MOBILE, Ala. — We’ve arrived in Mobile for the Senior Bowl, and I am looking forward to the practices. The maestros', Greg and Mike, are already down here so we’ll have things fully covered. As Greg already mentioned, draft coverage will look different for me this year, but I’ll remain prepared and have strong opinions come April.
Few random thoughts and some perspective on the positions:
- This is not a very deep draft, especially compared to random years. Still plenty of players who will be solid to great professionals but it will be harder to hit this year. Really a confluence of factors. The last two drafts had more experience because of their extra COVID eligibility. Secondly, underclassmen that traditionally would have declared this year are staying in school for the monetary benefits that come with NIL. It’s going to create a bit of a vacuum this year.
- For the first time, the Senior Bowl is allowing underclassmen to play in the game. That increases the talent level and it’s always beneficial to see good on good in a level setting.
- Quarterbacks - the Patriots need one and I’d be shocked if they left this draft without one. The question will be where? Bo Nix (Oregon), Michael Penix Jr. (Washington), and Michael Pratt (Tulane) are the top guys I am watching. I expect Spencer Rattler (South Carolina) to look good, but his questions are off the field. For you Notre Dame fans, I don’t see Sam Hartman as a draftable player, but he could help himself this week.
- Running backs - you always need depth at this position, and I’d like to see a reliable third-down back. I thought Jaylen Wright (Tennessee) was good all year and Dylan Laube (UNH) has reliable hands. Excited to see how he stacks up against better competition. Overall, not a strong position group.
- Wide Receivers - another significant position of need. Sense a trend? The good news is that the college game is producing significant talent year over year and this is an excellent position group on the whole. The outside guys I will be looking closely at. The outside WRs are Tez Walker (UNC), Xavier Legette (South Carolina), and Jamari Thrash (Louisville). There are a few inside slot players that I like: Ladd McConkey (Georgia), Jacob Cowing (Arizona), Ainas Smith (Texas A&M), and Roman Wilson (Michigan). I expect McConkey will go early (top 50).
- Last year had a great TE class and there was a significant run on Day 2. This year is underwhelming but I'm looking forward to seeing Brevyn Spann-Ford (Minnesota) with the pads on. He can immediately help the run game. There are also some interesting H-back types for Day 3.
- Offensive tackle is strong this year which helps the Patriots given it’s a position they need to target early. However, most of the league would also benefit from tackle depth. The top LT prospects (top 10) aren’t in Mobile but the guys that you’ll see in the back half of Round 1 and Day 2 are. Lots of depth here and I’ll be watching the big boys closely.
- The Patriots invested on the interior offensive line in the last draft. Not a position of need.
- One player I love and think he’ll explode this week is OLB Adisa Isaac (Penn St). He’s a guy that can rush or drop into coverage. He has the length they look for and he plays really hard. DE Laiatu Latu (UCLA) will be a great test for offensive tackles. He’s a Round 1 lock if his medicals come back clean. Darius Robinson (Missouri), Nelson Ceaser (Houston), and Braiden McGregor (Michigan) are players I’ve liked so far when watching their tape.
- The Patriots had a strong run defense last year, but you could see them looking for depth on their interior defensive line - especially since some of those players are getting older. It’s helpful to see these players in person and size up their build and play strength. I don’t think you need to reach at this position but T'Vondre Sweat (Texas) reminds me of Jordan Davis (Philadelphia) - which is good and bad. The guy I like a little more is McKinnley Jackson (Texas A&M). He’s a true NT. The best DT here is Byron Murphy II (Texas) but he reportedly won’t practice because of lingering injuries. He’ll find himself in Round 1 by the end of this process.
- Linebackers are not an early priority, but I could make a case that positional depth and future starters are a need. Looking for speed and smarts.
- Defensive backs. I think it’s really important to have depth and options in the modern game. The safety position is average if I’m being generous. Perhaps there could be a trait pick on Day 3. However, the cornerbacks have a couple of intriguing options. Everett’s Mike Sainristil (Michigan) is a guy we have written about for 2 years on BSJ. He’s a nickel at the next level. I want to see BC’s Elijah Jones against better competition. I like Notre Dame’s Cam Hart as a big corner or maybe safety depending on how fluid he moves. Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo) and Chau Smith-Wade (Washington St) are two guys who could really establish themselves this week.
