In an unprecedented year where players opted-out, games canceled, and stadiums left half-empty, the 2021 Senior Bowl delivered.
The end-of-the-year, college “all-star” football game attracting top brass from every NFL team made its mark in Mobile, AL.
Serving as part convention, part mixer, and part 32-team job fair, this year’s game was high atop every GM’s list.
The event showcasing the country’s top draft prospects hosted a “bare-bone” version of the gala on Saturday, January 30, 2021.
Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy said:
“We stripped away everything during game week except practices and the game.”
As a result, this year’s game was more critical to NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers, than ever.
Speaking under anonymity, an AFC general manager described the experience as:
“It’s kind of like an accelerated speed-dating process. You have to find out whether or not you’d marry them in 15 minutes. This year’s Senior Bowl is pretty much the only opportunity for us to get face-to-face conversations with these guys. I didn’t get to make it to many games because of testing protocols. So here gives me a chance to see how some of the players move and practice. The Senior Bowl is always one of the most important parts of the process, but this year it’s even more critical.”
Many big names were there like Mac Jones and Najee Harris from Alabama; however, they did not play due to injuries.
Although the game started slow, it ended with a 27-24 win for the Nationals and saw three players’ draft stock rise.
3. Janarius Robinson (DL) Florida State
With an impressive showing, Florida State’s redshirt senior Janarius Robinson wowed the scouts both on and off the field.
Standing in at 6-foot-5 and weighing 266 lbs., the All-ACC Academic Team member boasts an eye-catching 87-inch wingspan.
Robinson’s 36-inch long arms make him a challenge for any offensive lineman to block, especially when he plays at full extension.
Opening with a quick first step, he showed team scouts he is able to use his agility to overpower his opponents.
Getting to the QB one last time on Saturday, Robinson finished his college career with 105 tackles and nine sacks.
Sack! That’s @JanariusD1 from FLORIDA STATE!!#NoleFamily
📺: @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/W2tMJgNPjF
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) January 30, 2021
Janarius Robinson looks to cash in on his high-yield, blue chip stocks after last Saturday’s Senior Bowl showing.
2. D’Ante Smith (OL) East Carolina
Reporting to the Senior Bowl 20 lbs. heavier than his listed college weight of 274, D’Ante Smith caught the attention of many GMs.
With many upsides, Smith is a gem among gems.
Firstly, in addition to his arms measuring north of 35-inches long, the 6-foot-4, East Carolina senior showed quick hands and feet.
More easy movement created by D’Ante Smith (#67). Reportedly up to 305 pounds so far during his training… will be down in Mobile for the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl. pic.twitter.com/WpMv4zf9m4
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) December 28, 2020
Secondly, although he started at left tackle in 2019, Smith is also comfortable playing guard, which is a big plus.
Finally, a true student of the game, the All-American Athletic Conference honoree never stops learning.
In a recent interview, D’Ante stated:
“I just want to go out and focus on football. Just be me and go out there and do me. I’m so grateful for this opportunity first off, I’m grateful to grow and learn from this. I’m just excited to learn and take in new things down there and take advantage of the opportunity.”
One happy coach will get the chance to polish this diamond in the rough in 2021.
1. Osa Odighizuwa (DL) UCLA
The top prospect that saw his draft stock rise at the 2021 Senior Bowl was UCLA’s Osa Odighizuwa.
The 6-foot-2, 280 lbs. redshirt senior was effective in defending the run and filling the gaps while using his undersized frame to his advantage.
Osa’s fast hands and high football IQ helped him make quick use of the offensive line.
Osa Odighizuwa puts a man in the spin cycle! Really nice move from the tackle from UCLA! #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/h8IRZGsLJg
— Inside The Draft (@Jacobkeppen) January 27, 2021
With a wingspan of 84-inches and arms measuring longer than 34-inches, Osa’s natural leverage makes him a valued asset.
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