2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl: American Game Notes
The 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl is finally here. After two days of televised practices, one day of untelevised practices, and one day of removing the media from the building, we’re finally here. The American team led by the Lions staff and Dan Campbell lost 20-10 to the National side.
Luckily, NFL Network takes care of the game itself so we don’t have to worry about that disaster anymore. Let’s get right to it. Who stood out during the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl for the American team?
Day 2 American Team Practice Notes!
Day 3 American Team Practice Notes!
Quarterbacks:
Yeah, I just don’t love Malik Willis. He’s starting to look like a bad impersonation of Lamar Jackson. Just way shorter, slightly less athletic traits, with the same bad accuracy. He’s got a good gun on him but how can you really love him?
Bad ball to Calvin Austin that was almost dirted but should have been a 30 yard gain. Made a couple guys miss in the pocket only to have the ball thrown away. Missed a wide open Jalen Tolbert that would have been a huge gainer.
Athletically, there is some special. Might even be better than Kyler Murray in that aspect, which is scary. Still, he ended the game 2-4 for 11 yards. 48 on the ground. Whatever. He’s a 61% guy playing bad competition. You can do with that what you want.
Sam Howell was fine. Picked up a score with his legs. Didn’t complete a ton of difficult balls. I’ll give him this. He’s thick and I think it’s just time to say he’s more athletic than Baker. Was loading up on his throws. Gets ball out quick. Not a bad day.
Bailey Zappe was a mixed bag. Threw a pick to end the game. Threw a bunch of dangerous balls. Limited arm. *Might* be better than Mike White? He does have some touch but even if he makes it, this is career back up territory.
Running Backs:
TJ Pledger was a late add and played in the game. Not sure I love him. Former Oklahoma transfer that finished at Utah. Thought he just went down really easy in the game. Need a guy that can create on his own. Didn’t happen outside of one run.
Brian Robinson did nothing. Literally nothing. Six carries for 18 yards of a snoozefest performance.
I just think this Dameon Pierce needs more wiggle. Try hard guy. Runs hard but there really isn’t talent here.
Wide Receivers:
Not a ton here. Velus Jones 53 yards. 45 goes to Calvin Austin. Jalen Tolbert two grabs for 24.
Offensive Line:
Anybody going to bring up the fact that Spencer Burford started the game at left tackle? I will. 74 kicked ass all week. Gets the start and dominates (outside of the one sack the Minnesota guy got him). These are the times I feel really smart.
Not much of a surprise here either. Darian Kinnard from Kentucky is totally undraftable. Guy sticks out worse than a bad spray. Whether it be false starts or literally being better off by playing four offensive linemen, he’s awful. Clockwork. Every snap. Gets killed.
Jamaree Salyer had a good game. Played some guard which was important. Maybe not a natural mover but there was a play where he played as a pulling guard. Looked good doing it. Both Georgia guys played guard at the same time. Made some plays pushing in the run game. Like Shaffer but I don’t think he’s as good as Salyer.
Max Mitchell and Braxton Jones were essentially the third string tackles and played like it. Pressures upon pressures. The Minnesota guy got Jones. Tyreke Smith beat up Mitchell. They were both awful.
Defensive Line:
John Ridgeway got hurt twice in the game which is a shame. The limited time he was out there, guy looks interesting. Derek Wolfe?
How bout this DeAngelo Malone too? Dude flys which I guess makes sense for a former wide out. Charlie Kolar tried to block him and got wrecked. Even played some coverage? Not great doing it but functional.
Linebackers:
Channing Tindall. That’s it. Don’t care what he did in the game (although he made a sick play on special teams to chase down a returner). Fast. Range. Love.
Defensive Backs:
Again, this Leon O’Neal isn’t a world beater. Hey, guy can tackle and looks good playing the run. Means something, right?
Alontae Taylor came away with an interception. In fairness, the ball was really underthrown by Carson Strong. Looks more like a safety than a corner. Not a ton of top end speed.
Zyon McCollum got burned by Christian Watson. Hit with a pass interference that would have otherwise been a score.
Derion Kendrick is just on it. Amazing how easy it looks when he bats balls down.
