As we move through Senior Bowl week, the second practice indicates who the movers will be through the draft process. For some players, it’s their first good day. For some, it solidified they will have, at worst, a good two out of three days.
CB Chau Smith-Wade, Washington State
The first player on the list was also the first player that made a “wow” play in my eyes, at least, and that is Washington State cornerback Chau Smith-Wade. Smith-Wade ran vertically with the receiver during one-on-ones, kept in phase, then got his head turned around at the last second and made an athletic interception.
Smith-Wade doesn't have ideal size at just 5’10” and 187 pounds, but his ball skills flashed on day two. For someone who has almost exclusively played on the outside in college, I would like to see Smith-Wade get some more work in the slot in Mobile, but he did the most important thing: made the most of his opportunities.
TE Brevyn Spann-Ford, Minnesota
As one of the better blocking tight ends in the 2024 NFL Draft, Brevyn Spann-Ford can help himself in Mobile by showing a bit more versatility as a pass-catcher, and he’s done that so far.
Throughout his career, Spann-Ford has been relied upon to help open rushing lanes for an offense that loves to hand the football off - but so far, through two days, he’s also shown promise as a receiver.
On Day 1, Spann-Ford was the second-fastest tight end on the National team, hitting 16.32 MPH. On day two, he fought through traffic to make a catch after being grabbed. He could see his stock rise earlier on day three with a strong finish to the week.
DL Darius Robinson, Missouri
Darius Robinson had a breakout season in 2023 for multiple reasons, the biggest being his technical refinement. A better-supporting cast on the line and playing with leads allowed him to show more as a pass-rusher, but he also developed physically and with his hand usage.
Robinson has been wrecking offensive linemen for two days in Mobile as both a pass-rusher and run defender. With his physical tools and a senior of production to match, Robinson has helped himself, maybe even into the first-round conversation this offseason.
OL Christian Haynes, UConn
For small school prospects, the Senior Bowl is an opportunity to showcase themselves against NFL talent they normally don’t face routinely. UConn’s Christian Haynes has made the most of his opportunity this week in Mobile.
Haynes has been working against a strong defensive line group and consistently winning his battles. With another strong day of practice and game on Saturday, Haynes will have put himself in position to be a big-time riser.
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