This is Charlie Campbell’s Senior Bowl Risers article. It’s not possible to report from the Senior Bowl this year, but Charlie will still provide some great content.
Aside from the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins, the two teams coaching the Senior Bowl, the rest of the teams in the NFL were limited to the number of evaluators they could have in attendance for the 2021 Senior Bowl practices. With the practices over, the vast majority of the evaluators left town and did not stay to watch the Senior Bowl game. With the Senior Bowl being over for 30 of the 32 franchises, team sources shared which players helped themselves and improve their draft stock in Mobile.
Multiple team sources named Oklahoma running back Rhamdonre Stevenson as one of the standouts from this week. Here’s what one director of college scouting said about Stevenson: “He’s a 235-pound downhill runner who can run routes, pass blocked well and caught it clean out of the backfield. Workhorse type back.”
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney helped himself by showing off his explosive speed, as defensive backs really struggled to run with him and keep him from getting open. Toney’s separation skills and big-play ability impressed team sources throughout the 2020 season.
Another wide out who impressed teams was UCLA’s Demetric Felton. Felton split time at running back and receiver for the Bruins, but in Mobile, he showed speedy slot receiver ability with shiftiness to get open. Felton had a nice week to illustrate he fits in a defined role for NFL teams.
Missouri running back Larry Rountree was another ball carrier who helped himself in Mobile. Rountree went under the radar as a senior, but he was a tough runner, and some team sources feel that Rountree could be a day-two steal who ends up becoming a solid NFL starter.
Georgia tight end Tre McKitty was another offensive weapon who had a good week in Alabama. McKitty (6-5, 245) is listed as a tight end; some teams think he might be a candidate to drop weight and be a big receiver. After only six receptions in 2020, McKitty needed some impressive practices to help himself and he delivered.
Multiple team sources raved about UCF safety Richie Grant and were really impressed with his Wednesday practice when he snatched two interceptions. “He struggles some in man coverage but he strikes people and has ball skills,” said a director of college scouting. A few sources said that Grant is sleeper that could be a nice value pick.
South Carolina wide receiver Shi Smith was another slot receiver candidate who had good practices at the Senior Bowl. Teams liked Smith’s ability to create separation with quickness and route-running. After inconsistent quarterbacking during his time with the Gamecocks, Smith took advantage of the opportunity to show NFL teams what he is capable of.
Oklahoma’s Tre Brown is a slot cornerback for the NFL, and he had an impressive week of practice according to team sources. Brown showed an ability to run with receivers with smooth coverage skills. This week could help Brown to be a riser throughout the lead up the draft.
Wake Forest wide receiver Sage Surratt sat out the 2020 season, so having a good Senior Bowl performance was important for him. Surratt was able to come through with the week he needed to impress team evaluators. “He has good hands, size, body control, and will be a solid pro using his big body, said a director of college scouting.
