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Senior Bowl 2024: Latest Accepted Invites

 

 

 

Date: 12/19/2023

By Jim Nagy

Executive Director of the Senior Bowl

Link: https://www.the33rdteam.com/senior-bowl-2024-latest-accepted-invites-player-profiles/

 

The 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl will take place February 3, 2024 in Mobile, AL. I’ll be keeping you updated each week with all of the latest accepted invites as we round out this year’s roster.

 

In heights/weights, “v” denotes verified and “e” denotes estimated.

 

University of Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) throws the ball during the NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt on Saturday, November 25, 2023 in Knoxville, Tenn.

TENNESSEE QB JOE MILTON III

Height: 6-foot-5 (v)

Weight: 236 pounds (v)

Arm: 33 1/8 inches

Hand: 10 inches

Senior Bowl week is always highlighted by some surprise performances, but one of the most predictable draws this year will be the rocket right arm of Joe Milton III. We had the opportunity to see the Vols’ QB seemingly effortlessly launch a ball 80-plus yards during a skills competition at the Manning Passing Camp last summer.

His arm strength is rare — it ranks right up there with some of the best arms I’ve ever scouted or been around. Milton’s size, arm, and athleticism set him up to have a great spring process in a league that values traits at every position. For all the naysayers who question Milton’s accuracy and consistency, don’t forget that. Florida’s Anthony Richardson was taken No. 4 overall by the Indianapolis Colts last April.


Georgia offensive lineman Sedrick Van Pran
Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Sedrick Van Pran (77) takes the field before the SEC Football Championship against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

GEORGIA OC SEDRICK VAN PRAN

Height: 6-foot-4 (v)

Weight: 315 pounds (v)

Arm: 31 1/4 inches

Hand: 9 1/2 inches

Georgia’s three-year starting center will be one of the safest picks in this year’s draft. People
sometimes try to twist the word “safe” into more of a negative connotation. However, we see it as a very positive thing when it comes to Sedrick Van Pran because he’s as proven, steady, and reliable as any offensive lineman in this year’s class. Whatever team picks Van Pran will take him to start next year as a rookie.


Auburn defensive back Jaylin Simpson
Auburn Tigers defensive back Jaylin Simpson (36) celebrates before being called for defensive pass interference call during the first quarter as Auburn Tigers take on New Mexico State Aggies at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala.

AUBURN DS JAYLIN SIMPSON

Height: 5-foot-11 3/8 (v)

Weight: 175 pounds (v)

Arm: 32 1/4 inches

Hand: 10 inches

Auburn moved Jaylin Simpson from corner to safety out of necessity a couple of years ago because of depth issues, and he took the position naturally, turning into one of the top playmaking defensive backs in the 2024 draft.

Not all defensive backs can handle that switch as smoothly as Simpson, who has great broad-scope vision playing from a deeper alignment. Every team in the league is looking for a centerfielder-type free safety with good range and balls like Simpson, who sources tell us will blow it out at the Combine as well.


Penn State defensive end Adisa Isaac
Penn State defensive end Adisa Isaac (20) celebrates a sack from Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) in the first half of an NCAA football game against Michigan at Beaver Stadium Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in State College, Pa.

PENN STATE EDGE ADISA ISAAC

Height: 6-foot-4 5/8 (v)

Weight: 240 pounds (v)

Arm: 33 3/8 inches

Hand: 9 1/2 inches

Penn State’s Chop Robinson gets all the buzz inside draft media circles. Still, Adisa Isaac is actually the Nittany Lion edge player who led the Big Ten with 7.5 sacks this season. The redshirt senior captain missed the entire 2021 season due to injury, and he’s made consistent progress over the past two years of tape study.

There aren’t many linebackers in this year’s class who project as every-down 3-4 OLBs, but Isaac is a guy who can set the edge on base downs and affect the quarterback in sub packages. Isaac’s former college teammate Arnold Ebiketie parlayed a big week in Mobile two years ago into being the No. 38 overall pick of the Atlanta Falcons. We feel like Isaac should go in the same Day 2 range in April.


North Carolina wide receiver Devontez Walker
North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Devontez Walker (9) catches a ball near Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) during at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

NORTH CAROLINA WR DEVONTEZ WALKER

Height: 6-foot-1 3/4 (v)

Weight: 197 pounds (v)

Arm: 33 3/4 inches

Hand: 8 3/4 inches

Devontez Walker was in the headlines earlier this fall when the NCAA denied his transfer waiver, but once he was cleared to join the Tar Heels, he made an immediate impact as Drake Maye’s go-to guy. Walker was a prospect who popped for us over the summer when we watched his Kent State tape, so nothing he did this fall at North Carolina surprised us. Walker is a super smooth, deceptively fast outside receiver who can make plays at all three levels.


USC running back MarShawn Lloyd
USC Trojans running back MarShawn Lloyd (0) runs during the first quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

USC RB MARSHAWN LLOYD

Height: 5-foot-9 (e)

Weight: 210 pounds (e)

The top running backs in most drafts are usually juniors, but this year might be different. Marshawn Lloyd, who transferred from South Carolina to USC last summer and averaged 7.1 yards per carry this fall for the Trojans.

He is our top-graded RB this cycle, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s the first runner off the board in April. Lloyd has the combination of contact balance and explosive juice that most elite runners at the next level possess. Lloyd is an early favorite as one of the top risers coming out of Mobile.


Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu
Washington Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) celebrates after the Huskies scored against Oregon during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

WASHINGTON OG/OT TROY FAUTANU

Height: 6-foot-3 1/2(v)

Weight: 319 pounds (v)

Arm: 34 3/4 inches

Hand: 9 3/8 inches

If you’re talking about feet — just feet — UW’s left tackle is easily in the conversation for
best in this draft class. There’s plenty of debate about whether Troy Fautanu projects as
a tackle or guard at the next level, but there’s no doubt Fautanu is athletic to stay in
front of people out on the edge.

Fautanu has played far more snaps (1,937) at left
tackle than left guard (100), but he’ll get the opportunity to play more inside at the
Senior Bowl.


Oregon State tackle Taliese Fuaga
Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (75) blocks Stanford Cardinal linebacker Levani Damuni (3) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

OREGON STATE OT TALIESE FUAGA

Height: 6-foot-6 (e)

Weight: 334 pounds (e)

No verified measurables

The first-team All-Pac 12 performer made a big jump this year in his second season as a starter for the Beavers. In this year's draft, Taliese Fuaga is arguably the most powerful and physically dominant offensive lineman.

Networks will be able to put together a cool highlight reel of him bullying people at the second level for draft coverage this spring. In terms of tools and role fit, Fuaga is similar to Chicago Bears’ No. 10 overall pick and Senior Bowl alum Darnell Wright, but he’s heading into the pre-draft process with even slightly higher grades across the league than Wright had a year ago.


TEXAS A&M DT MCKINLEY JACKSON

Height: 6-foot-1 5/8 (v)

Weight: 320 pounds (v)

Arm: 33 3/4 inches

Hand: 10 inches

One of the biggest attractions of Senior Bowl week is always OL/DL 1-on-1 drills, and we have a feeling Jackson will properly introduce himself to the draft community during those practice periods. Jackson, who was used primarily as a nose tackle for the Aggies, will get more time at three-technique in Mobile to show off his
explosive get-off.

One of our goals at the Senior Bowl is to put players in a position to showcase their talent, and Jackson has the tools to be one of the most disruptive defensive players in this year’s draft.


Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro
Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (33) celebrates after a tackle against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

CLEMSON DT RUKE ORHORHORO

Height: 6-foot-4 1/8 (v)

Weight: 288 pounds (v)

Arm: 34 inches (e)

Hand: 9 3/4 inches (e)

Better late than never on this one. Ruke Orhorhoro, the toolsy, versatile and disruptive Clemson defensive tackle was committed to play in last year’s Senior Bowl before opting to return to the Tigers for another season. 

He’s played up and down the front over the course of his career for Dabo Swinney and projects best into an aggressive upfield scheme as either a 3- or 5-technique at the next level. Orhorhoro was more of a basketball player growing up in downriver Detroit and didn’t start playing football until his junior year at River Rouge High School, so we feel like his best football is still ahead of him.

The Senior Bowl also got a commitment last week from Orhorhoro's talented college defensive line-mate, Tyler Davis.


Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Max Melton
Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Max Melton (16) celebrates after an interception during the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

RUTGERS CB MAX MELTON

Height: 5-foot-11 6/8 (e)

Weight: 194 pounds (e)

Max Melton’s older brother, Bo, who currently plays slot receiver for the Green Bay Packers, played in the Senior Bowl two years ago, so Max Melton should be well-prepared before getting to Mobile. 

The first things that pop off Melton’s tape are his twitchy athleticism and urgent play style. He plays mainly in the slot for the Scarlett Knights, and he’s got the zone instincts and route-jumping ability (eight interceptions over past three years) that NFL teams covet at the nickel position. Bo Melton blazed a 4.34 40-yard time at the Combine, so we expect Max Melton to have a great spring process, as well. 


WESTERN MICHIGAN EDGE MARSHAWN KNEELAND

Height: 6-foot-3 (v)

Weight: 277 pounds (v)

Arm: 33 3/4 inches (e)

Hand: 9 1/4 inches (e)

One of the deepest sleepers in this year’s draft class is active and heavy-handed all-MAC player Marshawn Kneeland. Few fans have probably heard of Kneeland, except for maybe when he joined Deion Sanders for a brief time in Colorado this past offseason before opting to stay in Kalamazoo.

The Broncos do an excellent job of moving Kneeland around and creating mismatches for him, and his natural power and ability to play on the move make him hard to block. During our formal grade-sharing calls with NFL front offices a few weeks ago, many teams already had Day 2 grades on the former underrecruited, two-star high school prospect.


Laiatu Latu celebrates a sack.
UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the North Carolina Central Eagles during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

UCLA EDGE LAIATU LATU

Height: 6-foot-4 6/8 (v)

Weight: 261 pounds (v)

Arm: 32 1/4 inches (e)

Hand: 9 inches (e)

Laiatu Latu is one of the best players and stories in this year’s draft class. 

The first-team All-American, who finished among CFB leaders in both sacks (13.0) and TFL (21.5), was medically disqualified two years ago at Washington due to a neck injury, so Combine medicals will certainly be a factor in where he ultimately gets picked. But he hasn’t missed a game the past two seasons. 

Because Latu is already considered a Day 1 pick, one could argue he has more to gain (financially) than any player who’s accepted a Senior Bowl invite so far. Similar to when Von Miller came to Mobile projected as a mid-first-rounder and ultimately became the No. 2 overall pick, Latu could cash in by moving up multiple spots in an area of the draft where every spot is worth millions. 


OHIO STATE LB TOMMY EICHENBERG

Height: 6-foot-2 3/8 (v)

Weight: 236 pounds (v)

Arm: 31 3/4 inches

Hand: 9 1/4 inches

Tommy Eichenberg was our staff’s highest-graded off-ball linebacker in this year’s senior class over the summer, and he had another solid season in the middle of the Buckeyes’ defense. 

The biggest thing that NFL evaluators look for in stacked linebackers is instincts, and Eichenberg is one of the most natural ball-finders in this year’s draft. We’ve already seen some people lazily pigeonholing him as strictly a two-down Mike, but we think he’ll prove the doubters wrong during one-on-one coverage drills in Mobile. 


TCU OL BRANDON COLEMAN

Height: 6-foot-4 3/8 inches (v)

Weight: 320 pounds (v)

Arm: 34 7/8 inches (e)

Hand: 10 1/2 inches (e)

Brandon Coleman’s best friend, Los Angeles Rams stud rookie G Steve Avila, became the No. 36 overall pick in last year’s draft after a big week in Mobile, and we think Coleman will make a similar impact on NFL decision-makers in his weeklong exposure to them. 

Coleman, who has played both left tackle and left guard for the Horned Frogs, is one of the most powerful people-movers in this offensive line class. He made a big impression on us when we saw him practice back in August, and some team is going to draft him to be an immediate starter — likely as a guard next season.


Utah Utes offensive lineman Sataoa Laumea
Los Angeles, California, USA; Utah Utes offensive lineman Sataoa Laumea (78) against the Southern California Trojans in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

UTAH OL SATAOA LAUMEA

Height: 6-foot-4 1/8 (v)

Weight: 321 pounds (v)

Arm: 33 3/8 inches (e)

Hand: 9 7/8 inches (e)

Many of the offensive linemen who have committed to this years game — such as Duke’s Graham Barton, Arizona’s Jordan Morgan and Houston’s Patrick Paul — are getting more buzz right now than Sataoa Laumea. But we think the three-time All-Pac 12 will turn some heads in Mobile. 

Laumea, who has started 43 career games for the Utes (19 at right guard, 24 at right tackle), made a nice jump on tape this year. He’s a good athlete who adjusts and recovers easily, and he played with more of a mean streak than we saw on his summer tape. While some offensive line prospects clearly project better at one spot or another, our staff feels Laumea could be equally effective as a starting guard or right tackle.


FLORIDA STATE WR JOHNNY WILSON

Height: 6-foot-6 1/8 (v)

Weight: 237 pounds (v)

Arm: 35 5/8 inches (e)

Hand: 9 3/8 inches (e)

In a league that values physical traits now more than ever, Johnny Wilson is going to be a player who general managers and offensive coaches will be focused on during Senior Bowl week because of his rare 84 1/2-inch wingspan. 

While it’s obvious on paper that Wilson is a huge person, you feel his size even more once you get up next to him on the field. We had three different scouts see Florida State play live this fall, and the main takeaway from each was just how unique Wilson’s size is. 

Wilson’s yards per catch dropped almost six yards this year (from 20.9 in 2022 to 15 in 2023), but that’s a function of opposing defenses accounting for him with more deep, over-the-top help. We were in Tallahassee when Wilson had two first-half red zone touchdowns against Virginia Tech, and he could dominate one-on-one red zone periods during our practice week.


Spencer Rattler throws a pass vs. Missouri
South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) throws a pass during the first half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

SOUTH CAROLINA QB SPENCER RATTLER

Height: 6-foot 1/8 (v)

Weight: 216 (v)

Rattler has been a household name in college football ever since he became the starter as a true freshman at Oklahoma. After going through some ups and downs, Rattler played his most efficient and consistent football this fall.

The Gamecocks had protection issues this year but in an odd way, it benefited Rattler because he did some of his best work under duress, which is critical for NFL evaluators. With his arm talent, we expect Rattler to have a big week in Mobile.


MISSOURI CB KRIS ABRAMS-DRAINE

Height: 5-foot-11 (v)

Weight: 175 (v)

No community in the country has produced more NFL talent per capita in recent years than Mobile, Alabama, and Abrams-Draine will add to that pipeline this year. Mizzou’s instinctive ball-hawking corner is relatively new to the position. 

He was recruited primarily as a four-star receiver, so we feel like his best football is still ahead of him. Abrams-Draine’s off-man pattern-reading and ball skills will make him a tough matchup in WR-DB 1-on-1’s. Abrams-Draine led the SEC in passes defensed (11) and was third in interceptions (four).


DUKE DT DEWAYNE CARTER

Height: 6-foot-2 5/8 (v)

Weight: 309 (v)

There aren’t many safer prospects in this year’s draft than the versatile Duke defensive tackle. NFL teams know what they’re getting from Carter because he’s a proven player, and his elite football makeup (i.e. first three-time captain in program history) gives him a high floor.

Carter has the size to handle double-teams and enough penetration quickness to get into the backfield. Like most interior defensive linemen coming to Mobile, Carter can help himself by putting a couple of good pass rushes on tape against an offensive line group loaded with top-100 prospects.


LOUISVILLE CB QUINCY RILEY

Height: 5-foot-11 (v)

Weight: 182 (v)

Hardly anyone saw the Lousiville Cardinals making the ACC Championship game. Usually, when teams exceed expectations, it’s because they have some upperclassmen playing their way onto NFL radars. That’s exactly what Riley has done this fall.

The former Middle Tennessee State transfer is one of the most underrated pure cover corners in this year’s class. He’ll also be one of the fastest based on his elite high school track times (10.4 100-meter dash). NFL fan bases who think their team needs corner help should pay close attention to Riley during Senior Bowl week.


Oct 7, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive back Beau Brade (2) makes the catch as Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (35) makes the tackle during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

MARYLAND DS BEAU BRADE

Height: 5-foot-11 6/8 (v)

Weight: 201 (v)

This year’s senior safety class is relatively thin so there were some difficult decisions when it came to our invite process, but Brade was a pretty easy one.

We liked Brade’s ability to play near the line of scrimmage and be a factor against the run during our summer tape study. He helped himself this fall by showing up more in coverage.

Brade, who has led the Terps in tackles the past two seasons, also got our attention by playing two of his best games against Michigan and Ohio State offenses, which are both loaded with NFL talent.


ARIZONA OT JORDAN MORGAN

Height: 6-foot-4 7/8 (v)

Weight: 306 (v)

We were set to send an invite to Tucson for Morgan last season prior to an ACL injury in November, so it felt great to get him committed this year. Morgan, essentially a four-year starter, has bounced back well from the serious knee injury. His pass protection skills at left tackle have been a big key in Arizona’s unexpected 9-3 season.

Morgan has played almost 2,200 snaps in the past three years, all at left tackle. NFL evaluators are eager to see him get reps at guard during Senior Bowl week. While he has the feet to play left tackle at the next level, proving to teams he is strong enough to move inside and give them four-position (both OT and both OG) versatility will significantly help Morgan’s value on draft weekend.


Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Javion Cohen
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Javion Cohen (70) celebrates a touchdown in the third quarter against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lewis-USA TODAY Sports

MIAMI OG JAVION COHEN

Height: 6-foot-4 2/8 (v)

Weight: 339 (v)

Miami did excellent work in the portal last offseason, and Cohen is a big reason why the Hurricanes were much better up front this season. The former two-year starter at Alabama has done a nice job in pass pro, and his improvement in the run game is noticeable. 

All 2,428 of his reps in the past three seasons have come at left guard, so it will be important for him to show he can also play on the right side in Mobile. While he projects as a guard-only prospect, the limited position flexibility usually doesn’t hurt players who project as starters, and NFL teams think Cohen has starting talent.


TEXAS DT T’VONDRE SWEAT

Height: 6-foot-4 2/8 (v)

Weight: 346 (v)

This was a big acceptance in more ways than one. At roughly 360 pounds, Sweat could end up being the biggest human in Mobile this year. He’s also one of our highest-graded interior defensive linemen in the senior class. 

Sweat, who was a backup last year behind two players who did not receive Senior Bowl invites, made one of the biggest grade jumps on our defensive board this fall. Unlike most massive space-eaters, Sweat isn’t just a two-down player. 

What separates him from most run-stuffers are his disruptive flashes collapsing the pocket. We predict he’ll make a lot of money putting offensive linemen on skates during 1-on-1 pass rush drills.


Oct 14, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (7) looks to run after a catch as North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Cedric Gray (33) tries to make the tackle in the second half at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

NORTH CAROLINA LB CEDRIC GRAY

Height: 6-foot-1 7/8 (v)

Weight: 230 (v)

Few players in this year’s draft fit the new-age linebacker mold more than Gray. Off-the-ball linebackers usually don’t come off the board in the top 50 picks, but we think Gray has a chance to get into that range.

With plenty of space and coverage work, Senior Bowl practices are ideally suited for an athletic guy like Gray, who was a big-time receiver coming out of high school.

One of Gray’s best attributes is his true sideline-to-sideline range. There have been games this season — like his 17-tackle effort last Saturday against rival N.C. State — where it seemed like he made every play on defense.

Tulane QB Michael Pratt
Nov 11, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tulane Green Wave quarterback Michael Pratt (7) warms up before their game against the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes at Yulman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Dobbins-USA TODAY Sports

TULANE QB MICHAEL PRATT

Height: 6-foot-2 1/2 (v)

Weight: 219 (v)

Arm: 32 5/8 inches

Hand: 9 1/4 inches

Michael Pratt is a true senior who has started 45 career games at Tulane. NFL scouts value quarterbacks who elevate programs and make people around them better, and Pratt has done both of those things. He led the Green Wave to a Cotton Bowl win over USC last season and to the highest Group of Five ranking this season. Aside from his vast game experience, the things to like about Pratt are his poise, toughness, ability to work through progressions and improved deep ball accuracy. 

He’s also more athletic than many people will give him credit for. I have been around Pratt and this Tulane football team enough over the years to know that he's highly respected in the locker room, and it’s clear after talking to him that he’ll crush the interview portion of the pre-draft process. The former home-schooled kid from Boca Raton has the tools and, more importantly, the makeup to be an eventual starter at the NFL level.


KANSAS STATE OG COOPER BEEBE

Height: 6-foot-3 1/4 (v)

Weight: 331 (v)

Arm: 31 1/2 inches

Hand: 9 5/8 inches

Cooper Beebe, a fifth-year senior and four-year starter (45 games), has gotten reps primarily at left guard but has also seen time at both tackle spots. He is one of the toughest maulers in this year’s draft. Beebe has put some fun stuff on tape the past couple years because you normally don’t see guys as beefy as him get out in space and hit targets like he does. Beebe has also added to his résumé this year by playing some defensive tackle for the Wildcats over the past month. 

On my recent visit to Manhattan, Beebe shared that he was recruited to Kansas State as a defensive lineman and coaches joked that they moved him to the offensive line the day he arrived on campus. In a league that puts a premium on smart, tough, dependable and versatile offensive linemen, Beebe is an easy player to project into a starting role early in his career. 

Based solely on my limited interaction with him at the school, Beebe is a guy who offensive line coaches around the league will be pounding the table for in April draft meetings.


Kansas State Wildcats tight end Ben Sinnott (34) scores a touchdown during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

KANSAS STATE TE BEN SINNOTT

Height: 6-foot-4 (v)

Weight: 245 (v)

Arm: 31 3/4 inches

Hand: 9 1/2 inches

Kansas State has long been known for its walk-on program, and Ben Sinnott will go down as one of the best in program history. The former six-sport high school letterman (football, hockey, baseball, track, tennis and golf) has gained nearly 50 pounds since arrived in Manhattan four years ago and has developed into one of the top receiving tight ends in this year’s draft. 

After watching him get open and make plays on tape the past couple years, it’s hard to believe that his only offer out of high school was a partial scholarship to FCS-level South Dakota. Sinnott is clearly Wildcats QB Will Howard’s go-to guy when things break down, and Sinnott likely would have been even more productive at the college level if Kansas State had more perimeter play-makers to stretch the field. Most NFL scouts see Sinnott as a reliable pass-game piece early in his NFL career.


NEW HAMPSHIRE RB DYLAN LAUBE

Height: 5-foot-10 (v)

Weight: 203 (v)

Arm: 29 1/4 inches

Hand: 9 1/8 inches

First off, let's get one thing straight: Dylan Laube isn’t Christian McCaffrey. We’ve seen some lazy white-running-back comparisons out there on the internet, and if we’re playing that game, the better comparison is former New England Patriots third-down back Danny Woodhead. Now that we’ve addressed the McCaffrey thing, because it’s unfair to pin that on Laube, let’s focus on his skill set. 

He’s a good runner at the FCS level, but the thing that separates him from most backs in this draft class and what earned him a Senior Bowl invite is his versatility and his prowess in the passing game. We watched some tape on Laube over the summer, and what really caught our attention was his record-setting receiving day in a “play-up” game against FBS team Central Michigan where he caught 13 passes for 297 yards. Laube is the type of versatile sub-downs back that every NFL team is looking for because he catches the ball well out of the backfield and can legitimately run detached routes from the slot. 

He is better at the top of the route than most college wideouts, and he tracks and catches the ball downfield far better than most running backs. Like most small-school players, the week in Mobile will be huge for Laube, who is the first UNH player in the Senior Bowl in 36 years. Heading into the pre-draft process, Laube is more of a late-round player for most teams, but if his play-making ability from FCS tape translates against the best of the best from around college football, he should get pushed into more early-Day-3 conversations.


Florida State Seminoles tight end Jaheim Bell (6) breaks a tackle by Boston College Eagles defensive back John Pupel (35) and runs for a touchdown during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

FLORIDA STATE TE/FB JAHEIM BELL

Height: 6-foot-1 7/8 (v)

Weight: 229 (v)

Arm: 32 1/4 inches

Hand: 10 inches

One of the biggest reasons Florida State is undefeated and in the No. 4 spot for the College Football Playoff is the work the team did in the portal this offseason. That includes getting former South Carolina play-maker Jaheim Bell. Players who can do many different things usually shine at the Senior Bowl, and Bell is among the most versatile play-makers in this draft class. 

Over the course of his career, Bell has seen extensive time in the backfield at both running back and fullback; he’s been split out wide and attached as an in-line Y at the line of scrimmage; and the majority of his pass game reps have come out of the slot. Perhaps the best thing about him is what he does when he gets the ball in his hands. He’s an aggressive runner with natural feel who bounces off and runs through contact, so he will be a fun player for NFL teams with creative offensive minds. We did not invite a true fullback to this year’s Senior Bowl, so when teams go with 21 and 22 personnel, expect to see Bell in the backfield. 


HOUSTON CHRISTIAN OLB JALYX HUNT

Height: 6-foot-3 (e)

Weight: 245 (e)

Jalyx Hunt is a classic late-bloomer who went from a career backup in the Ivy League (one start in three years at Cornell) to an all-conference player at Houston Christian to a Senior Bowl invitee — all in just two short years. When we were traveling the state of Texas in August, Hunt was already generating buzz among NFL scouts before the season started, just based off how he looked and moved in practice. 

While there aren’t any verified measurements on him yet, it’s easy to see on tape that Hunt is a long-bodied athlete with significant growth potential. He’s going to measure right around six-foot-three, he looks to have 33- to 34-inch arms, and he’s been as heavy as 255 pounds, so it’s not a stretch to think he could easily carry 265 pounds once he gets into an NFL nutrition and strength program. 

Right now, most NFL teams we spoke to during our roster-build process had mid-Day-3 grades on him as a developmental outside linebacker and an immediate special teams contributor. Still, teams could push him up into the fourth-round range if he shows some of the same athletic pass rush flashes in Mobile against top competition that he did on FCS tape.