The American team had their third practice of Senior Bowl week on Thursday afternoon. The players wore full pads.
The final practice of Senior Bowl was not as eventful as they ended practice early, spent more time on play install, and practicing at three quarters speed with less intensity. As a result, there were less signifant plays and one-on-one sessions.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe had his best practice of the week on Thursday. Milroe had some passes thrown a little late and off the mark in the early going, but he was better in the final half of practice. Milroe did an improved job of throwing short to the checkdowns and hitting his easy completions. Near the goal line, he led UCF running back R.J. Harvey open on a short crossing route near the goal line for a scoring strike. Milroe also lofted in a deep ball touchdown to TCU wide receiver Jack Bech after he got open downfield. Another deep ball from Milroe was dropped in precisely to Tennessee’s Bru McCoy, but McCoy couldn’t hold onto the ball after getting it slapped at by a defensive back.
Milroe has a lot of talent, but he is a developmental prospect for the NFL. He has to improve his field vision, recognition of coverage, and operating as a pocket passer throwing accurately in the short to intermediate part of the field.
Bech has had a quality week of practice. The big receiver is very polished as he displays good route-running, hands, and is adept at winning 50-50 passes. Along with his long reception from Milroe, Bech had an impressive leaping grab over Kansas State cornerback Jacob Perrish on a 50-50 ball in the end zone. The question for Bech is if he can separate from NFL cornerbacks. Thus, his 40 times at the NFL Scouting Combine and pro day are going to be very important for Bech’s draft status.
The impressive defensive line for the American team was reduced by a number of players sitting this practice out. South Carolina’s T.J. Sanders and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart were out. Ole Miss Walter Nolen left the practice early with an injury as well, walking gingerly off the field with a trainer.
South Carolina linebacker Demetrius Knight II is a sleeper that could be an intriguing pick on day two or the mid-rounds. Knight has a strong build, is polished with his feet, flashes instincts, and plays physical. Knight has had a good week of practice and has shown some coverage skills. He could end up being a good value for a team next April.
