The Senior Bowl practices wrapped up today. As with every other year their is more stock put into the practices than the game itself. As someone who follows college football pretty closely I'd have to say that this was one of the worst Senior Bowl classes in recent memory. I identified several notable White athletes that were more than capable and deserving of a slot at what is supposed to be the premiere scouting event for potential draft picks. I mentioned above but I would argue that the Shrine game actually had better talent this year.
Some notes and observations:
The three black QBs invited - Hendon Hooker is 25 w/ an ACL injury, Jaren Hall will be 25 in March, Malik Cunningham will be 25 in October. The White QBs - Max Duggan (21), Clayton Tune (24 in March), Jake Haener (24 in March) and Tyson Bagent (guessing he is currently 23)
Let's keep note of the ages as we can all recall the caste system typically allows for blacks to be afforded many seasons for a player to reach his "upside". Kenny Pickett's age last year was made into a bit of an issue (he was 23 when drafted, turned 24 in June). This year Stetson Bennett was being mocked for his age - 25 during the season and scouts/"experts" are going to use it as a ding against him during the draft process. Other "older" White QBs in this draft are Sean Clifford, Aidan O'Connell - they will both be 25 this year as well. I felt they both were better choices for the Senior Bowl than Cunningham or Hall. It will be interesting to see how these black QBs are treated during the evaluation process.
As far as on the field it sounds like Fresno St QB Jake Haener was the best, most consistent QB all week so he might see a draft stock bump. Max Duggan had a supposedly up and down week but displayed solid arm strength and looked competent, Tyson Bagent was shaky and struggled from what I read and Clayton Tune didn't do much to impress or hurt himself. Perhaps this year more teams will be looking for "the next Brock Purdy".
This Senior Bowl has been yet another example of Whites punching above their weight when it comes to representation. Minnesota C John Michael Schmitz probably solidified himself as a late 1st or early 2nd round pick (his agent is none other than Zach Zenner). NDSU OL Cody Mauch has been as advertised (of course he was given the caste treatment and asked to take snaps at OG and Center). Oregon St TE Luke Musgrave has had a very solid showing displaying his athleticism and beating defenders regularly/winning 1-on-1's. Purdue TE Payne Durham was both solid catching the ball and in blocking drills. Cincinnati TE Josh Whyle also had a good week.
Sounds like Riley Moss who it bears repeating was the only White defensive player invited had another great showing today. From the practice footage I have seen and everything I have read he seems to be a consensus "winner" this week. Let's hope he gets a senior bowl bump. FWIW he stated in the interview I posted above he thinks he will be a 4.3 guy at the combine.
Here are some of the highlights I was able to find:
Jake Haener to Payne Durham for a TD
Luke Musgrave getting separation and beating an afflete for a TD in drills
This Senior Bowl was lackluster with tons of blacks getting invited because they "look the part". It's pretty amazing how the supposed premiere pre-draft all-star game got it wrong...especially considering I offered my input directly to them on players that should have been invited