Today was the last time where we would see some of the best college football players for the last time before they go pro. The Senior Bowl showcased some of the best talent out there and some players left the Bowl game by improving their NFL Draft Status. Let's take a look at some of the players who moved up the draft board and some who moved down.
-Charlie Whitehurst, QB, Clemson-Pretty obvious to those who saw him earn the North team's offensive MVP award but Whitehurst definitely showcased some talent. He was ultra-calm in the pocket and while he didn't wow anyone, he made smart plays and made good throws to NFL scouts. Moved Up-Is now a 2nd to 3rd Round Pick.
-Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt-Ok, if anyone watched ESPN or the NFL Network, Jay Cutler was dubbed the star of the class before the game. But his showing in the game was not all that impressive. He does have a cannon for an arm but tends to make too many risks and needs to work on his presence in the pocket. Moved Slightly Down-Still a 1st-rounder, albeit a possible Miami Dolphin.
-Brodie Croyle, QB, Alabama-Brodie Croyle plays with a lot of heart. But what I've noticed is that he's a bit of a mix of Whitehurst and Cutler. He has the calm approach of Whitehurst but will throw caution to the wind at some point. Croyle did impress me a bit today and I think if he plays like he did this year and today, he'll be a Trent Green-type QB. Not the best but certainly reliable. Moved Slightly Up-Mid 2nd-round pick unless he blows up the combine.
-Michael Robinson, QB, Penn State-For the avid follower of Senior Bowl week, the other most talked about QB not named Cutler was Michael Robinson. Robinson, though, was being talked about as a RB, WR and by Mel Kiper only a FS. Robinson can scramble as good as a Donovan McNabb but needs to tone his accuracy and pocket presence a lot. I give him credit for his dedication towards being a QB but it appears that's not in the cards. Did Not Move-A development prospect in the 5th-7th round.
-DJ Shockley, QB, Georgia-DJ Shockley is probably the most likely to be in NFL Europe next year. Shockley, a 1-year starter at Georgia, is the best scrambler of the QB class this year (with the exception of MAYBE Vince Young). But Shockley is extremely raw and needs about 2-3 years to be a good QB. He has a cannon for an arm as well (and I mean a CANNON) but needs accuracy and control to be a backup even. Did Not Move-Another developmental prospect in the last round.
-Darrell Hackney, QB, UAB-Darrell Hackney was not even mentioned in the week up to the Senior Bowl. Hackney has been considered to be built like Culpepper at the skill level of Byron Leftwich. But Hackney did decent this game though did not wow anyone. He can throw a bit but does not have a strong arm to hack (bad pun) it in the NFL. Moved Down-4th-Rounder at best, could become a good backup.
-DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis-The best RB in the Senior Bowl by far was DeAngelo Williams. But this week he faced a test as coming from Memphis, he never faced the best competition. Williams succeeded with flying colors showing patience and excellent vision ala Clinton Portis. Williams is now a definite Top-15 pick and could even boost it at the combine.
-Terrence Whitehead, RB, Oregon-To be quite honest, I didn't even know Whitehead was in this game. But he did capture my attention with a solid performance in the game. He shed tackles and showcased a bit of elusiveness. Needs to work on vision a bit but Whitehead could be the sleeper of the RB class. Moved Up-Went from a possible Undrafted to a 6th-7th rounder.
-Joseph Addai, RB, LSU-Addai was unbeknownst to the college world earlier in the year. But due to injuries, he excelled at LSU and came into the Senior Bowl as the #2 RB. Addai could become a great RB in the NFL and this game he played pretty well. Addai can catch and can run (think Domanick Davis) plus can contribute on Special Teams. Moved Slightly Up-See him go in the mid 2nd-round.
-Jerome Harrison, RB, Washington State-Jerome Harrison was the leading rusher in the NCAA this year. But like JJ Aarington found out, that doesn't mean instant success. Harrison didn't play much this game but in the last drive for the North, he did show that he's got some talent. He broke tackles and explosiveness and could work his way into the 5th round. Moved Up-Even with limited time, I believe he opened eyes.
-Cedric Humes, RB, Virginia Tech-Humes is going to be a TJ Duckett/Moe Williams style RB in the NFL. He goes for that extra yard all the time but appears to lack the durability and versatility to be a starter. No Impact.
-Mike Bell, RB, Arizona-I was impressed by Bell a bit today though his numbers may not indicate great success. Bell has balance and good vision which will help him at the next level. Moved Nowhere-4th to 6th-round appears destiny.
-Lawrence Vickers, FB, Colorado-Only 2 FBs made an impact in this game but Lawrence Vickers really came out of the doldrums. He can be a thumper and still be good in-between the tackles. Moved Up-4th Rounder.
-Garrett Mills, FB, Tulsa-Garrett Who? Garrett Mills is a converted TE who reminds most experts as a Chris Cooley 2.0. With good reason, Mills can catch and block pretty well. Moved Up-5th Rounder at best.
This was pretty long but thought someone may be interested.