2022 Senior Bowl Day One Practice Winners
Myjai Sanders, EDGE Cincinnati
Out of all of the defensive end prospects at the Senior Bowl, Myjai Sanders needs a big week the most. With a ton of hype entering his senior season for the Bearcats, Sanders disappointed with only 2.5 sacks in 14 games. Fans expecting a leap from the Georgia native did not get that this past season. He has talent and showed it today. During the 1v1s against Minnesota tackle Daniel Faalele, Sanders beat the giant tackle with both speed and power. He further impressed in the 11v11s in the run game. He might not be the first-round prospect everyone hoped he would, but a strong week in Mobile can help solidify the Cincinnati pass rusher as an early day two pick.
2. Travis Jones, IDL Connecticut
From a small school prospect trying to regain hype to a small school prospect just now gaining his, Travis Jones put on a show during practice today. It seemed like every rep in the simulated team drills Jones was right around the ball. In the 1v1 drills, he was simply unblockable. No matter who the lineman in front of him was, Jones was able to power his way into the backfield. The UConn product has a strong argument for the heaviest hands at the position. For many, including myself, this was their first real introduction to Travis Jones. Not many are able to watch Connecticut film, making this event even more crucial for Jones. If he keeps up this level of play, who knows just how high his ceiling in the draft is.
3. Christian Watson, WR North Dakota State
Multiple times Inside The Hashes CEO commented on how well Christian Watson was playing in the drills. I would also have to confer, the FCS receiver was extremely good today. Watson was catching everything thrown his way. The big receiver’s hands and body control are exactly what you’d hope for. This leads to what makes Christian Watson special… his speed. A big receiver like Watson should not be able to move the way he does, running smooth routes and clocking in as one of the fastest players at the event. There was a good amount of hype for the Bison receiver heading into this event, and it all seems warranted. If he continues to have a strong week his draft stock will soar.
4. Zion Johnson, IOL Boston College
Once again we are featuring Zion Johnson on a winners list. Johnson looked like the same guy he was at Boston College. He used his natural leverage extremely well in the 1v1 drills, getting hands-on defensive tackles and not letting them go anywhere. His anchor was tested, and other than a powerful rep by fellow list-mate Travis Jones, it mostly held up. An interesting point from day one – Johnson took some reps at center. Can he possibly play the position at the next level too?
5. Mario Goodrich, CB Clemson
Admittedly, I didn’t know much about Clemson corner Mario Goodrich going into today. I knew that he recorded an interception in the Cheez-It Bowl and that the Senior Bowl team was high on him, but that was really it. I believe that Goodrich was the best cornerback in today’s practice. The Clemson corner gave receivers FITS. He was physical and aggressive in all the right ways, receivers struggling to shake the Tiger off their hip. If Goodrich can keep this up, Andrew Booth shouldn’t be the only Clemson corner receiving hype from teams.
Writer
-By: Jacob Keppen