What was arguably the most important Reese’s Senior Bowl week in the game’s 71-year history, concluded on Saturday in Mobile.
Since the NFL Combine does not include any interaction between players and scouts, and what form different prof days will still take on someone’s mystery, the Senior Bowl became extra important to the NFL’s hopes in 2021. More than 130 college stars descended on Mobile for a week of practice and meetings with pro scouts, coaches and talent evaluators.
Who then made the biggest impression during the Senior Bowl 2021 week? With the proviso that it is very difficult for a player to damage his stock at the Senior Bowl, here are some players who shone in Mobile (listed in alphabetical order):
Carlos “Boogie” Basham, DL, Wake Forest – How can you not love a big man named Boogie? The 6-foot 3 and 281-pound Basham did not play in Saturday’s game, but throughout the week as a constant presence in the other team’s backfield. With the ability to play indoors and outdoors, depending on the scheme, Basham should be a valuable trading day.
2. Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina The short-but-naughty (5-8, 202) Carter was an electric game creator for the Tar Heels (rugby season of 1000 meters) and showed the ability during practice and Saturday’s game. He also worked at lock receiver during practice, which increased his attractiveness to teams that wanted to find a versatile threat at the next level.
Dec Fitzpatrick, WR, Louisville The wide receiver group was a deep group this year, and the 6-2, 202-pound Fitzpatrick stood out as much as any of them during the week. He formed a very close relationship with Texas full-back Sam Ehlinger, who was transferred to Saturday’s game. The two twice joined the national team’s scoring list for match openings and Fitzpatrick ended the day with six receptions for 90 yards.
4. Richie Grant, SAF, Central Florida If there was anyone who ‘made money’ this week, it could be Grant who dominated in three days of practice. He was a very productive starter of three years at UCF. He led his team twice in dives and finished second.
Najee Harris, RB, Alabama Harris closed business after Wednesday, but gets a lot of credit for doing as much as in training with an ankle that was not nearly healthy. Backs do not go into the first round regularly, but Harris’ combination of size, breaking ability, skills and competitiveness may be too tempting to pass on to pro teams.
6. Creed Humphrey, OL, Oklahoma Oklahoma has a history of excellent NFL offensive lineouts, and Humphrey is the latest. With the ability to play both center and guard, he’s the kind of guy you might look up to in 15 years and see that he’s been to 10 Pro Bowls before.
7. Mac Jones, QB, Alabama Jones did not play in Saturday’s game due to an ankle injury he suffered during Thursday’s practice, but he was by far the best quarterback in Mobile. Jones’ leadership skills and accuracy opened eyes all week as he proved that his beautiful numbers in 2020 were not just the result of his cast. He can sneak into the top half of the first round of the draft.
8. Quinn Meinerz, OL, Wisconsin-Whitewater – Every year there is a small school player who grabs the imagination of everyone in Mobile for whatever reason. In the past, it was Carson Wentz of North Dakota, or Jeremy Chinn, of Southern Illinois, and this year it was the 6-3 320 pounds, Meinerz, a Division III player who showed up with a mullet, who was in a crop top jersey and adjusting on Saturday despite a broken hand suffered during the workout on Thursday.
9. Dillon Radunz, OL, North Dakota – Radunz has prototypical tackle size (6-5, 308) and played for the program that is essentially the Alabama of the FCS level (if not more dominant). He held more than his own in Mobile and won the award for overall coach of the week, while voting on the players he encountered during practice.
10. Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida Toney did not play to the disappointment of his home fans in Saturday’s game, but the former Blount High School standout enjoyed an excellent week of practice. His speed and versatility (he was a former high school fullback) should play well at the next level, and there is a chance he could set up in the first round.