MOBILE, Ala. – The Senior Bowl practices have concluded down here in Mobile, and the only thing left for the players to do is strap it up on Saturday and play the game.
The big part of the week for NFL people were the three days of practices and player interviews.
So, who stood out during practice this week? Here are 10 who caught my eye:
**Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio, 6-5, 269
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Davenport dominated small-school competition last season, which scouts want to see from a physical specimen like him, but could he do it this week against stiffer competition? Davenport checked off that box. He was disruptive all week, and was particularly good in the pass rushing one-on-ones. He's going to continue to be an interesting prospect to watch throughout the pre-draft process.
Will Hernandez, G, Texas-El Paso, 6-2, 340
Hernandez was an All-American this season despite his team not winning a single game. He came here this week and showed terrific power as a run blocker and surprisingly quick feet in pass rushing drills for a man his size. He was impressive all week, and cemented his early status as one of the top three guards available in this draft.
James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State, 5-10, 210
Washington reminded me a lot of Detroit Lions receiver Golden Tate this week. He's built in a similar manner, like a running back. Every time my eyes wandered over to one-on-one drills with the receivers and cornerbacks, I saw Washington running free behind the defense. He's very crisp with his route running, and was the best receiver I saw down here.
Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming, 6-4, 239
From a frame and arm talent standpoint, Allen checks off all the proper boxes. He's big, can move in the pocket, and has a rifle for an arm. His best throws this week were when he pushed the ball down the field, which NFL people will like. There were some misthrows, but with new receivers and three days to throw together a game plan, some of that is expected.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma, 6-0, 2-13
The fact that the Heisman Trophy winner measured in over six-feet tall was big for him. Some worried he'd come in under that mark and it would hurt him. He's Drew Brees' height, which Brees has proven is plenty tall enough to play the position at a high level. Mayfield threw the ball more accurate than Allen this week and outplayed him, in my opinion.
**Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford, 6-3, 303
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Phillips was extremely productive for Stanford last season, recording nearly 100 tackles with 17 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. That's terrific production from a defensive tackle. Phillips is a former National Champion high school wrestler, and that shows up in his game. He's very physical, but surprisingly quick. He looks like a young Haloti Ngata in that way. He wanted to show this week that he has some pass-rushing prowess, and did that in one-on-one drills.
Shaquem Griffin, LB, Central Florida, 6-2, 223
Probably the best story down at the Senior Bowl. Griffin had his left hand amputated at age four, but has never let that limit him, especially on the football field. He was one of the more versatile players down here this week as a pass rusher, linebacker and even playing some safety. He's fast and strong, and has a very high football IQ. Here's hoping he gets an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine next month.
Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State, 5-11, 224
The nation's leading rusher this year with over 2,200 yards and 23 touchdowns showed off the one-cut style that NFL personnel like. He's a no nonsense runner that gets north and south as opposed to east and west. He also showed good hands as a punt returner. I don't remember him dropping a ball all week. He's got good size and speed, and also showed an ability this week to separate from linebackers in the pass game and make plays there. He did nothing this week to move himself out of the conversation as one of the top five backs available in this draft.
Nathan Shepard, DT, Fort Hayes State, 6-3, 310
It's always nice to see small-school players come to the Senior Bowl and prove they belong. Count Shepard among those who did so this week. He's very quick for his size, and was the only player I saw all week convincingly beat Will Hernandez in a one-on-one with a great swim move. Unfortunately, he suffered a hand injury that will keep him out of Saturday's game, but it isn't believed to be too serious that it will limit him the rest of the pre-draft process.
Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia, 6-2, 308
Wynn was a player who kept showing up in my notes, especially in one-on-one drills against pass rushers. He was a three-year starter at Georgia, and has a lot of football under his belt, which showed. He was one of the more technically sound linemen here this week.
