Son of HOF WR Jerry Rice highlights must-watch players in Senior Bowl

Several players increase their draft stock every year at the Reese's Senior Bowl, which kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Feb. 3. Among many notable names set to play, here are this year's must-watch players.

QB Bo Nix, Oregon

Nix is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft after passing for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns and just three interceptions in 2023. He also added 234 yards and six touchdowns with his legs.

The 23-year-old ranks as Pro Football Focus' fourth-best quarterback and No. 20 overall prospect on its big board. But with a big week in Mobile, Alabama, Nix could ensure he hears his named called in the top half of the first round.

QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Penix Jr. led the Huskies to a College Football Playoff National Championship appearance this season. He and his team fell to Michigan 34-13, but the 23-year-old has been a big reason for Washington's success as of late.

Over the past two years, Penix Jr. has passed for 9,544 yards, 67 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. He ranks as PFF's fifth-best quarterback and No. 28 overall prospect and could solidify himself as a first rounder with a strong performance.

Edge Laiatu Latu, UCLA

Latu is one of the premiere edge-rushers in this year's draft class. The 23-year-old has 85 tackles, 23.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and two interceptions from 2022-23.

Latu can continue to rise in the ranks with a dominant performance against high-caliber offensive tackles like Oklahoma's Tyler Guyton. He currently ranks as PFF's third-best edge-rusher and No. 18 overall prospect.

WR Brenden Rice, USC

Rice is the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice. That alone will garner national attention. But he has continued to build upon his family name with 791 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023.

The 21-year-old ranks as PFF's 14th-best wide receiver and No. 67 overall prospect. But his name alone will have teams looking to give him a shot in the NFL. A strong week will only further cement that.

WR Luke McCaffery, Rice

Rice isn't the only player in the Senior Bowl with family ties to the NFL. McCaffery is the younger brother of 49ers RB Christian McCaffery. 

He had an impressive 2023 season, posting 71 receptions for 992 yards and 13 touchdowns. McCaffery ranks as PFF's 25th-best wide receiver and No. 148 overall prospect. If he proves to be even half the player his older brother is, his draft stock will skyrocket.

CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

No FBS cornerback forced more incompletions than Mitchell over the past two seasons. From 2022-23, he has 83 tackles, six interceptions, 37 passes defensed and two touchdowns.

There are several wide receivers who can have great NFL careers that Mitchell will line up against the week. He must continue proving he's a shutdown corner if he hopes to be a first rounder come April. Mitchell currently ranks as PFF's seventh-best cornerback and No. 39 overall prospect.