The 2011 Senior Bowl is in the books! Here are a few thoughts after the week of practice and Saturday's game:
Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada: Previously considered "Cam Newton Lite" - Kaepernick's week of practice may have bumped up his stock to late 1st or early 2nd round. He showed good accuracy during practice and seemed comfortable operating in a pro-style offense. As of right now, Draft IQ has Kaepernick rated higher than Newton. Both have tremendous physical ability, but Kaepernick seems to have the intangibles you want without the off-field questions.
Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville: Powell showed tremendous burst and good vision during the week of practice and the game itself, rushing for 51 yards on 5 carries. He's an under-the-radar back that could move up draft boards in a hurry with a good 40 time at the combine.
Kendric Burney, CB, North Carolina: Burney missed the 2010 season due to suspension, but didn't miss a beat during the Senior Bowl week. A solid week of practice and a strong game performance has Burney back on the radar for scouts.
Colin McCarthy, LB, Miami (FL): McCarthy doesn't have great size or speed, but his football IQ and intangibles are off the chart, and he seemed to be around the ball every play during the game. He'll certainly get drafted in the middle rounds and could eventually turn into a starter.
Greg Salas, WR, Hawaii: Salas only caught 1 ball during the game, but had a consistent week of practice, and if there's anything coaches love in their WR's, it is consistency.
Danny Watkins, G, Baylor: Watkins is a 27 year old who has only been playing football for 4 years after playing hockey in Canada. Interesting personality described as "the nicest guy off the field and the nastiest on it," Watkins proved he can play with the best of them at the Senior Bowl and despite his advanced age for a rookie, he should have a productive career in the NFL.
Vincent Brown, WR, SDSU: After putting on a show in the Poinsettia Bowl vs. Navy, Brown also shined during the week of practice. Unlike Salas, Brown had a decent game, catching 4 passes for 43 yards. His stock is definitely on the rise.
Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa: Stanzi outplayed all the QB's during the game - but that isn't saying much in a weak QB class. Stanzi showed some moxy which could go a long way this year.
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue: Kerrigan's stock is skyrocketing thanks to a great week of practice and game where he had 5 total tackles, 3 for losses, and a sack. Originally a late 1st round prospect, Kerrigan is probably looking at the 10-20 range now, making himself quite a bit of money.
Jake Locker, QB, Washington: Last year's would-be top QB probably saw his stock drop after a so-so week of practice. He struggled with accuracy all week, which is the big knock on Locker. He is the prototype NFL QB when it comes to size and speed , but when you can't put the ball in the right spot, what good is that?
Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor: Taylor is "down" to the 337 lbs. and flashed surprising agility during the entire week. Could we have the next B.J. Raji on our hands? If he can keep the weight off heading into the combine, his stock should continue to rise.
For all the Senior Bowl statistics, visit the Senior Bowl official website.
