Notes from Senior Bowl practices this week

The heaviest man at the Senior bowl practices this week is an offensive guard, UTEP’s Will Hernandez, at 340 pounds. The smallest is wide receiver Braxton Berrios from Miami at 5-foot-8, 177 pounds.

Hernandez impressed in the one-on-one drills, beating his man many times and looking both mean and nasty.

The most interesting prospect was Shaquem Griffin (6-1, 223) from Central Florida. He is a prospect with no left hand but he was making plays all over the field sideline-to sideline. He lined up at outside linebacker, safety, edge rusher and special teams, a very versatile prospect. He had good practices even showing a spin move when rushing the passer.

LSU wide receiver D. J. Chark (6-4, 198) helped himself by showing his outstanding deep speed. However, he did miss some catches but most were due to the throws by the South quarterbacks.

More prospects from LSU helped themselves.

Running back Darrel Williams (6-1, 230) did well. He caught a touchdown pass in Wednesday’s practice and looked good both running and blocking. Defensive tackle Christian LaCouture (6-5, 292) held his own in the one-on-one drills, but he may need to add more bulk and get stronger. Greg Gilmore (6-4, 308), another defensive tackle, won some and lost some in the one-on-one drills I watched.

Another defensive tackle who caught the scouts’ eyes was defensive tackle B. J. Hill out of North Carolina State. He weighed in at 315 pounds at 6-foot-4. One scout made the comment he was the player of the day. Hill showed good strength and a quick inside spin move when rushing the passer.

The most impressive defensive ends included Marcus Davenport (6-7, 255). The UTSA product showed pass rush ability with great length and long arms. Tyquan Lewis (6-4, 265), the Ohio State defensive end, enjoyed success in most of his one-on one battles.

Ole Miss outside linebacker Mark Haynes (6-3, 230) has shown pass rush skills and coverage ability as well.

Alabama cornerback Levi Wallace (6-0, 183) has had a good week displaying his pass coverage skills.

An impressive offensive guard was Cole Madison (6-5, 314). The Washington State product looked smooth and very athletic.

Local quarterback Tanner Lee has the physical tools to play at the next level but was very inconsistent. He threw several interceptions and missed open receivers. He had 37 career picks in his college career.

The best quarterbacks are on the North team. Baker Mayfield, the Heisman winner out of Oklahoma, received the most attention off the field. He measured in at 6-0 3/8, 216 pounds. Scouts wanted to see just how tall Mayfield really is. He helped himself, looking like the most pro-ready quarterback.

Josh Allen (6-5, 233), the Wyoming quarterback with a super strong arm, will be a high first round prospect. He is still a bit raw but really looks the part. Western Kentucky quarterback Mike White (6-4, 225) was the most impressive quarterback on the South squad.

The aforementioned Chark looked like the best receiver this week thanks to his deep speed but the undersized Berrios from Miami showed excellent ball skills.

Justin Watson, a 6-3 receiver from Penn, caught the ball well and showed the ability to get open. He is coming off an impressive week at the East-West Game.

The tight end position should interest the Saints. Their staff interviewed tight end Dallas Goedert (6-5, 255, the athletic South Dakota State standout. He sustained a minor injury so he missed some practice time. Goedert has the speed to get deep and stretch a defense.

Mike Gesicki (6-5, 242) is also a tight end of interest with length and long arms.

For information on my Draft Day Report publication, email me at adupuy1@cox.net.