NOTEBOOK: 2024 Senior Bowl prospects to watch

A constant since 1950, Senior Bowl week gets underway next week in Mobile, Alabama. An annual tradition whether you are watching video of the daily workouts, keeping up with updates or attending the game itself (February 3), the workouts during the week are the where money is made.

Most rabid NFL draftniks (like myself) are always interested in the prospects and how they could fit in with your favorite NFL team.

The Senior Bowl always serves as a platform for college players who have high aspirations of playing in the League.
The scouts will swoop down on Hancock Whitney Stadium to view workouts, conduct interviews and kick the tires on every worthy NFL draft hopeful.

Here are my quick scouting notebook thumbnails on a few to watch including some lesser known names who can make a splash in Mobile:

– Right tackle Taliese Fuaga (6-6, 334) Oregon State, 5.2 forty, a 2-year starter, 1st team All PAC 12. Good run blocker who gets to 2nd level quickly. In 27 contests (1,500 snaps) has not allowed a sack. A mauler with a nasty demeanor, consistent, violent, lower body power. Late 1st round early 2nd.

– Tackle Troy Fautanu (6-4, 321) Washington, 5.2 forty. Received Marcus Trophy this past season which recognizes the best lineman in the PAC 12. 33 games (1,937 snaps), only 3 sacks allowed. Reaches 2nd level, physical, explodes off the line, improved pass blocker. Mid-to-late 2nd round, early 3rd.

-Wide receiver Devontez Walker (6-2, 197) North Carolina, 4.48 forty. Transfer from Kent State. Smooth route runner, playmaking skills, fluid, separation in route, can take the top off of defense, long frame. Past 2 years, 99 catches, 1,620 yards, 18 touchdowns. 4th round.

– Defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (6-4, 290) Clemson, 4.98 forty, versatile, can play 3 or 5 tech, basketball background. In 52 contests 12 sacks, 68 pressures and 46 quarterback hurries. Powerful lower body, good leverage, hot motor, heavy hands, locates ball quickly. Following in great Clemson tradition of producing defensive linemen, Brian Bresee (Saints) Fridge Perry (Bears), Trevor Pryce (Ravens) Myles Murphy (Bengals), Grady Jarrett (Falcons), Christian Wilkens (Dolphins, Dexter Lawrence (Giants), Vic Beasley (Falcons) and Clelin Ferrell (Raiders). 3rd round projection.

– Cornerback Max Melton (5-11, 194) Rutgers, 4.34 forty, superb athleticism, instincts, 2023 season surrendered quarterback rating when targeted of just 65.7 (per Pro Football Focus). Had 3 interceptions in ’23. Great recognition, exceptional hand/eye coordination, very physical. Good in zone coverage, comes up in run support. 4th round projection.

– Defensive tackle DeWayne Carter (6-3, 309) Duke, 4.95 forty. Compared favorably to Packers standout Kenny Clark. A 3-tech prospect who was 3-time team captain with Blue Devils, considered a “safe” pick due to production and character. 118 career pressures, 88 hurries, 16 sacks. Plays with chip on his shoulder, great lower body, leverage, quick reactions inside. 4th round projection.

– Edge rusher Marshawn Kneeland (6-4, 255) Western Michigan, 37 games, 95 pressures, 75 hurries, 16 sacks. Moves around to cause mismatches, raw power, difficult to block. High football IQ, excellent hand placement, good angles to ball, solid initial punch. 4th round projection.

– Tackle Sataoa Laumea (6-4, 321) Utah, 5.25 forty, 3 time All PAC 12. 43 career starts, 24 at right tackle, 19 at right guard. Recovers quickly, excellent hand placement, 2,931 snaps allowed only 4 sacks. Natural power, light on his feet, can pull and run, can handle super quick edge rushers. 5th round projection.

– Strong safety/ nickel Beau Brade (6-1, 210) Maryland, 4.52 forty. Tough against run, special teams, aggressive tackler, good route recognition, punishes receiver in area, 72 tackles in 2023. 3rd/4th round projection.

– Tackle John Morgan (6-5, 325) Arizona, 5.3 forty, superb pass blocker, good feet, can play inside or outside, 2,404 snaps (39 games) 3 years at left tackle. Can pick up stunts and blitzes, plays with balance, mean streak. Solid run blocker finishes blocks. 2nd /3rd round

– Tight end Ben Sinnott (6-4, 245) Kansas State, 4.63 forty, considered the best walk on in Kansas State history. Tacked on 50 lbs. since arrival. Tracks ball adjusts to throw, soft hands, good routes, effort blocker. 5th round projection.

– Edge rusher Javon Solomon (6-2, 250) Troy, 4.48 forty. Played for Jon Sumrall (new Tulane head coach) at Troy. In 2023, 55 tackles, 16 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss. Speed rusher, explosive, bends edge. 142 career pressures, 76 hurries, 35 quarterback sacks. 4th round projection.

– Quarterback Michael Pratt (6-3, 219) Tulane. Played 45 games as 4-year starter, 9,611 passing yards, 90 touchdowns, 60.6% completion. He is Tulane’s all-time passing leader. He also ran for 1,147 yards and 28 scores. Good zip on ball, sees field very well, outstanding placement, physically tough, can throw on the run, makes split second decisions. possesses great confidence. 3rd round projection.

– Outside linebacker Jalyx Hunt (6-4, 251) Houston Christian. The first player from school was invited to the Senior Bowl and East West Shrine game. 31 of the 32 NFL teams have reports on him. Plays with a chip on his shoulder. Envisions himself as another Brian Burns (Panthers) in style Edge rusher, a hybrid. Played 3 seasons at Cornell. 2023 FCS All American, as well as Southland defensive Player of the Year. Finalist for Buck Buchanan award. Can carry 265- 270 lbs. on frame. Quick twitch, explosive, closing speed. 5th – 6th round steal.

– Running back Dylan Laube (5-10, 203) New Hampshire, 4.46 forty. In 38 games, he gained 2,692 yards with 28 touchdowns, added 155 catches for another 1,654 yards. Ultra versatile, outstanding receiver caught 13 passes for 297 yards in single game vs. Central Michigan. Will be first New Hampshire player at Senior Bowl in 36 seasons. Surprising burst, finishes runs, fierce competitor, dangerous run after catch, instinctive, low pad level, balance and acceleration. 5th-6th round projection.

– Running back Cody Schrader (5-9, 214) Missouri, 4.6 forty. 2022 walk on in Missouri who played 2018-’21 at Truman State. At Lutheran High in St. Louis ran for 6,759 yards with 99 scores. 4 time All Conference, 3-time conference Player of Year. Was the 2023 recipient of Burlsworth Trophy, recognizing the most outstanding player who began his career as a walk on. Strong, determined inside runner, pass blocker, great vision, will break off huge chunks of yardage. low center of gravity. In 2021 while at Turman ran for 2,074 yards and 25 scores in 12 games. His 1,627 yards rushing last season at Missouri ranked him 3rd in nation. 6th round projection.