3 Senior Bowl Players That Can Raise Their Draft Stock This Week
Back in November, I took a look at three prospects that could potentially raise their draft stock with a big week at the Senior Bowl. With the NFL Combine canceled, the Senior Bowl has become more important than ever. NFL teams will not be allowed to time, test, interview in person, or even give medicals outside of a pro day or an all-star event. With its best roster yet, players have recognized the Senior Bowl as the biggest opportunity to rise up draft boards. Here are three more players that can do just that this week in Mobile.
1. Spencer Brown, OT Northern Iowa
Spencer Brown is one of the most captivating players in this year’s draft. The 6’8 offensive tackle is a true giant amongst giants, but his game features unexpected finesse and athleticism. He combines his athleticism with great length and strength, his film littered with dominant finishes.
Brown received a good amount of hype entering this season, and the hope was that he could continue to work on his technique. He lost that opportunity when the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the FCS football season to the spring. Without the opportunity to further prove himself and keep his name relevant, other tackles started to rise above Brown.
While he didn’t have an opportunity to rise up draft boards this season, all the eyes of the football world will be on Mobile Alabama for the Senior Bowl. Brown will most certainly garner attention early with his size, and having a great week against a really good pass rush group can see the Brown hype train get back on track.
2. D’Wayne Eskridge, WR Western Michigan
Featured in week 13 of our Weekly Risers series, D’Wayne Eskridge has been one of college football’s most prolific deep threats this season. Playing for Western Michigan in the MAC, Eskridge has flown under the radar this season despite finishing the season with over 23 yards per catch and 8 touchdowns.
Eskridge is one of the best pure athletes in the 2021 NFL Draft class. He hypnotized MAC defenses with his next-level speed, and dazzled fans with his abilities after the catch. He uses his great speed and agility to run nice routes, and he’s not afraid to play bigger than his size. From day one he can return kicks as well. The draft community discovered how good Dwayne Eskridge is over the past few weeks, and with a big showing in Mobile, the entire football world will know his name.
3. Hamilcar Rashed Jr, EDGE Oregon State.
Entering the 2020 season, Hamilcar Rashed was seen as one of the top edge rushers in the draft. Rashed Jr. was coming off a stellar 2019 campaign that saw him lead the nation in tackles for loss with 23. He was also top five in sacks with 14. While a tad bit undersized, Rashed possessed coveted athleticism and flexibility at the edge position.
With his elite physical traits and production, many saw Rashed Jr. as a potential first-round pick. The 2020 season was a lot different for Rasheed Jr. though. In seven games, Rashed Jr. only mustered two tackles for loss and didn’t register a single sack. Rashed saw his stock drop as other edge rushers such as Jaelan Phillips and Azeez Ojulari started to rise above him into first-round consideration.
The Senior Bowl is a perfect bounce-back opportunity. Rashed Jr. may not be able to change the 2020 season, however, he can still wow those watching with the same physical tools that we fell in love with a year ago. Facing tough competition, Rashed can still raise his draft stock with a big week and remind everyone of why we were so high on him last year.
All stats from Sports-Reference CFC unless noted.
-By: Jacob Keppen