2022 Senior Bowl

Mark87

Mark87

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The first practice of the National team in the Senior Bowl was held in Mobile, Ala. in South Alabama's football stadium. The players practicing in shells: helmets, shoulder pads, and shorts. The National team is being coached by the New York Jets coaching staff.

  • The first day of practice at Senior Bowl is typically a little sloppy as the players shake off the rust of a layoff while adjusting to playing with new teammates. This practice was no different, and the Jets staff, led by head coach Robert Saleh, ran a very slow-paced session that included a lot of play install. As a result, it was not as noteworthy of a practice but laid a foundation for more action on the days to come and put a building block in place for the Senior Bowl game on Saturday.





  • Eyes throughout out the league were on Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett, and he had a decent first day. Pickett was not on fire or overly impressive physically, but he did not look poor either. Pickett was by far the most accurate quarterback over Cincinnati's Desmond Ridder and Nevada's Carson Strong. Pickett had consistently good ball placement and did a nice job of throwing a very catchable ball. He did not put on display any big-time vertical throws in the team scrimmage, as he seemed more cognizant to work the short part of the field. Overall, this was not a first day that will kick start a climb to the top of the first round, but Pickett did not hurt himself either.

  • Strong did not have a good practice, as he had some accuracy issues overthrowing some checkdowns in the flat and throwing too high on many occasions. While Strong has an arm that can loft the ball down the field, his passes lack zip, and he is not one to drive the ball into tight windows. In this practice, Strong did not have the look of a first-round quarterback.





  • Ridder was unimpressive as well. He showed some athletic ability to move around, but also had some hesitation in the pocket in the team scrimmage. That led to him taking a bad sack when he had time to get the ball out. While Ridder has a quality skill set, he could be a developmental project and is not a quarterback that is ready to compete quickly.

  • Northern Iowa left tackle Trevor Penning had an eventful first day of practice. Penning has first-round potential for the 2022 NFL Draft and this is an important week for him after taking on lower caliber of competition during his final collegiate season. Penning started out well by getting some wins in the pass rushing one-on-ones. He stood up a bull rush and rode defenders around the pocket showing agility with length that made it tough for them to shed him. In other one-on-ones, Penning did well to hold his ground against bull rushes, but Jets coaches were working with him on his hand placement and not exposing his chest to defenders.

    In the team scrimmage, Penning was beaten for a sack by Oklahoma defensive end Isaiah Thomas. Penning was on his heels and threw Thomas into the turf but took the legs out from under Ridder. There is no doubt that Penning has a good skill set with size, length, quickness and athleticism. He could use some coaching up for the NFL, but the potential to be a good starter is there and this week in Mobile could solidify Penning as a mid-to-late first-rounder.





  • Entering the 2021 season, there were scouts who were really excited to see Penn State cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields and thought he could have first-round potential for the 2022 draft. His tape from his underclass time was impressive to go along with a combination of big size, speed and athleticism. However the 2021 season was very disappointing, as Castro-Fields had issues with biting hard on play fakes and showing a lack of discipline that led to some bad tape. Thus, rebounding at Senior Bowl is critical for Castro-Fields, and he got his week off to a good start.

    In the one-on-ones, Castro-Fields did nice job of smothering routes including a few wins versus Cincinnati wideout Alec Pierce. Castro-Fields drove hard on slants to cover up and force incompletions. On a deep route in the end zone, Castro-Fields ran with Pierce and was able to intercept a batted pass as the two fought for the 50-50 ball. If Castro-Fields plays well on Wednesday and Thursday, he could be a riser who makes himself some money in Alabama.
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With all the general managers, coaches and scouts in attendance for the Senior Bowl, there is a lot of chatter going around. Here are some of the highlights from around the league on Day 3 of the 2022 Senior Bowl week.

  • Rebuilding NFL teams often get a lot of phone calls and trade offers for good players on their roster. A year ago, it was clear that the Detroit Lions were in store for a massive rebuilding project after Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia decimated the organization's roster of talent. With aging starter Matthew Stafford not wanting to live through another rebuildwith the Lions, he requested a trade, and the Lions fulfilled his request with the Rams the just after Senior Bowl week.

    Stafford is not the only player teams were trying to pry away from Detroit, as NFL sources say the Lions were getting steady and consistent phone calls inquiring about veteran left tackle Taylor Decker. The Lions were not interested in trading Decker and rebuffed those inquiries. Detroit has one of the best young offensive lines in the NFL with Decker (27), new Pro Bowl guard Jonah Jackson (24), center Frank Ragnow (25) and standout rookie Penei Sewell (21). The offensive line is the building block for the Lions' rebuild, so don't expect their stance on Decker to change and them to entertain the trade offers.


  • There is a lot of praise around the league for the new hires by different teams. Scouts have spoken well of the new Bears general manager Ryan Poles and feel the Giants made good moves with their new general manager and head coach. The Raiders, on the other hand, have received a lot of criticism from scouts with other teams. Scouts feel that Las Vegas winning 10 games was a superb job of coaching by Rich Bisaccia and the coordinators of Greg Olson and Gus Bradley. Ten victories was remarkable considering the litany of adversity that started with Jon Gruden being forced out, Henry Ruggs being arrest and released, Damon Arnette being released, and losing the team losing its best player, tight end Darren Waller, to injury for the majority of the second half of the season. Sources say letting go of the coaching staff was a mistake compounded by what many see as a bad hire in former Patriots assistant Josh McDaniels.

    "[The Raiders] are such a bad organization. It's so hard to win 10 games when things are going right," said one team's pro personnel director. "To ask Derek Carr to learn a whole new system when he's been so successful under that one is BS. Let's not forget [McDaniels] drafted Tebow in the first round and Denver was terrible under him. Then he finished last in offense with the Rams before Belichick and Brady rescued him."

    The track record for Belichick assistants with other teams has been awful. McDaniels gets another opportunity to change that history, but sources from around the league think Raiders owner Mark Davis made a mistake in switching out coaching staffs and bringing in McDaniels.


  • On Monday in the Senior Bowl Hot Press, we discussed how the Saints were strongly considering making a big move to trade for a star veteran quarterback prior to head coach Sean Payton stepping down. Sources with New Orleans feel the team is ready to win now led by a talented defense that kept the Saints in the playoff hunt despite playing with backup quarterbacks. In speaking to sources, offensive tackle is a position that New Orleans could target in the 2022 NFL Draft if Terron Armstead leaves this offseason. With the 18th-overall pick in the first round, the Saints could have some good tackle options available, like N.C. State's Ikem Ekonwu, Mississippi State's Charles Cross, Northern Iowa's Trevor Penning and Tulsa's Tyler Smith. Saints sources say they really like the skill set and upside, with Ekonwu and Smith in particular.


  • In yesterday's Hot Press, we shared some insight into some sources feeling that Kayvon Thibodeaux was overrated and there were teams picking in the top 10 that were not in love with Thibodeaux. To a lesser degree, the same could apply to Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. Teams like Hutchinson and think he is a safe pick to turn into a quality starter, but they do not believe he is as good of a prospect as other high first-round defensive ends like Myles Garrett, Chase Young or the Bosa brothers. Some sources are concerned that Hutchinson could end up being a Sam Hubbard-type end and tops out as a 10-12 sack player in the NFL. While they view him as safe to turn a solid player, they are concerned he lacks the upside to be an elite rusher. If Hutchinson posts good numbers in the pre-draft workouts, that could help convince teams that he has more athletic upside.


  • Yesterday in the Senior Bowl Hot Press, we reported how the Dolphins shopped veteran wide out DeVante Parker prior to the trade deadline last season. In following up with NFL sources, another veteran receiver who was available was Atlanta's Calvin Ridley. Sources say that while the Falcons did not shop him seeking out a trade, they made teams aware that Ridley was available. After Week 7 last season, Ridley stepped away from the Falcons because of mental health issues, and he did not return to the team in 2021. With Ridley entering the last year of his contract, it could be difficult for the Falcons to get a good return for him. Ridley has yet to announce his plans for next season and whether he is ready to return to the NFL.
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The second practice of the American team in the Senior Bowl was held in Mobile, Alabama in South Alabama's football stadium. The players practiced in full pads. The American team is being coached by the Detroit Lions coaching staff.

  • In the rainy conditions, Liberty quarterback Malik Willis had a mixed session, but his combination of a powerful arm and dangerous running ability produced some impressive plays. In the team-scrimmage 2-minute drill portion of practice, Willis made two excellent plays on one drive, including running for 20-30 yards to get in striking distance. Shortly thereafter, Willis rolled to his left and laid out 30-yard touchdown pass to UCLA tight end Greg Dulcich. It was a pretty pass that Dulcich led to the end zone for the score.

    On Willis' next two-minute drive, however, he put together an ugly possession. Willis fumbled a shotgun snap, which probably would have turned into a sack in a game. He also held onto the ball too long and looked blinded by the line on another play and ended up taking a sack. To conclude the possession, he threw a deep ball to a blanketed receiver in double coverage that fortunately for Willis fell incomplete.

    Overall, Willis has the skill set to make some game-changing plays with his cannon for an arm and his running ability. He needs a lot of work, however, in terms of his mechanics, accuracy, and field vision. The team that drafts Willis needs to have a developmental plan and not force him onto the field too soon.







  • Team sources were impressed with Florida running back Dameon Pierce during Tuesday's practice, and he was even better on Wednesday. Once again, Pierce ripped off some chunk runs, showing his burst to hit the second level and using his powerful frame to run through arm tackles. He ripped off multiple nice runs in the 9-on-7 run scrimmage.

    In the pass-blocking/receiving one-on-ones with linebackers, Pierce was excellent. He got started by stonewalling a bull rush and holding his ground to win a blitz-protection rep. Then he got open on a few routes, including a wheel route that was overthrown and an out route to the flat that he caught. Pierce did have a drop, but there were lot of dropped passes on Wednesday in the downpour. To conclude practice, Pierce won a one-on-one blitz-protection block that left his entire offense shouting and celebrating.

    Pierce has definitely made himself some money in Mobile this week. He has been a tough runner, displaying power, quickness, and decisiveness. His work on Wednesday suggests he has third-down ability to contribute as a blocker and receiver. If Pierce runs well at the NFL Scouting Combine, he could end up being a valuable second-day pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.


  • Florida State defensive end Jermaine Johnson has had a solid week of practice, and he showed well in both phases on Wednesday. In the pass-rushing one-on-ones, Johnson had a few wins, including an impressive rush on which he beat Tulsa's Chris Paul with a hard chop to get free and then a dart to the inside. In the 9-on-7 run scrimmage, Johnson did a nice job of getting off his block and flowing to the inside to stuff the back for a minimal gain. Johnson has been consistent with his 2021 season, when he was an impactful pass rusher and run defender for the Seminoles. This week of practice should help solidify Johnson as a first-round pick this April in the 2022 NFL Draft.


  • Kentucky offensive tackle Darian Kinnard has had a mixed week, notching some impressive wins and some losses in the one-on-ones. He had some tough battles with Jermaine Johnson on Tuesday, with each getting wins. On Wednesday, Kinnard lined up at guard on some one-on-one reps, which was interesting chance to assess if he could move to the inside in the NFL. Kinnard looked more comfortable at right tackle, as he seemed a little slower to react to speed rushes from interior defensive linemen. With his height, weight, and strength, Kinnard looks like a power right tackle or right guard in the NFL. If he does get moved to the inside, he might need more developmental time.







  • Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones has impressive speed to challenge defenses downfield, but he dropped a series of passes on Wednesday. While the rain makes catches more challenging, wet conditions are part of the game, and Jones needs to improve his hands. One drop is not a big deal in the rain, but dropping a number of passes in a seven-on-seven session could only hurt him with evaluators.


  • LSU linebacker Damone Clark has not set the Senior Bowl on fire, but on Wednesday, he did have some nice reps in the pass-coverage one-on-ones. Clark was running with receivers and not getting burned. Keeping close coverage and not allowing separation is what teams want to see from Clark, and he showed good three-down starter ability with his cover skills on Wednesday.
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Hard to believe that Florida used Pierce for only 119 total touches in 2021.
 
With all the general managers, coaches and scouts in attendance for the Senior Bowl there is a lot of chatter going around. Here are some of the highlights from around the league on Day 5 of the 2022 Senior Bowl week.

  • Many years, we see quarterback prospects rise as the NFL draft approaches. Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett is the consensus top quarterback and likely to be the first signal-caller drafted. Liberty's Malik Willis, however, has impressed teams at the Senior Bowl with his powerful arm and athleticism. He could be a riser who ends up going as a top-20 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. NFL team sources shared with WalterFootball.com they believe the appropriate value for Willis and North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell are early in the second round. Given the demand for quarterbacks and teams pushing players up, both Willis and Howell have a real shot to go in the first round, especially Willis. Even though Willis and Howell are second-round-caliber players per many scouts' grades from last fall, Willis and Howell to a lesser extent could be the rising quarterbacks this year.


  • An NFL team's director of player personnel told WalterFootball.com their top-graded cornerback is Washington's Trent McDuffie. They love his smooth cover skills, ability to run the route and instincts, and feel he is a natural football player. That director said they feel McDuffie is more polished and safer as a selection than LSU's Derek Stingley or Cincinnati's Ahmad Gardner. Stingley is getting branded as a buyer-beware prospect who is viewed as boom or bust by some team sources. His last season of good tape came from 2019, and he has been injured while also being inconsistent at times on the field otherwise. McDuffie could end up coming off the board before Stingley during the 2022 NFL Draft.


  • That same director said LSU linebacker Damone Clark was their highest-graded linebacker. Georgia's Nakobe Dean and Utah's Devin Lloyd have received more media hype, but some teams like Clark a lot more than those two and see him as the best linebacker for the 2022 NFL Draft. Other teams could have the order switched, but Clark has helped himself with his good week at the Senior Bowl.


  • The Carolina Panthers are in store for an interesting offseason as they try to figure out how to return to playoff contention. Last spring, Carolina traded for Sam Darnold, and after a good start, Darnold struggled for the majority of the 2022 season. The franchise is still searching for a true replacement for Cam Newton. Sources from other teams say the Panthers organization is complicated and bordering on dysfunctional. Head coach Matt Rhule has been on a power trip over the past two years, and he pushed out former general manager Marty Hurney. Owner David Tepper is meddlesome as well and stays involved in the football side. General manager Scott Fitterer has his hands full, and it sounds like a very challenging situation with Rhule trying to impose his will in all directions despite struggling to win games over the past two seasons.

    Sources from around the league feel the Panthers would be much better off if Fitterer were given the power to build the roster and run the organization as he sees fit. Rhule had very little NFL experience when Tepper hired him away from Baylor, and Tepper comes from Wall Street. Fitterer and assistant general manager Dan Morgan have been in the NFL for decades. It will be interesting to see if Rhule is on the hot seat next season, but Rhule could become more competitive on Sundays by allowing the evaluators to build the roster to let him focus on coaching the players who are brought in.


  • Florida running back Dameon Pierce has been one of the stars of the 2022 Senior Bowl practices, and he has helped himself perhaps more than any other prospect in Mobile . On top of showing dynamic running ability, Pierce has interviewed extremely well with teams. He has a great team-first attitude and is smart, respectful and motivated. Sources say the Atlanta Falcons are very high on Pierce. I have also heard and seen that the Lions, Bills and Packers are all showing a lot of interest in Pierce.


  • The top of the 2022 NFL Draft could have some surprising picks because the class lacks clear-cut high first-rounders like Kyle Pitts, Ja'Marr Chase and Penei Sewell were a year ago. That disparity could make for some interesting selections at the top of the 2022 NFL Draft. Sources with Detroit indicated the organization is keeping its options open and giving a lot of consideration to a variety of directions to go with the second-overall pick.

    The Lions are in a massive rebuilding project after their roster was decimated by former general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia. The team has big needs for help at wide receiver, edge rusher, linebacker, cornerback, safety, and a long-term quarterback. As a result, Detroit could go a lot of different directions at No. 2 overall, especially considering what the franchise's draft class could look like as a group of players considering the team will have pick No. 31 or 32 to go along with pick No. 34.

    By the sounds of it, the Lions are not head over heels in love with Michigan edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson or Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. Washington felt that way about Chase Young in 2020, yet he went No. 2 overall. The 2022 NFL Draft is a strong year for edge rushers, and the Lions could find other good ends available at their later picks. Players like Florida State's Jermaine Johnson, Georgia's Travon Walker, and Penn State's Arnold Ebiketie could be good values for Detroit in the early 30s.

    If the Lions don't take a pass rusher at No. 2, they could look to grab a No. 1 receiver. Some team sources feel USC's Drake London could be a Mike Evans-type wideout, and that would obviously be quality value for the second pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Other receivers like Ohio State's Garrett Wilson and Arkansas' Treylon Burks could get consideration as well.

    Cornerback is another position that could be in play for the Lions. Jeff Okudah, the third-overall pick from 2020, is nearing bust status and was a pick of Detroit's prior regime. The organization could consider cornerbacks like Cincinnati's Ahmad Gardner, LSU's Derek Stingley and Washington's Trent McDuffie. Even if Okudah turns things around in his third year, another corner would give the Lions a potential starting trio with Okudah and Amani Oruwariye.

    Lions general manager Brad Holmes also said he would listen to trade offers to potentially move down. A lot of the teams picking in the top five would be interested in moving down, but there may not be a market of teams interested in trading up. That could force Detroit to stick and pick. While Hutchinson and Thibodeaux are candidates for the Lions, they are keeping their options open and might go another direction high in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
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