Tuesday was the first day of practice for the Senior Bowl, meaning it was the first chance to see some of the nation’s top prospects take another step in preparation for April’s NFL Draft.
During Tuesday’s practice, there were many players who stood out for good and bad reasons. Let’s look at ten players on the All-American senior bowl team who have helped or hurt their draft stock.
Practice of the National
Stock up: Oklahoma RB Eric Gray
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Gray had a great day of practice on Tuesday and got to show a lot of his skills. In running back drills, he looked explosive off the backfield while showing off his ability to move laterally. Later in practice, you were able to see the speed of him and his ability to catch from the backfield, which will be a big plus for NFL teams. His day wasn’t perfect by any means, as he was held in check on a few plays in one-on-one situations with the linebackers, but overall it was a good start.
Stock up: Princeton WR Andrei Iosivas
Iosivas has really helped his draft stock today. His releases in one-on-one exercises looked very clean. Later in practice, he was able to show his sharp course running skills and was clearly on his game in Tuesday’s practice. Iosivas also made a big uncontested catch in the back of the end zone early in Practice as he gained two feet in bounds. He will have the opportunity to build on a strong first day.
Stock up: Houston WR Nathaniel Dell
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Wow, what else can you say about this guy? He put on an absolute clinic in Tuesday’s first practice of the senior bowl. His ride on the course was decisive and exceptional. His release from the line of scrimmage was lethal and his explosiveness was a show. He dominated the wide field of wide receivers and put on a show in one-on-ones.
Stock Up: Miami CB Tyrique Stevenson
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Stevenson was a pleasure to watch in practice on Tuesday and really showed his physicality in the position. He showed very fast flanks and was able to read and react perfectly. Stevenson was as blocked as one could wish for on the first day of practice.
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Stock Up: Kansas State CB Julius Brents
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Much like Stevenson, Brent put on a great show in practice on Tuesday. He was patient in his coverage and showed some fluency as well. Brents hasn’t shied away from playing physically either. He was vocal on the field when he made good plays and stuck to receivers every step of the way.
Stock Up: Iowa State EDGE Will McDonald
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On the defensive line, Will McDonald had an outstanding day. He continued to bring the energy throughout the practice and really put on a show. It was hard not to notice his running off the line and his relentless pursuit in the pass rush. He will be a name to watch as we approach Wednesday’s practice.
Stocks: Gopher C John Michael Schmitz
John Michael Schmitz
The Gophers center is widely perceived to be one of the top center prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft, and he proved it in Tuesday’s practice. The thing with offensive linemen is that when you don’t hear about them, they’re typically doing their job. That was Schmitz today. Going 11-of-11, he was consistent and demonstrated his blocking in space on a screen pass. Today was a milestone as he continues to secure his status as midfield’s best prospect.
Stock Up: Oklahoma TE Brayden Willis
Mandatory Credit: Rich Story-USA TODAY Sports
Brayden Willis quietly planned a good day today. While he didn’t make any flashy plays, he showcased his blocking skills and put together some good reps against the linebackers in one-on-one drills. Willis is likely a third-day pick in the draft, but as a solid senior quarterback, he could entice teams to want to draft him.
Stock down: Georgia RB Kenny McIntosh
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Many people were excited to see McIntosh in practice Tuesday, but unfortunately the running back went down with what appeared to be a significant injury at first. Thankfully, after some time with the coaches, he was able to walk away on his own, and it was later reported that it was just a bad cramp. McIntosh will show off his skills in practice on Wednesday.
Stock down: TCU QB Max Duggan and Shepherd QB Tyson Bagent
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The first day of practice is typically tough for quarterbacks, and today was no different. The USA team’s quarterbacks didn’t play particularly badly today, but they also didn’t play well. They were just a kind of facilitation practice. There were no sketches or ah-ha moments from either of them. After the practice, most of the attention was on injured Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker. Duggan and Bagent will have another opportunity on Wednesday to try and build some momentum.
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The story originally appeared on Vikings Wire
