MOBILE, Ala. – The Senior Bowl practices have concluded in Mobile, and the only thing left for the players to do is strap it up on Saturday and play the game.
The key part of the week for NFL talent evaluators were the three days of practices and player interviews.
So, who stood out during practice this week? Here are 10 players who caught my eye:
1. Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina, 6-5, 315
Kinlaw probably made himself some money this week. He's got a terrific combination of size, power and quickness from the interior. He was handful to block all week, and could challenge Auburn's Derrick Brown as the best defensive tackle in this draft class.
2. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon, 6-6, 227
A big-armed quarterback who showed poise in the pocket and accuracy to all parts of the field. He was the best quarterback down here this week, and likely cemented his status as a first-round draft pick.
3. Josh Jones, OT, Houston, 6-5, 311
There was an adjustment period for Jones Day 1 of the North Practice, but he dominated Day 2 and was even better in Thursday's third practice. He's built great momentum heading into next month's NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. He dominated one-on-one pass-rush drills the last two practice days of the week, and was the best offensive lineman on the field.
4. Jason Strowbridge, DE, North Carolina, 6-4, 267
Strowbridge was a handful off the edge this week in both one-on-one pass-rushing drills and team periods. He has a knack for the ball, and when he didn't get home, he was able to get his hands on a handful of passes. He's recorded 14.0 sacks over the last two seasons for the Tar Heels, and he has the size and motor to be a productive player coming off the edge at the next level.
5. Terrell Lewis, DE, Alabama, 6-5, 258
Lewis led Alabama with 16 quarterback hurries this season and added 11.5 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks. Injuries are a big part of his college story, but athletically, he might have been the most talented player in Mobile this week. Teams will do their homework on him, but in terms of raw talent, he could be a steal in this draft.
6. Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma, 6-2, 304
Not as impressive size-wise as Kinlaw and some of the other interior defenders in Mobile this week, but he consistently won his one-on-one matchups and was also disruptive in team periods. He's a good athlete and has a quick first step. He was a handful to block in the run game. He didn't have a ton of production at Oklahoma (29 tackles and 4.0 sacks), but he helped himself this week.
7. Tyler Bass, K, Georgia Southern, 5-10, 185
I've been coming to the Senior Bowl for a decade now, and I'm not sure if I've ever included a kicker on this list, but Bass was pretty impressive. Bass was perfect kicking field goals on Wednesday, finishing with a 55 yarder that would have been good from 60 plus. He launched a 60 yarder on Thursday that hit the left upright, halfway up the left upright. He's got a leg.
8. K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State, 6-0, 192
Hill had the catch of the Day Thursday reaching behind him to make a one-handed grab without ever losing stride. Hill was a route-running technician this week, gaining separation from corners both on the outside and in the slot pretty easily. Hill scored 10 touchdowns for the Buckeyes this year, and it's easy to see why watching him run routes this week. He had a good week, and if he runs well at the Combine, he'll see his stock rise considerably.
9. Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty, 6-3, 222
It's always important for the small-school players to come here this week and prove they can hang. Gandy-Golden did that. He's got terrific size and tracks the ball really well. He's got deceptive speed for his size, and won most of the 50-50 balls thrown his way. He was quick off the line and showed a good skill set down here.
10. Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton, 6-5, 251
Trautman caught 70 passes for 916 yards and 14 touchdowns with a 13.1 average per catch this past season. Scouts wanted to see him do it this week against better competition, and he was pretty good all week. He surprised defenders with his shiftiness and route running, and he consistently made plays down the seam all week. He's probably put himself into the conversation on Day 2 of the draft.
