With all the general managers, coaches, and scouts in attendance for the Senior Bowl, there is a lot of chatter going around. Here are some highlights from around the league on day five of the 2024 Senior Bowl week.
Last year in the 2024 NFL Draft, it was commonplace to see an offensive lineman projected to the Seattle Seahawks. The line was Seattle’s biggest weakness on the roster in 2023, and they needed upgrades upfront to help them in both phases. However, Seattle went with the best player available and added talent to the defensive line by adding Byron Murphy. The offensive line still could use some help, and that is why I have been projecting the Seahawks to take Alabama guard Tyler Booker. Earlier this week in the Hot Press, we discussed how teams are projecting Booker to go in the 15-25 range. In speaking with Seahawks sources, they say that Booker is definitely in play for them at pick 18. Booker is a road grading run blocker, reliable in pass protection, and has received high marks for character and leadership. Booker would be a great fit in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s scheme. The Seahawks are keeping their options open, but Booker is in play for them at pick 18.
Similar to Seattle, a year ago it was common to see a cornerback projected to the Jaguars in the first round. However, they ended up going a different direction after trading down before selecting wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. This year, cornerback is back in play, according to team sources. While the Jaguars love Travis Hunter, they know he probably won’t get to the fifth pick as Hunter is a candidate to go to any of the teams picking in the top four. Thus, Michigan cornerback Will Johnson is a candidate.
Sources with the Jaguars say that a defensive lineman is also a possiblity. It sounds like the early preference is toward Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant. They like both Grant and teammate Mason Graham but lean towards Grant. They feel that while Grant is not elite as a pass rusher, he is an elite run defender.
The offensive line could have been in play, but they don’t feel there is an offensive lineman worthy of a top-five pick in this draft class. A lot can change for the Jaguars in the months to come as they will have a new general manager to go along with their new coaching staff, but the initial inclination is to address a cornerback or defensive lineman.
Boise State tight end Harold Fannin Jr. was very productive last season, with huge numbers for a tight end, hauling in 117 catches for 1,155 yards and 10 touchdowns. Fannin has also been solid in practice at the Senior Bowl while showing his ability to be a receiving tight end at the pro level. However, it could take some time, as team sources say that Fannin’s interviews have not gone well. They say that Fannin is not a bad kid, but he is very immature. Fannin might need some personal developmental time to become a professional. It would help Fannin to improve in his combine interviews and pre-draft visits.
According to team sources these are some of the players that did not interview well with teams. They were Minnesota’s Aireontae Ersery, Nebraska cornerback Tommi Hill, and Iowa defensive tackle Yahya Black.
The free-agent class of cornerbacks is not a deep group of talented players. Perhaps the best free-agent corner is Carlton Davis of the Detroit Lions. After an underwhelming final season in Tampa Bay, Davis rebounded with the Lions and played well before a broken jaw ended his season early. Many teams need cornerback help, so Davis could be in store for a big payday with many potential suitors bidding against each other for his services. The Lions could also consider placing the franchise tag on Davis to ensure he stays in Detroit. Davis could end up being one of the top free agents on the defensive side of the ball.
