Reports are flying in from the first day of the 2021 Senior Bowl. Players are making themselves money with every rep. It has been stated ad nauseam, but 2020 was a year unlike any other, which magnifies the spotlight. Below we will take a look at how several players with the most to prove fared on Day 1.
Jamie Newman, Quarterback, Georgia/Wake Forest
Newman comes into the Senior Bowl as the quarterback with the most opportunity to change his stock. He opted out of the 2020 season after a transfer and spent most of the past year working with noted quarterback coach Quincy Avery. He measured in with the largest hands of the group (10”) and at the requisite size (6’2”, 235 lbs) one desires in the position. He has the athleticism to project as a fantasy-relevant dual-threat quarterback.
On Day 1 he drew rave reviews from the likes of Matt Miller, Andrew Mason, and Turron Davenport. All three noted his arm talent in relation to the competition as well as ball placement on throws all over the field. His opportunity in practice this week is particularly noteworthy as he shares the American roster with Alabama quarterback Mac Jones. With a stand-out performance this week, Newman could position himself for a pre-draft rise into the back half of the first round. The Senior Bowl was a noted starting point for E.J. Manuel’s rise into the first round and Jimmy Garoppolo proving himself against higher competition.
Nico Collins, Wide Receiver, Michigan
Collins is another player coming off a 2020 opt-out. Collins brings an intriguing size profile for the position (6’4” – 215) and could draw comparisons to a fantasy-relevant 2020 alumn in Chase Claypool. Claypool shined during the Senior Bowl and teams are always going to look twice at a receiver bringing those unteachable traits.
Early reports on Collins were mixed. Dane Brugler noted he struggled to separate underneath, a concern coming in. He was able to make some plays downfield, though given his size advantage in one on one drills that is not a surprise. There were reports he was one of the quickest to pick up the offense and played a role in helping teammates line up. He has a long way to go to make up for the missed season.
D’Wayne Eskridge, Wide Receiver, Western Michigan
Eskridge is a small wide receiver (5’9” – 188) from a smaller school currently making a big impact on draft boards. In six games he gained 811 yards from scrimmage while scoring eight touchdowns. Eskridge will have to answer the questions about his level of competition and display the same explosiveness he has put on tape in the MAC.
The reports out of Day 1 were glowing. Despite some concerns about picking up the playbook, he consistently beat defenders one on one. Brugler and Field Yates were among those on hand who noted him as a player who consistently stood out. We have seen wide receivers (most notably Terry McLaurin) skyrocket up the draft board. Eskridge is well on his way to making his case this year
Please stay tuned for more Senior Bowl coverage and follow me on Twitter- @4WhomJBellTolls
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