WR Andre Roberts Many of the nation’s top senior football players got together last Saturday to play a game. Unlike the NFL’s Pro Bowl, this game meant something to the players besides clowning around and a quick paycheck. Here’s some notes from the game:
Brandon Graham, the DE from Michigan, won MVP honors. The young Wolverine had a great game and from most reports, was close to unblockable in the practices leading up to the event. He cemented his first round status, and probably climbed most NFL teams draft boards. If he didn’t, the scouts didn’t watch the same game I did.
WR Mardy Gilyard from Cincinnati also stood out. He had the best game of any WR. While this doesn’t mean he was the best receiver at the game, he made the most of his national TV time. Gilyard got open easily and seemed to feel at ease among the college all stars.
Another receiver, Andre Roberts from the Citadel, also made some nice catches.
Many people were interested in seeing what Florida QB Tim Tebow could do at the game, and I’ll give him credit for showing up at a competition he didn’t have to, but wow, did he look bad. From what I saw, he was the worst of the QB bunch at the Senior Bowl. He didn’t even scramble that well. He is a huge project if he insists on playing QB.
Jarrett Brown, QB, West Virginia looked to have the nicest release and the best looking ball thrown out there. Good size too.
LeGarrette Blount, RB, Oregon ran hard and has good size. He is definitely pro material physically, but seems very excitable on the field. With his history, that’s not a good thing. The coaches seemed to turn to him when they needed the tough yards, and that’s a good sign that the coaches liked him.
Taylor Mays, the safety from USC grabbed one interception, but otherwise didn’t do much to stand out.
Auburn RB, Ben Tate showed good burst on a couple plays. With his listed size of 5’10, 220 lbs, he could be a mid round steal. Reports from practice also said good things.
I was looking for DE George Selvie from South Florida to do some exciting things, but he did not.
Two DT’s from Georgia looked good. Jeff Owens and Geno Atkins looked like solid 2nd or 3rd rounders.
QB Tony Pike from Cincinnati performed adequately, but the ball took awhile to get out of his hand. He’s also too slender right now. If he gains some weight and strength, he could be a capable NFL backup someday.
The Senior Bowl was a chance for these players to play against the best. Some stood out, some did not. The game will be only one factor in where they get drafted, but for my money, how a kid plays and practices against top competition is more important than how he performs at the upcoming NFL Combine. Some NFL teams still have not figured that out.
By Mark Stein
WR Andre Roberts
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