Senior Bowl

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Let's start a thread on all the notes and information coming out of the senior bowl this year. One guy who I think could be a way better pro player then college player is Kalen Ballage from ASU. Seeing him over the years at ASU he was always a physical freak but was hurt be the spread offense and lack of decent OL that ASU had. I would not be disappointed if the Bolts took him in the 4th round

Here are my observations from the first two practices of Senior Bowl week. South Team

• Clemson linebacker Dorian O'Daniel looked comfortable handling all his duties in the first practice of the week. Early in the session, he flew past a running back in a blitz-pickup drill. After that, he defended two passes and air-tight coverage forced another incompletion. In 11-on-11 drills, he filled his run fits quickly and had a few tackles near the line of scrimmage. O'Daniel has the athletic makeup and the nuanced skill to thrive in today's NFL.
• James Washington had a near flawless practice. In the one-on-one drills, he caught every pass thrown his way, including a diving grab over the middle on a dig route and a long score on a go route in which he had to release to the outside to gain separation. He made everything look easy.
• San Diego State runner Rashaad Penny had his issues with his blitz pickups until he drove back Virginia linebacker Micah Kiser when the defender tried a spin move.
• Byron Pringle showcased his deep-threat ability on two long touchdowns in one-on-one drills. He didn't blow past Alabama cornerback Levi Wallace on the second score but smartly reached for the football at the last second to avoid the potential of a pass breakup.
• Texas defensive tackle Poona Ford is under 6-foot, but his smaller stature and quickness off the ball were on full display against the South offensive line. He consistently found himself in the backfield after the snap in team drills. In the one-on-one portion, he unsurprisingly struggled without a gap to explode through.
• Southern Mississippi running back Ito Smith's agility may lend credence to an idea that he's an outside speed runner. That's not exactly where or how he wins. His cutting ability is apparent on inside runs, and he demonstrated the subtle elusiveness on two nice between-the-tackle scampers.
• Da'Shawn Hand won a few battles against Georgia offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn, but the latter had the strongest rep of the one-on-one drill in the trenches, as he almost sent Hand into their teammates watching the drill.
• Indiana tight end Ian Thomas repeatedly got separation from linebackers at the intermediate levels, but had a pair of drops.
• Overall, the quarterbacks from the South Team -- Troy's Brandon Silvers, Western Kentucky's Mike White, and Virginia's Kurt Benkert -- struggled with timing and accuracy. LSU wideout D.J. Chark was targeted often but only had one long touchdown to show for the attention, which came on a perfectly thrown ball from Benkert.
• The biggest pad-pop of the day came via Auburn linebacker Tre' Williamswho flashed through the A-gap untouched and unloaded on Penny, which led to a fumble.
• Virginia defensive lineman Andrew Brown and North Carolina cornerback M.J. Stewart had fantastic practices. Brown lived in the backfield on run plays in team drills and Stewart was glue on wideouts in one-on-one drills.

North Team

• Josh Allen started with a bad overthrow against air as the practice began, and during one-on-one drills, a few of his passes were behind and low, particularly one on a dig route to Colorado State wideout Michael Gallup. However, it wasn't a wildly erratic day for the Wyoming quarterback. Many of his accurate passes were dropped, as it appeared the sun cutting across the field was a problem for some receivers at the outset of the practice, most namely DaeSean Hamilton of Penn State and Iowa State's Allen Lazard.
• Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield threw well behind his intended target on an in-breaking route and a throw toward the sideline, and it appeared as if he was fading away from both passes. Other than that, his tosses had plenty of zip and accuracy.
• Arizona State running back Kalen Ballage was the best offensive player on the field for the North squad on Tuesday. He shook The Citadel's linebacker Myles Pierce in a pass-catching drill and was amazingly fluid in his cuts and acceleration as a runner. On one play, he smoothly bounced to the outside then outran South Carolina cornerback Jamarcus King around the corner. He ended practice with an outstanding juke on a defender who got penetration quickly after the snap.
• Boston College cornerback Isaac Yiadom put his length to use with a fine pass breakup on a deep shot from Mayfield.
• Oklahoma outside linebaker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo utilized his length often in one-on-one drills, not allowing offensive linemen to get into his frame. He set the edge well in team drills and played a pitch perfectly later in the session.
• Michael Joseph, the Division III player from Dubuque, was scorched by Gallup on one go route. He was stellar in one-on-one drills beyond that.
• Texas A&M safety Armani Watts had back-to-back solid reps against Notre Dame's large tight end Durham Smythe. On the first, he had tight coverage on a pass that was ultimately overthrown. On the second, a throw from Mayfield, his timing was perfect on the pass breakup.
• UTEP guard Will Hernandez dominated in one-on-one drills. It didn't matter who he faced. He's wide, strong, and has deceptive movement skills to drive back the opposition. He certainly did that on Tuesday.
• Ohio State defensive linemen Jayln Holmes used his hands well in one-on-one and team drills. For someone without tons of production on his resume, it was a good for him to show that polish.
• Nathan Shepherd from Division II Fort Hays State showcased his explosiveness on more than one occasion. He devoured a run play before it could materialize and held his own in one-on-one drills.

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What Todd McShay is looking for from each QB

Expectations are different for every quarterback who accepts an invite to Mobile. With that in mind, ESPN NFL draft expert Todd McShay is keeping an eye on different things depending on the prospect and his opportunity. Here's what he's hoping to see out of every signal-caller this week:
1. Josh Allen, Wyoming

Team: North | Uniform number: 17 | Overall QB ranking: 3

This week is a great opportunity for Allen to showcase his elite skill set on a level playing field. Mayfield faced better competition throughout his career, but Allen never had the clean pockets or the reliable pass-catchers that Mayfield was afforded at Oklahoma -- especially in 2017. With that in mind, Allen needs to show more consistency with his footwork (and subsequently his accuracy). His career 56.1 completion percentage in college will be a frequent discussion topic during the pre-draft process. The tape shows a quarterback who can make the tough throws look ridiculously easy at times; now he needs to show he can make the routine throws consistently. As a side note, I think Allen will do well in the classroom and his experience in a more pro-style system should give him a mental edge over some of the other spread-based QBs. -- McShay
2. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma

Team: North | Uniform number: 6 | Overall QB ranking: 4

I'm actually more interested in seeing Mayfield's numbers at the weigh-in than anything he does on the field this week. Is he really 6-foot-1 or is that a stretch? Based on standing eye to eye with him, my guess is he's a little under that number. Is his hand span 9 inches or less? The five-year NFL combine average for QBs is 9.5 inches, and anything under 9 is concerning. It won't define his career, but the list of sub 6-foot QBs who have had sustained success in the NFL is a short one. -- McShay

3. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State

Overall QB ranking: 5

A foot injury will keep Rudolph from competing in Mobile, but I'm including him here because he's expected there for weigh-ins and interviews. Even if he can't work out, it's important for Rudolph to show he can handle the classroom part of being an NFL quarterback. Coming from that system at Oklahoma State, it will be important to show NFL teams that he can quickly digest and process information at the chalkboard. -- McShay
4. Luke Falk, Washington State

Team: North | Uniform number: 4 | Overall QB ranking: 7

Falk has slipped a bit from where I had him before the season (fourth-ranked QB), so I'll be interested to hear what he tells NFL coaches and scouts about his inconsistent senior season. Coming from that Mike Leach system, I'm interested to study Falk's consistent timing and ball placement on intermediate and vertical throws (with receivers running an NFL route tree). He flashes the ability to drive the ball down the field accurately, but that system features an unusually high percentage of throws that travel less than 5 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. -- McShay Luke Falk had an up-and-down season for the Cougars, finishing with 30 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Orlando Ramirez/USA TODAY Sports 5. Kyle Lauletta, Richmond

Team: South | Uniform number: 5 | Overall QB ranking: 8

Jimmy Garoppolo is an example of a small-school quarterback who impressed at the Senior Bowl and eased scouts' concerns over the jump in talent level from Eastern Illinois. Lauletta faces the same issue coming from Richmond. It was sometimes difficult to gauge the velocity of Lauletta's drive throws on tape, so I'm also interested to see his arm strength in person. -- McShay
6. Kurt Benkert, Virginia

Team: South | Uniform number: 6 | Overall QB ranking: 9

Another guy with a low career completion rate (57.7 percent), I want to see Benkert consistently win with throws from inside the pocket. He has a good combination of size (6-2, 218), athleticism and arm strength, and he throws accurately on the move. -- McShay
7. Mike White, Western Kentucky

Team: South | Uniform number: 14 | Overall QB ranking: 10

He comes from a system with a lot of quick throws, so I'm looking to see how White handles the timing of five- and seven-step drops with wide receivers consistently running deeper routes. I also want to see him stand tall in the pocket when it collapses. That's a weakness that has shown up on tape. -- McShay
8. Brandon Silvers, Troy

Team: South | Uniform number: 12 | Overall QB ranking: 11

Silvers, who started 48 games for the Trojans, has a quick trigger and adequate arm strength. But I think he has the most to prove of the QBs in Mobile. Specifically, I'm interested in seeing how he adjusts to working under center (footwork, reading coverages while dropping back and more) after playing almost exclusively in a shotgun offense. I also want to see better touch and trajectory on downfield throws. -- McShay
9. Tanner Lee, Nebraska

Team: North | Uniform number: 13 | Overall QB ranking: 13

Lee, a transfer from Tulane who is replacing Rudolph at the Senior Bowl, put up decent numbers for the Cornhuskers in 2017, with 23 touchdown passes, 16 interceptions and more than 3,100 yards. At 6-4, 220, he has a good frame and some tools but needs refinement. I'll be most interested to see how he progresses over the course of the week and how he responds to NFL coaching. -- McShay

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Mel Kiper's 15 best non-QB prospects in attendance

McShay just went through the quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl, so we asked ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. to break down the other top prospects in Mobile, starting with a small-school guy who just made his latest Big Board:



10. Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA

Team: South | Uniform number:93

There has been a buzz about the 6-6 Davenport, who had 8.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in 2017. He's a quick-twitch pass-rusher who put up big numbers and made offensive linemen look silly in Conference USA. Can he do it against better competition in Mobile? He just debuted at No. 14 overall in my first mock draft. -- Kiper
11. Brian O'Neill, OT, Pittsburgh

Team: North | Uniform number:70

Can O'Neill be dominant at the Senior Bowl the way he was down the stretch in 2017? Probably not. He's going to have to get a few reps against Davenport and other guys on this list. But I think he could show enough to go in the top 20 of the first round in April. A former tight end, he kept his athleticism as he put on the weight to move to tackle. At 6-6, 290, he could play on the left or right side. -- Kiper
12. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State

Team: South | Uniform number: 86

Goedert could be the first tight end picked in April. I have him ranked No. 2 at the position right now. It's a big step up from the FCS to the Senior Bowl, but the 6-5, 260-pounder has the frame and production to stand out. He reminds me of Eagles pass-catcher Zach Ertz. -- Kiper
13. Uchenna Nwosu, OLB, USC

Team: South | Uniform number: 42

Nwosu is probably going to be a 3-4 outside linebacker, and he shows good burst off the edge. He's not really big -- 6-2, 240 -- but he had a knack for making plays in the backfield in 2017, with 9.5 sacks. He's also extremely active in batting down passes, which shows his awareness that if he can't get to the quarterback, he can at least affect the play. Let's see how advanced his pass-rush moves are in Mobile. -- Kiper
14. Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford

Team: North | Uniform number: 66

More than 100 tackles? From an interior defensive lineman? Yeah, Phillips had a great season with seven sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. And he wears No. 66. That's a strong number for a defensive tackle. Phillips isn't a plugger -- he's listed at only 255 pounds -- but he can get to ball carriers in a hurry. I want to see what his true weight is in Mobile. -- Kiper Harrison Phillips had 16.5 tackles for loss in 2017. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports 15. Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State

Team: North | Uniform number: 59

Playing in a rotation with potential 2018 first-round pick Sam Hubbard and likely mid-round pick Jalyn Holmes -- plus possible 2019 first-round pick Nick Bosa -- Lewis gets a little lost in the shuffle. But there's a chance he could be picked near the top of Round 2, and he has a chance to prove himself in Mobile. At 6-4, 265, he's best suited to be a 4-3 end. He ran a little hot and cold in 2017 but finished the season strong with 3.5 tackles for loss in his final three games. -- Kiper
16. Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State

Team: South | Uniform number: 20

Penny didn't get the publicity of Stanford running back Bryce Love this season, but it was Penny who led the FBS in total rushing yards (2,248) and yards per game (172.9). He also had 23 rushing touchdowns. Could he be a mid-round steal like Kareem Hunt, who had a great 2018 Senior Bowl week, was last year? I think Penny could go in the second round, though he doesn't have the all-around game of Hunt. Penny is going to test well. -- Kiper
17. Austin Corbett, C/G, Nevada

Team: South | Uniform number: 73

I moved Corbett up to my No. 2-ranked guard, over another guard who will be at the Senior Bowl and who's in my honorable mention below. Corbett, a four-year starter, has played both left and right tackle for the Wolf Pack, but I think he'll kick inside to guard at 6-4, 305. NFL teams like him on the interior, either at guard at center. -- Kiper
18. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, OLB, Oklahoma

Team: North | Uniform number: 31

I wrote during the season that Okoronkwo is a tough evaluation because of his size; he's listed at 6-1, 240, which is below average for a pass-rushing outside linebacker. But he can really rush the passer, and he's relentless. He had eight sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss in 2017. He's going to have to play in a 3-4 defense -- he's not a guy who could play end in a 4-3. But if he has a good week of practice, I could see him going early on Day 2 of the draft. -- Kiper
19. Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State

Team: North | Uniform number: 88

Gesicki was my top-ranked tight end before the season, and now he's at No. 3. He's a prototypical modern-day tight end with great size (6-6, 250) and skills as a pass-catcher (14 touchdowns over the past two seasons) who needs to become a better blocker at the point of attack. But there's value in big targets who can move out to the slot and become mismatches against safeties. -- Kiper

Honorable mention:

• 20. Jalyn Holmes, DE, Ohio State: Holmes didn't put up huge numbers in a talented Buckeyes rotation, but he's super talented. -- Kiper
• 21. Will Hernandez, G, UTEP: Hernandez is a mauler who is my No. 3-ranked guard. -- Kiper
• 22. Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana: He averaged 15 yards per catch for the Hoosiers and is a big target at 6-5, 245. -- Kiper
• 23. Jaylon Samuels, H-back, NC State: He's a fun player to watch who should get some reps at tight end. -- Kiper
• 24. Johnny Townsend, P, Florida: Townsend is the best punter in this class. -- Kiper

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Seven mid-round picks we're excited to see

With practices starting Tuesday, we asked NFL writer Matt Bowen, who will be in Mobile this week, to watch some tape and pick out seven prospects who could either cement their status as second- or third-round picks or move up to be in the conversation on Day 2:
25. James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State

Team: South | Uniform number: 28

Playing in a high-powered play-action system at Oklahoma State, Washington (6-0, 205) lit up Big 12 defenses in the vertical passing game, and he can make plays at the point of attack. The body control is there. So are the ball skills. But where is Washington in terms of route running, and does he have the lateral ability to shake cornerbacks consistently at the line versus press-man? We will get a much better feel for Washington's development as receiver during competitive drills and team periods this week. -- Bowen
26. Armani Watts, S, Texas A&M

Team: North | Uniform number: 23

Watts has the skill set and versatility to make the jump to the league as a hybrid safety in sub-package personnel to start his career. He can play over the top as a deep half defender, and I see the footwork to drop down in coverage. An improved tackler, Watts (5-11, 205) can fit up versus the run game and will fill the alley with speed. In Mobile, I want to see the range from the middle third of the field and find out how Watts matches up in coverage versus wide receivers. Go compete. -- Bowen
27. Shaquem Griffin, LB, UCF

Team: South | Uniform number: 18

Griffin (6-1, 223) has already amazed with his ability to overcome adversity and star for an undefeated Knights team with only one hand. And for anyone questioning his projection as an NFL prospect, just go throw on the Peach Bowl tape against Auburn. Griffin was all over that field. Impact plays. He has the athleticism to shake blockers in space, the closing speed to hunt down the ball, and he flashed as a pass-rusher on the edge. Plus, he plays with a ton of energy. -- Bowen
28. Kyzir White, S, West Virginia

Team: North | Uniform number: 28

With a long frame and size at the position, White (6-2, 218) will be a downhill thumper in NFL defenses that lean on three-deep zone coverage. Drop him down as a curl defender and let him create havoc. Run and hit. But what type of range can White create as a deep half defender, and how does he match up with tight ends in coverage? This is where we can focus on his transition speed and flexibility. -- Bowen Kyzir White had 94 tackles and three interceptions in 2017. Steve Nurenberg/Icon Sportswire 29. Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa

Team: North | Uniform number: 25

At 5-11,195, Wadley doesn't project as a back who will handle high-volume carries inside of the tackles. But given his electric lateral movement skills, the Iowa product is a fit as a third-down/situational back with the ability to impact the passing game. Look for Wadley to flash as a pass-catcher in Mobile when matched up with linebackers in space. The option route, angle route and the quick burst to the flat. Separate and create after the catch. -- Bowen
30. M.J. Stewart, CB, North Carolina

Team: South | Uniform number: 26

Stewart can fill a much-needed void for multiple teams as a slot cornerback. With the toughness to play inside the numbers and the footwork to mirror a two-way go, Stewart can physically challenge routes and tackle at the point of attack. Stewart didn't record an interception in his final two seasons at UNC, so there will be questions about his ability to finish plays. The Senior Bowl provides Stewart with the stage to find the ball in one-on-ones and team drills. -- Bowen
31. Allen Lazard, WR, Iowa State

Team: North | Uniform number: 85

With the big frame (6-5, 222) and the ball skills to make plays on 50/50 throws, Lazard can post up defensive backs. Think of red zone opportunities and matchups here for the former Iowa State star. Just give him a chance to finish. But we also have to see whether Lazard has the speed to separate over the top or shake coverage at the break on inside cuts. This is a good test for Lazard against the quality competition he will see in Mobile. -- Bowen

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Five under-the radar prospects who could rise with a big week

Scouts Inc. NFL draft insider Steve Muench picks out a few prospects who could move up the draft board with solid practices in Mobile:
32. Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State

Team: North | Uniform number: 84

Gallup set the school's single-season record (100) for receptions and finished sixth in the FBS in average receiving yards per game (108.7) in 2017. He shows deceptive burst after the catch, and it tends to take more than one defender to get him on the ground. A tough open-field runner with enough elusiveness to make a defender miss and the balance to bounce off contact, he also flashes the ability to make highlight-reel catches. -- Muench
33. Andrew Brown, DE, Virginia

Team: South | Uniform number: 99

Brown has the size, strength and length to set the edge against the run. He's an above-average tackler who has excellent instincts for a defensive lineman and chases with good effort. While he's not an explosive edge rusher, he has the hands and quickness to be disruptive when he kicks inside. Consistently playing with better pad level -- especially when he lines up on the inside -- and getting off blocks quicker are two areas with room for improvement. -- Muench Cedrick Wilson had 18 receiving touchdowns over the last two seasons. Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA TODAY Sports 34. Cedrick Wilson, WR, Boise State

Team: North | Uniform number: 11

Wilson averaged 18.2 yards per catch in 2017 and ended the season on a tear, catching 25 passes for 503 yards over his last three games. He doesn't have an elite second gear and isn't an ankle breaker in space, yet he flashes some big-play ability. He's an above-average vertical route runner with a knack for making one-on-one plays downfield, plus he shows good quickness and open-field instincts. Throw in solid ball skills and Wilson has a chance to gain some traction in Mobile. -- Muench
35. Jordan Akins, TE, UCF

Team: South | Uniform number: 88

Akins is a former outfielder who pursued a professional baseball career after high school. He was a receiver who returned kicks his first two seasons at UCF before switching positions in 2016, and the athletic tight end is now listed at 6-4 and 262 pounds. He has the speed and hands to make plays down the seam in addition to the quickness and toughness to produce after the catch. He's still developing as a blocker and projects as more of a slot tight end than an in-line tight end at this point, but he has upside. -- Muench
36. Darrel Williams, RB, LSU

Team: South | Uniform number: 29

It's tough to get touches playing behind uber-talented backs Leonard Fournetteand Derrius Guice. Williams started only six games in his four seasons at LSU and finished with 321 career carries. The Senior Bowl gives him the opportunity to step out of their shadows, and there's reason to be optimistic that he can take advantage. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry, rushed for nine touchdowns and flashed on tape in 2017. He doesn't have great explosiveness, but the big back follows his blocks, has good speed for his size and falls forward at the end of runs. -- Muench

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Four small-school prospects to keep an eye on

Muench and Bowen pick out the guys from tiny college programs who will get their shot to compete against the best seniors in the country:
37. Desmond Harrison, OT, West Georgia

Team: South | Uniform number: 78

Note: Harrison dropped out of the Senior Bowl with an injury.

Harrison attended a junior college before transferring to Texas, where he appeared in seven games in 2013 and then withdrew after being suspended for the 2014 season. He didn't play football in 2015 or 2016 and enrolled at West Georgia in 2017. With that in mind, his interviews will play a critical role in teams' evaluations. In terms of the tape and skill set, he has the length, frame and foot speed to potentially develop into a starting left tackle. -- Muench
38. Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State

Team: South | Uniform number: 50

Leonard recorded 10 or more tackles in seven games and had eight sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss in 2017. He gets displaced on tape at times and is undersized (6-2, 215) so the weigh-in will be critical, but he has good take-on skills for a lighter linebacker. He does a nice job of shooting his hands inside and using his long arms to keep blockers at bay. Leonard is a sideline-to-sideline player with solid range and the tools to develop above-average cover skills. -- Muench
39. Michael Joseph, CB, Dubuque

Team: North | Uniform number: 22
I've seen some tape on Joseph and it pops against Division III competition. He has sweet ball skills at the cornerback position, and the transition ability is there to plant and drive on the rock. Joseph (6-1, 180 pounds) is going to hit, too. There is some power in his pads when he arrives at the point of attack. But can he replicate those splash plays on his tape versus the jump in talent in Mobile? This is a great opportunity for Joseph. And I'm excited to watch him line up versus Power 5 prospects on the Senior Bowl stage. -- Bowen
40. D'Montre Wade, CB, Murray State

Team: South | Uniform number: 23

A four-year starter, Wade has above-average balance, foot speed and quickness. He picked off nine passes over the past two seasons, including six in 2017, and he has the ball skills to develop into a playmaker in the NFL. He had only 33 tackles last season and is not overly physical defending the run on his 2017 Louisville tape, but any deficiencies in run support are unlikely to be exposed during practices considering the restrictions on contact. -- Muench

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Draft risers from Day 1

These are the under-the-radar prospects who had a strong day of practice and whose college tape deserves closer inspection:
DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State

Team: North | Uniform number: 5
Hamilton (6-1, 202 pounds) doesn't show great burst on tape, raising concerns about his ability to separate in the NFL. But he's an above-average route runner who did an excellent job using his hands and quick feet to get off the line, plus he showed the ability to win with his hands when corners tried to get physical with him. He looks natural catching the ball and has good length (32 5/8-inch arms) for his frame. He did have a few drops in one-on-ones, however. -- Muench
Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia

Team: South | Uniform number: 77

After starting 15 games at left tackle in 2017, Wynn kicked inside to left guard at the Senior Bowl, and it's a position he has played before. That's where he projects best in the NFL considering his arms (33 1/8-inch) are on the shorter side. While he's not huge at 308 pounds, he looks quick and athletic getting into position and climbing up to the second level. He matched up well against former Alabama DT Da'Shawn Hand during team and one-on-ones. -- Muench
Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State

Team: North | Uniform number: 84

Gallup looked like a natural pass-catcher early, and extended for a Mayfield pass down the seam during team drills even though he knew he'd get lit up. At 6-1, 198 pounds, Gallup flashed a solid release and good speed. He got behind Dubuque cornerback Michael Joseph on one pass, but the ball was underthrown. -- Muench
Chad Thomas, DE, Miami (Fla.)

Team: North | Uniform number: 90

The 6-5, 277-pound Thomas is a big and long defensive end who put on a show and displayed powerful hands during one-on-ones. He beat Pitt OT Brian O'Neill with a quick inside move and used a spin move to get Army OT Brett Toth before pushing Toth aside. Thomas also showcased his versatility by kicking inside and beating Virginia Tech OG Wyatt Teller with another quick inside move. It's an important start for a player whose tape doesn't always match his ability. -- Muench
Tre' Williams, ILB, Auburn

Team: South | Uniform number: 30

Williams didn't wow in any one area, but he checked all the boxes at the weigh-in by coming in at 6-2, 238 pounds with 32 1/2-inch arms. He caught everyone's attention when he stepped up, met San Diego State RB Rashaad Penny in the hole, jarred the ball loose and recovered the fumble. A shoulder injury sidelined Williams for three games and hindered him for most of the 2017 season, so his medial evaluation is critical. -- Muench

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Best of the rest

Here are the prospects who flashed on Day 1, starting with a pass-rusher who was included in the first round of Mel Kiper's Mock Draft 1.0:
Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas San Antonio

Team: South | Uniform number: 93

Davenport flashed his power during individual drills and one-on-one pass rush. Yes, he is still raw, and his pad level needs to drop against the run to maximize his potential. I saw that during the inside run period. But as an edge rusher with that long, 6-6, 259-pound frame? We are talking about natural strength here. The ability is there to create a pop on contact, bench press offensive tackles and fold up the pocket. I can understand why pro scouts are focused on Davenport this week. This is a small-school prospect with a ridiculously high ceiling. -- Bowen
Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State

Team: North | Uniform number: 88

With a smooth gait and body control at the top of the break, Gesicki looked like a polished route runner during practice. That allowed him to stem the safety within the route and gain leverage at the point of attack. Plus, with the ability to catch the ball outside of his frame, Gesicki (6-5, 242) has the skill set of a "move" tight end who can win on middle-of-the-field throws. Run the seam, dig route, shake a linebacker on an option route or separate on a crosser. And use that size to shield defenders from the ball. With his skill set, Gesicki can remove from the formation as a weapon in the slot or to the backside of the formations. And that gives NFL offenses the ability to create matchups. -- Bowen Mike Gesicki caught 57 passes for 563 yards with nine touchdowns in 2017. AP Photo/Butch Dill James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State

Team: South | Uniform number: 28

After checking out tape on Washington, I wanted to see him work against press coverage and showcase enough lateral speed to shake defensive backs. Even with the highlight reel of deep ball shots he put together versus Big 12 defenses, beating press and separating are key to getting the ball in the pros. And I did see some positives from Washington (5-10, 210) during one-on-ones Tuesday. A quick move at the line and go -- then stack on top. That allowed Washington to separate on a couple of deep-ball opportunities, and he also displayed solid foot speed during change-of-direction work in individual drills. This is a big week for Washington in both one-on-one and team periods to showcase his grasp of the route tree and the technique necessary to slip tight coverage. -- Bowen
M.J. Stewart, CB North Carolina

Team: South | Uniform number: 26
Stewart had one of the best days in the secondary Tuesday because he challenged routes. That's the first thing I look for at the Senior Bowl workouts. Give me the defensive backs who compete. With the skill set and physicality to play both inside and outside the numbers, Stewart was aggressive in press coverage. That allowed him to get hands on wide receivers at the line and stick to the hip throughout the route. Plus, Stewart (5-11, 198) showed the ability to anticipate the break. That's why he was in a position to drive on the throw. Sink the hips and finish the play. That's good football. -- Bowen
Shaquem Griffin, LB, UCF

Team: South | Uniform number: 18

Griffin is undersized (6-0, 223), and everyone knows his backstory of having only one hand. But Griffin came in and smoked North Carolina A&T offensive tackle Brandon Parker in one-on-ones with straight speed off the edge. Griffin was disruptive in the run game, too, and he plays with tremendous effort. He has a chance as a late-round pick. -- McShay
Kalen Ballage, RB, Arizona State

Team: North | Uniform number: 27

Ballage flashed some legit lateral quickness for a big back with downhill ability between the tackles. I'm talking about that extra wiggle to skate past defenders or find an open lane during team drills. Along with the burst he displayed on an edge run top dip outside of the defensive contain, Ballage (6-2, 222) really surprised me during one-on-one pass routes against linebackers. He understands how to set up defenders on option routes, and his footwork was smooth. Chop the feet, give a little shake and then burst outside to separate to the ball. Ballage came to Mobile to compete. No doubt. -- Bowen

[Rugger05]

MOBILE, Ala. -- Editor's note: NFL.com analysts and former NFL scouts Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks of the Move The Sticks Podcast share some of their scouting notes from Day 1 of Reese's Senior Bowl practice.

NFL Network will have live coverage of Reese's Senior Bowl practices beginning at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday and Thursday, as well as exclusive coverage of the game on Jan. 27 at 2:30 p.m. ET.

1. Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield continues to show people that when it comes to timing, touch and anticipation, he has all the stuff. That's where he separates himself from other QBs. He hit a couple skinny posts where he threw the ball well before the receiver broke and the pass was right on the money.





He was the last Senior Bowl participant to arrive here in Mobile, getting into town on Tuesday afternoon before heading over to practice, and he showed once again that he's a gamer. His competitiveness shines in settings like this one.

The big thing to watch with Mayfield will continue to be what he does off the field. Will he convince people that he can be the CEO of the program? Interviews with NFL teams will be a big deal for him this week. -- Bucky Brooks

2. Iowa State WR Allen Lazard caught my eye. I like the way he snatched the ball in traffic. He has a great combination of height, weight and speed, which could make him a very intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to add another weapon to the passing game. -- Bucky Brooks
College Football 24/7 Hot Topics:

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3. Dubuque CB Michael Joseph is a player to get to know. He was excellent on Tuesday. The Senior Bowlis a huge opportunity for players like Joseph, who are coming from the lower ranks, to show they can compete against top talent, and he took full advantage of that chance. He played the deep ball well, and did a nice job covering Miami WR Braxton Berrios underneath. I haven't studied Joseph on tape yet, so I'm looking forward to watching him. -- Daniel Jeremiah

4. Two interior D-linemen from the North squad jumped out to me on Tuesday. Nathan Shepherdfrom Fort Hays State was outstanding in one-on-ones. He had some clean wins. He's explosive. Stanford's Harrison Phillips wants to show everyone down here that he's more athletic than he's given credit for, and he's off to a fine start in that regard. -- Daniel Jeremiah

5. Will Hernandez, the guard from UTEP, had a really good day. He's a strong, physical guy who's built for the run game, and that's where he excels. I was pleasantly surprised with how well he held up in pass protection, though. He's in the mix to be a Day 2 pick (Rounds 2-3) and he certainly didn't hurt himself on Tuesday. -- Daniel Jeremiah

Follow Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter @MoveTheSticks.

[Formula 21]

Mayfield is the best qb in the draft. Will he go #1?

[bonehead]

Mayfield is the best qb in the draft. Will he go #1?

[Rugger05]

Wonder if any of the QB's would pull an Eli and refuse to sign with the Browns. Imagine if they would of drafted Wentz