One of the most important weeks in the NFL Draft trial ended on Saturday with the 71st annual Senior Bowl game. Brian Flores’ national team prevailed over Matt Rhule’s US side with a score of 27-24.
In keeping with tradition, the Senior Bowl provided the best seniors of college football with an opportunity to showcase their skills and showcase their potential value to all 32 NFL teams.
The New England Patriots may appreciate this game and process more than any other team, having drafted or signed eight Senior Bowl alumni in the past two seasons alone. No doubt a few more will be purchased this design season, so with that in mind, let’s take a look at the guys who stand out, for better or worse.
Winner: WR Amari Rodgers
In a rare case of a player whose shares have risen between his last college game and the Senior Bowl, Amari Rodgers just continued that trend with his Saturday game. Rodgers played in the slot machine and split widely, showing some versatility and success in both places. His touchdown came on a great shake route between two defenders while taking a hit, and his catch on a two-point conversion came through the formation where he went wide open with no problem.
Winner: EDGE Elerson Smith
It’s hard to have a better series than Elerson Smith at the beginning of the first quarter. In a four-play stretch, he recorded a quarterback hit (with poor passer call roughing), a first-down save tackle from behind, and a loss tackle on an end-around where he stayed home and the edge check the . He alone took his defense off the field. Smith played a few nice plays here and there for the rest of the game, but it was that early series that landed him here.
Loser: AND Deonte Brown
It has been a tough week for the man who got Michael Onwenu comparisons when Deonte Brown struggled with pass protection. Early on he was blown for a strip bag. He then missed a key block on a fourth down and the run back was stopped. The foot speed and agility are nowhere near where it needs to be to play and be successful at the next level.
Winner: WR / RB Demetric Felton
We all wondered whether or not Felton could make the switch from looping back to wide receiver. Felton showed he could do it with a solid touchdown reception that showed some speed and routing skills. He also got the chance to show off the agility of running back to get in for the touchdown.
Winner: FB Ben Mason
A Michigan gym rat fullback? Bill Belichick is on the phone while we speak.
Loser: EDGE Jordan Smith
During the design process, I mentioned how much I like Jordan Smith’s tools, but am concerned about his IQ on the field and the coaching he has received from UAB staff. The constant mistakes he made during Saturday’s game was clear that he needs some time to become a real player at the next level.
Loser: WR Frank Darby
Frank Darby’s biggest question that came in during the week was whether or not he could show some consistency. With more drops (2) than catches (1), it’s safe to say he couldn’t change the story. The flashes are there, and they’re pretty cool, but he didn’t do anything to help himself on game day.
Winner: CB Keith Taylor
It’s not often you see a guy give up two touchdowns and still make one of these lists. However, aside from a minor misstep and a missed call, Taylor was perfect. He’s a great size and height and shows an incredible amount of patience when covering men. Not a man who will fall for a lot of stop and go movements. The man has earned a considerable amount on Saturday.
Winner: WR Dez Fitzpatrick
It’s pretty obvious by the stat line (6 catches for 90 yards) but Dez Fitzpatrick was wide open all day. Fitzpatrick, a smooth route runner with reliable hands, proved himself to be much more than the number two Louisville receiver. He significantly improved his design stock. He was also wide open for a touchdown of more than 50 yards, but quarterback Feleipe Franks missed him.
Winner: RB Michael Carter
The man who averaged 8.0 yards per carry in 2020 continued his way by averaging 7.5 yards per rush on Saturday, including an incredible touchdown run that pretty much sealed the national team’s victory. He proved that his size shouldn’t play a role in his design stock. Michael Carter is the real deal.
For those of you wondering, some of the potential Patriots goals on this list include Amari Rodgers, Dez Fitzpatrick, and Ben Mason. They all played extremely well and fit the places where New England has a lot of draw capital.