming Senior Bowl week showing, Moore, who was once considered a first round pick, has seen his stock fall to the second round. The instincts and playmaking ability he displayed as a junior when he recorded 117 tackles and eight interceptions are completely gone, and in Mobile he looked like an overaggressive, in the box safety type who lacks discipline. On Saturday, it was more of the same for Moore, where he over pursed on a couple of plays and left the game early with an ankle injury.
William Beatty, OT: If youre looking for an athletic offensive tackle with quick feet and a nice frame, Connecticuts William Beatty is the one you want. But when you stop salivating over his athleticism, you will realize that he doesnt possess a mean streak, and hes not strong enough to stop a speed rushers bull rush or a strong, technically sound DE. During practice, Beatty was constantly overmatched by the likes of Hawaii DE David Veikune, Tennessee DE Robert Ayers and Richmond DE Lawrence Sidbury. At 6-foot-6, 291 pounds, Beatty has the potential to be a very good tackle, but his lack of strength and technique to keep defenders at bay is worrisome.
Up and Comers:
Louis Delmas, S: Western Michigan FS Louis Delmas displayed great positioning and awareness during practice, and proved that hes one of the most physical defensive backs on the North roster. Delmas led WMU in tackles (111) and interceptions (4) this past season and showcased his skills all week in Mobile. On Saturday, Delmas played well at the line of scrimmage and in coverage and made four tackles. He received a lot of attention this week and will continue to rise up draft boards as we head into the Scouting Combine.
Shawn Nelson, TE: At 6-foot-5, 238 pounds, Nelson is an athletic, pass-catching tight end who creates mismatches with his unique blend of skills. He gets a fluid release off the line, runs good routes and uses his frame to mirror defenders while snaring a pass. Hes focused and disciplined, and showed those qualities this week in Mobile. Known more for his ability as a receiver and not his blocking technique, Nelson improved his blocking throughout the week. One of the most athletic tight ends in the country, Nelson should come off the board in the fourth round.
Rashad Jennings, RB: A former Pittsburgh transfer, Rashad Jennings impressed scouts this week with his quick feet, toughness between the tackles and his ability as a receiver. The 6-foot-1, 234-pound bulldozer is also a solid blocker and displayed the awareness to slip through and set up for a screen pass. Jennings strong effort during the week carried over into Saturday nights game where he had nine carries for 41 yards. The biggest question surrounding Jennings is his straight-line speed. Hes not a shifty back and is a little stiff in the hips, but if hes able to run a high 4.4 or a low 4.5 in the 40-yard dash, he will be a late second, early third round pick.
David Veikune, DE: The 6-foot-2, 255 pound Veikune used his quickness and deceptive strength to gain the upper hand against the likes of Ole Miss OT Michael Oher and Tulane OT Troy Kropog. Veikune doesnt do anything fancy and isnt a technician by any means, but he has a quick first step and uses his speed and balance to get into the backfield. On Saturday night, Veikune was held in check and came away with just two tackles, but he recovered a key fumble. Hes an interesting prospect and someone you will want to keep an eye on at the Scouting Combine. Hes a workout warrior and could ultimately land in the third round.
My Dream Draft for the Texans, assuming we land Peppers in FA for a reasonable contract:
Trade Down get Cushing late in the first and an extra 2nd rounder, Draft Alphonso and Delmas in the Second, Andre Brown in the 3rd, Shawn Nelson in the 4th, BPA (5th, 6th, 7th)
