2016 Reese’s Senior Bowl South Team Offensive Notes

The Reese’s Senior Bowl is now in the books as NFL Draft talent evaluators will now go back to their draft boards with a better understanding of this year’s draft class. After 3 long days of practice and the conclusion of the game let’s take a look at some of the South’s offensive players who caught my eye for better or worse. The South Team was the more dominant of the group as evidence of the 27-16 victory.

1. Kenyan Drake (Alabama) Halfback

Many people actually disagree with me on this one but I believe Drake was better than I anticipated he would be. Nick Saban normally has his next runningback in store yet it was Drake that found himself as the complimentary guy. There must be a reason a smart guy like Saban trusted him right? His elusiveness was much better than I expected and his passing catch ability will keep him on the field. Drake went from an undrafted guy to a 5^th-6^th round prospect after the Reese’s Senior Bowl in my opinion.

2. Glenn Gronkowski (Kansas State) H-Back

Glenn Gronk, little brother of Rob Gronkowski, is a fullback looking to make the switch to tight end and H-Back. While this Gronkowski won’t be draft nearly as high, he does hold a promising future reminding me of Kyle Juscyzyk of the Ravens. A concerning element is oldest brother Dan Gronkowski never panned out the way Rob did. The fullback is a dying breed so Gronkowski will need to prove his hands are just as valuable as his blocking ability.

3. Malcolm Mitchell (Georgia) Wide Receiver

Mitchell was the most polished route runner I saw during this week during the Reese’s Senior Bowl in what is a down year for receivers. Mitchell’s stats did not wow anyone this year but his game tape showed he is productive despite inadequate quarterback play in college. Mitchell figures to be a solid possession guy at the next level who could be picked in the middle rounds.

4. Offensive Line

The offensive line play was rather poor on both the North and South team. The two guards in my mind were the best of the bunch for the South including Vadal Alexander from LSU and Sebastian Tretola from Arkansas. The pair of SEC guards are both monsters weighing around 330. The tackles on the other hand will have to show me something at the combine or I will be the first to admit this may be one of those years to bargain hunt for lineman.