In case you missed it, the final event for the college football season took place last week in Mobile, Alabama. The Reese's Senior Bowl is the closing moment to college football, and it didn't disappoint.
Both the game and the week of practice gave several players opportunities to improve their draft stock, as well as gave the Pittsburgh Steelers some extra tape to help make their selections come April 29th.
Here are some of the Winners from the week:
Quinn Meinerz, OLine, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Most people are going to read this and go "Who? What school is that?". Yes that is a Division III school, and yes Meinerz did a lot to help himself in Mobile. His biggest criticism was always the level of his competition. He dominated it, but was it because the competition was so low, or he was that good? He did great in Mobile, specifically in one-on-one drills. He even did so with a broken hand, which is a nod to his toughness. Meinerz is definitely someone the Steelers should keep an eye on, as he currently possesses some position flexibility to play center or guard, and could be a huge sleeper early on Day 3.
Barron Browning, LB, OSU
Browning is a sleeper winner in my opinion. He won't be on everyone's winner list from this past week, but he showed and flashed a lot of his physical and athletic traits. Browning was able to use his size, strength, and speed throughout the week by showing his ability to consistently be competitive in coverage against tight end and running backs, while also consistently beating them in the blocking one-on-ones. Browning also made a couple plays in the game itself, including a good tackle for loss where he engaged and shed the tight end blocking him that you can see in this tweet. Depending on how the Steelers free agents pan out leading up to the draft, Browning could be a very useful selection for them as he can be utilized both at inside and outside linebacker early on.
Michael Carter, RB, UNC
As far as the running back position goes, no one had a better week than Carter in Mobile. Carter consistently flashed his big play ability all through the week, and then performed well in the game also. He scored a touchdown in the game near the goal line where he also showed he can run with power when needed to, forcing his way in for the score through a huge pile. Carter has the ability to get chunks of yards both in the passing and rushing game, so him showing his ability to run with power only makes him more appealing. I wouldn't anticipate him to be on the Steelers radar unless he falls significantly, mainly due to them investing a 4th round pick in a similar running back (Anthony McFarland) last season.
Keith Taylor, CB, Washington
People who didn't have access to the week in practice and may have only saw highlights of the game will be puzzled by this one I'm sure. Taylor allowed a couple touchdowns in the game itself, but one was a blown call. Outside of those plays, Taylor consistently was within arms length of every receiver he matched up with. That statement holds true for the both the week in practice and the game itself. Taylor is a long corner at 6'2", and his ability to lock up both quick and physical receivers is a huge plus. He needed a big week as much as anybody, as his draft stock might've started heading the wrong way leading up to the draft as people question his ball skills. He didn't have a single interception in college, and in fact his last one came as a sophomore in highschool. He is definitely someone that should be on the Steelers radar in the middle rounds of the draft, as his is a very physical corner that fits the Steelers type of play.
Now those are some players who really helped themselves. Lets take a look at some people that didn't do themselves any favors this week and would be classified as Losers.
Deonte Brown, OG, Alabama
People love the idea of Brown being added to their offensive line. He is an absolutely beat of a human being and intimidating as can be. However, he had one of the worst weeks of the offensive lineman, as he did not perform well in one-on-ones. Players with speed can beat him consistently as Brown has limited athleticism and quickness, and he didn't maul over people consistently to make up for it.
Tuf Borland, LB, OSU
He has a great name for a linebacker doesn't he? Imagine hearing "Tuf Borland with the tackle for loss" on Sundays. Unfortunately, that is where it ended for Borland last week, as he definitely struggled. Borland is on the smaller side for a linebacker at 6' and 230lbs, and he isn't an elite athlete to make up for it. He was often washed out of plays in the run game and wasn't able to keep up with RBs/TEs often in the passing game last week. Borland has some work to do leading up to the NFL Draft.
Quarterbacks, Everywhere
There were some decent names coming into the Senior Bowl. Mac Jones, Kyle Trask, Kellen Mond, etc. all were expected to do well. Trasks didn't suit up due to an injury, which is understandable. But he lost an opportunity to shine. Jones didn't necessarily hurt himself, but with how rough the field looked, he should've been a shining star. Mond, Jamie Newman, and the rest of the group all looked poor. Throughout the week none of them were consistent reading the defense or throwing with accuracy. I understand timing and everything can be off throwing to unfamiliar players, but there were a lot of just bad throws.
The week of practice in Mobile definitely is something that is always going to be great for so many young men chasing their dream. Each of the last two seasons the Steelers have drafted two players that have attended the Senior Bowl. This year has a good chance to be more of the same, as many players had a shortened or no season all together. A full week of practice to evaluate players can shoot many people up or down draft boards.
What players that attended the Senior Bowl stuck out to you? Mention any below that you would like to see the Steelers draft!
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