The second day of Senior Bowl practice in Mobile brought not only a rise in temperature, hitting a pleasant 70 degrees, but also an elevation in the intensity of play on the field. With scouts closely watching, several players emerged as standouts, showcasing their skills and making a strong case for their draft stock. Let’s dive into the highlights from this exciting day of practice.
Senior Bowl Practice Day 2: Standout Performers
#1 Oluwafemi Oladejo (LB-Edge/UCLA)
Oluwafemi Oladejo continued to impress, building on a strong performance from Tuesday. The athletic edge rusher was a force to be reckoned with, consistently defeating offensive linemen, even those who had a significant weight advantage. His quickness, explosiveness, and smooth movement around the field highlighted his potential as a future NFL player. With his impressive technique and hand usage, Oladejo is likely solidifying his position as a Day 2 draft pick.
#2 Justin Barron (LB/Syracuse)
Justin Barron showcased his quickness and athleticism during practice, traits that were evident throughout his time at Syracuse. What truly stood out was his ability in coverage, particularly during one-on-one drills against tight ends and running backs. Barron excelled in these matchups, demonstrating exceptional defensive skills that were not merely a result of poorly thrown passes. His performance is sure to enhance his draft stock, as coverage skills are often lacking in NFL linebackers.
#3 Josh Farmer (DT/Florida State)
Despite some skepticism about his decision to enter the draft this year, Josh Farmer proved his worth during Wednesday’s practice. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 314 pounds, Farmer possesses an impressive build complemented by arms extending over 35 inches. He displayed a powerful first step and consistently gained leverage against his opponents, showcasing his ability to dominate the line of scrimmage. Farmer’s performance against a talented group of blockers demonstrated that he has the potential to make an impact at the next level.
#4 Grey Zabel (OL/North Dakota State)
Grey Zabel had a fantastic day, demonstrating versatility across multiple offensive line positions. Lining up at both guard and center, Zabel dominated his opponents with fundamental soundness and excellent technique. His ability to block with leverage and use his 316-pound frame to outmuscle defenders was impressive. The combination of his versatility and strong performance against high-level competition at the Senior Bowl has undoubtedly raised Zabel’s draft stock.
#5 Anthony Belton (T/North Carolina State)
Anthony Belton has been a bit of a mystery for NFL scouts, possessing early-round size and athleticism but struggling with inconsistent play. However, on Wednesday, he showcased his potential. Standing over 6-foot-5 and weighing 345 pounds, Belton moved exceptionally well, bending and getting leverage against defenders. His ability to slide his feet in pass protection is impressive for someone of his size. If he can continue to harness his talent, Belton has the potential to become a starting tackle in the NFL.
#6 Josaiah Stewart (Edge/Michigan)
Josaiah Stewart may not have the traditional size of a pass rusher, measuring under 6-foot-1 and weighing 248 pounds, but he plays with an intensity that belies his stature. He embraced the challenge of facing blockers significantly heavier than him, using his quickness and athleticism to consistently win battles. Stewart’s array of moves and explosive closing burst make him a promising candidate as a pass rush specialist in the NFL.
The Senior Bowl is an essential event for college football players looking to make their mark and improve their draft prospects. With scouts closely monitoring performances, every drill and play counts. As these athletes continue to showcase their skills, it will be exciting to see how their draft stock evolves leading up to the NFL Draft.
The energy and passion displayed on the field during Senior Bowl practice are a testament to the dedication of these players. They are not just competing for a spot on an NFL roster; they are chasing their dreams. Whether it’s Oladejo’s relentless edge rushing, Barron’s impressive coverage skills, or Zabel’s versatility, each player is making a case for why they belong in the professional ranks. The journey to the NFL is filled with challenges, but for these talented athletes, the Senior Bowl is a significant step toward achieving their goals.
