2023 Senior Bowl Observations: Day 3

Adetomiwa Adebawore is a high-energy player with a relentless motor and a unique frame (6'2" / 280 lbs). But going into this week, I felt that he was too busy with his hands and feet, and lacked the twitch to get after the passer on the EDGE without a better plan of attack.

Over the course of the week, I rarely saw the same inefficient hand and foot activity that I saw on his tape. And on Day 2, Adebawore was lined up on the interior defensive line. That is where I think he could shine at the next level as a passing-down penetrator.

On Day 3, Adebawore continued to shine with one of the best performances of the day. It seems like he has gotten better every day this week, which is something that should not be overlooked.

Jaelyn Duncan: OT, Maryland

The size, length, athleticism, and movement fluidity finally paired with the technical aspect of the game for Jaelyn Duncan on Day 3. It is no secret that this player has some of the best natural traits in the 2023 NFL Draft class. The question is whether that will click into place with the technical and mental aspects of the game.

On Day 3, Duncan displayed consistency. He mirrored pass rushers and used his length to keep them at bay in full team drills. Additionally, he regularly prevailed in one-on-one matchups. Does that mean it all has clicked for him and it will be easy sailing from here? Not so fast. But it might mean that he can learn on the fly with the right coaching and apply better technique than he has shown on film.

O'Cyrus Torrence: OG, Florida

Coming into the final day of Senior Bowl practice, I felt generally whelmed by O'Cyrus Torrence. He looked like he clearly belonged but didn't jump off the field to me. That all changed on Day 3.

The big road grading guard from Florida (via Louisiana Lafayette) was opening rushing lanes left and right in the team portion of the practice. Additionally, he consistently handled his opponents in one-on-ones, winning with physicality. While I do still have some questions about his pass protection, he only provided answers on Day 3.

Other Observations

Offensive Lineman Curtis McClendon out of Tennessee Chattanooga put together a good stretch of practices, closing the week out with his best performance. He is a physical player who boasts positional versatility and a massive frame, standing 6-foot-6 and 325 lbs. I spoke with him a little bit after practice about how the week went and his style of play:

The top-end talent made a point to leave lasting impressions on Day 3. That included South Carolina iDL Zacch Pickens. The No. 1-ranked DT in the 2019 recruiting class had an excellent Day 3 at the Senior Bowl. That included a rep during 9-on-7 where he was seemingly in the backfield before the handoff had occurred.

Alabama offensive lineman Emil Ekiyor Jr. continued to impress at center, a position that may suit him better than the guard spot he played almost exclusively in college. And his teammate, Tyler Steen, continued to look good playing offensive guard.

Wanya Morris (Oklahoma OT) and Matthew Bergeron (Syracuse OT) finished the week the same as they started it: strong. Both players consistently impressed me this week and might be drafted higher than many expect.

Also, Michigan offensive tackle Ryan Hayes had an impressive Day 3. But he is still likely limited to teams running primarily gap run schemes due to his lack of mobility.

And finally, Will McDonald IV might be the best football player at the Senior Bowl — at least among the trench players. As I have noted previously, he may only be attractive as a full-time player to 3-4 base teams due to his size (6-foot-3, 241 lbs). But there is no question that this kid has incredible pass-rush chops and would be a great addition to any team in a pass-rushing role.

Look out for a Senior Bowl summary in the near future as I get all of my notes and thoughts collected from the last three days. Signing off from Mobile, Alabama. Bear Down!