2023 Reese’s Senior Bowl Preview
Last year we had Kam Moos at the Senior Bowl. This year we will have Garrett Burroughs at the event. Jim Nagy still hates me so I’ll be blogging from my couch until they have a new head of the event. Have no fear, Trey is still here and we’re going to have a chat about everything you need regarding the 2023 Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Here are five things I’m looking forward to watching when it comes to the Senior Bowl:
5: The Next Quinn Meinerz?
Get ready for Cody Mauch. He’s the small school (North Dakota State) offensive lineman that the fans can rally around. Quinn Meinerz and Cole Strange have both made the NFL after impressive showings at the Senior Bowl. This is Mauch’s chance to be next. Oh, and he looks like this. We’re about to find out if he can actually play.
4: Strong Running Back Class
In years past, I have expressed great disdain for the backs at the Senior Bowl. A year ago we were accurate as we normally are. Dameon Pierce runs hard, Brian Robinson can make some plays, and Rachaad White had some underrated juice. Everybody else was garbage. Safe to say that was spot on.
This year? Oh, the class looks strong. It’s so good that the fullbacks might even be legit too (Josh Whyle, Brayden Willis). The guys I’ll have a close eye on include Chase Brown, Eric Gray, Kenny McIntosh, Evan Hull, Roschon Johnson, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Camerun Peoples, and Tyjae Spears. Whoops… that’s all of them.
Point being, it’s a really good group. A group that’s going to have bargains get drafted in the 5th, 6th, and 7th round that become factors next year. Especially in fantasy for those on the zero RB train.
3: Let’s Talk QB
We don’t have a decision from Will Levis yet. That could change by the time this post is published. As of right now, only five quarterbacks are listed on the accepted invite list. To keep fully up to date, here’s the link to the Senior Bowl website. Levis’ inclusion would be the talk of the town but that’s not a guarantee.
Regardless, Max Duggan will be there coming off a Heisman finalist season. The Senior Bowl will be huge for a guy like Duggan that spent all year playing in the Big 12. That game against Georgia wasn’t exactly kind to any player on the TCU roster. Will Duggan redeem himself in Mobile?
On top of that, I think both Jake Haener and Clayton Tune have some sneaky potential. Tune was a five year starter coming off a 40 touchdown season. Haener has some athletic traits that make you think twice about him. Both will have a shot to move up the board into a real backup territory.
2: The Castle Dawand Jones
Has anyone seen this guy? If you watch Ohio State then you know. 6-foot-8 and 359 pounds. Just a massive human. I’m going to guess his wingspan is ridiculous too just by watching Ohio State. I can’t wait to see him do the one-on-one matchups in pass rushing drills.
1: Defense Storylines
Few players that I have my eye on.
We’re going to find out about Byron Young. Keep telling me he’s the man but my eyes don’t see anything other than the rare flash. Better go out there and win these pass rushing drills. Same goes to the Northwestern guy, Adetomiwa Adebawore. You better show up or I don’t want to hear the nonsense that’s about to come from the fake hype machine.
Jackson State will have a rep there, Aubrey Miller. What does he look like on the same field as Ventrell Miller? Are the Jackson State guys real?
Looks like a better safety class than a cornerback class. I’m semi high on Maryland corner, Jakorian Bennett. Could he make a name for himself and move up the board? Speaking of those safeties, how about two from Bama and one from Georgia? It’s going to be a fun week.
