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 defensive 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.
- Shawn Oakman (Baylor) Pass Rusher
To me this is one of those scenario’s where teams should be praying a talent like this falls to the 4th or 5th round. Is there a risk? Absolutely, with off the field concerns and his thin legs there’s a lot to worry about. For starters 4-3 teams should stay away as I believe he will insufficient in run support. The good news for 3-4 teams is your looking at the possibility of a fast instinctive outside linebacker. If he doesn’t pan out who cares it’s a 4th round pick. If he does you could be looking at something similar to Anthony Barr. Oh I also forgot to mention he is 6’9” with freakish arms!
- Alabama Defenders
At the Reese’s Senior Bowl, this is a scary group to say the least. Reggie Ragland has the ability to play inside or outside linebacker and has the look of the next C.J. Mosley-Dont’a Hightower. Jarran Reed is another story as a 313 pound defensive lineman. Reed has it all with great initial get off and excellent chase down ability. 3-4 teams will love him as a 3 technique. Last there is Cyrus Jones. Jones is a 5’10” corner with excellent speed who can also be a factor on special teams.
- Harlan Miller (SE Louisiana) Corner
Everyone is looking for the next small school corner who turns into Josh Norman. Like Norman, Miller has great size which virtually every scout is looking for now-a-days at 6’1”. Miller was the top corner in my opinion with Samford’s James Bradberry a close 2nd.
- Ross Miller (Duke) Kicker
Let’s give the specialists some love at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, right? Miller was flawless in kicking and did not miss a kick since his freshman year at Duke. Miller also drilled a 65-yard field goal in practice showing off his range. The Duke grad was also 2-2 on field goals during the game.
5. Noah Spence (Eastern Kentucky) Pass Rusher
No one improved their draft status more than Spence at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. This man was unblockable for the entirety of the event. The problem is off the field issues which got him kicked out of Ohio State for abuse of Ecstasy. Those concerns may prove costly which could land him outside of round one but if you are looking for a top tier talent look no further than Spence.
