2021 Reeses Senior Bowl: American Team Notes
After two long days of practice that were televised, and an additional practice that was not televised (Thanks, friend Jim) it’s time for the 2021 Reeses Senior Bowl. With no Combine this year, this game represents the biggest chance to increase your draft stock.
With the American team led by Matt Rhule. They lost 24-27 to the National team. It was a typical college All-Star game. Nothing stood out coaching wise.
Bad quarterback play made this puppy tough to grade. More like TERRIBLE QB play.
*Let’s get this out of the way now. It’s hard to watch every single player on every single snap. I’m jotting down what I see at first glance.
Quarterbacks:
Mac Jones did not play because of an ankle injury. At the end of the day, I’m not sure it matters. He had a hell of a week of practice. He helped himself as much as possible.
Kellen Mond continues to show he has NOTHING. His ball placement just sucks. Pocket awareness is brutal. Threw a couple of touchdowns. Don’t care.
Jamie Newman was the third quarterback which makes sense given how awful he was in practice. Newman came into the game, handed the ball off a bunch, and then found ways to screw the thing up like always. His accuracy is some of the worst I’ve ever seen. Anything on the run, you have no idea where that ball is going.
Was Newman going to finish the game without a pick? Good joke. Of course, not. He’s gone from hey, maybe 2nd round to get me the fuck out of here. This guy is so bad he’s intentionally running into sacks.
Running Backs:
Larry Roundtree continues to look like shit. There was a run to the outside and it looked like he was stuck in the mud. There’s just no twitchy burst.
Kylin Hill is still by far the most talented running back on the American team. He at least can shift and fall forward. That’s more than I can say about the other backs.
Wide Receivers:
Shi Smith did make one big reception while not being covered at all. I just think he’s sort of average to above average. Shi could have had another big catch but dropped it after he knew a big hit was coming.
Amari Rodgers was able to reel in a touchdown. He’s a slot wide out all day.
Trevon Grimes caught a fade touchdown against the Washington corner. That seems to be his game.
Offensive Line:
David Moore the Grambling guard had some issues. I thought he got beat up in the run game. Didn’t create holes for his backs. Got beat off the snap by Ta’Quon Graham on a pass play bad. Graham was terrible in practice too.
Stock way down by Deonte Brown. Never looked like he belonged a touch behind in terms of athletic traits. I guess that’s what you get with a 360 pound guard.
Ole Miss lineman struggled again. Just looks weak compared to the competition.
Defensive Line:
Cameron Sample’s motor is hard to ignore. Guy doesn’t stop moving. He came up with a sack against Ian Book. He’s been tough to overlook. Maybe not the flashiest player but he works, man.
Quincy Roche didn’t have any sexy highlight but you could see him impacting the game.
Linebackers:
Jordan Smith beat James Hudson right off the edge. He just looks so long and fast. Plus, he’s a great interview so there’s that. It’s hard not to like what you see. The pure tools are there. He’s about the only one that was able to get the best of North Dakota State.
KJ Britt was around the football a bunch. There’s something to be said for that. Britt tipped a ball in the air that should have been an interception. You can see that Britt has great instincts. The explosion to shoot gaps and make plays in the run game was also on full display.
Riley Cole was playing a home game. That’s about where the good ends. The South Alabama linebacker just doesn’t look athletic. When I say unathletic, I mean way less than Tuf Borland. Missed a bad tackle on Michael Carter. Saw all I needed to.
Jabril Cox. Insert the flexing emoji. I just like him. The versatility is always there. Just always brings something to the table.
Cornerbacks:
Bryan Mills of NC Central got called for a questionable flag but it’s a great sign a small school player started the game. Mills broke up a ball early when Sam Ehlinger threw a duck outside the numbers. He looks like he belongs.
Safeties:
Shawn Davis caught an interception on a Hail Mary if that means anything.
