MOBILE, Ala.– We're two practices into Senior Bowl week, and already we've seen plenty of early work to draw impressions from.
I was able to attend both practices on Tuesday afternoon, and these are my first thoughts as we get into the swing of this week. I'll have more to share on Wednesday – both before and after the first padded practices of the week.
- Interesting to see Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland getting work on the outside at linebacker. Normally he lines up inside, so this is a switch for him. In the one-on-one drills against the running backs where he was rushing -- they couldn't block him. He was able to rush with a combination of power and quickness, all while never giving the blockers the same look. You can just tell by his tape from Alabama and what I have seen here live, whomever drafts him will continue to use him this way.
- I haven't had a chance to study Georgia offensive tackle John Theus, but I do respect the way that he and Noah Spence went after each other. I was looking for someone to battle Spence and Theus was able to do that. There were several snaps where Theus took a shot at Spence after the play was over during one-on-ones.
- Jalen Mills played safety during his senior season at LSU, but this week he is receiving work at right cornerback. After watching him on tape earlier this year, I think this is likely the best spot for him. He is quick-footed and he plays with instincts. If he has a weakness, it is as a tackler. There are snaps where he is not always interested in mixing it up as a tackler, and corner provides a way out.
- I thought there was some good from Carson Wentz today and some bad as well. There is no question about the arm talent and the strength, but there were some throws where his accuracy was off and it was like he was trying to do too much. There were also some balls that were on target, but his receivers didn't do a good enough job of helping him. I can see the coaches going through the tape with him this evening to settle him down for Wednesday.
- It was a nice start to the week for Ohio State defensive tackle Adolphus Washington. I see him lining up as a three-technique in a 4-3 scheme and going to work. On his college tape he was an active player, but I didn't feel like he was as nearly disruptive as he was in this practice. Willie Beavers and Josh Garrett really didn't have an answer for him.
- I need to go back and take another look at Southern Utah safety Miles Killebrew. He made some plays in coverage -- especially in the flat -- defending the ball that I did not see him do in college. I thought initially he was just a bland player without much substance but he showed flashes today.
- Liked what I saw from San Jose State running back Tyler Ervin. He is a much bigger and thicker player than what he appeared to be on film this season. He made several catches out of the backfield and ran with a burst. He has that extra gear to clear the line and get into the second level.
- Ohio State wide receiver Braxton Miller had never worked as a punt returner until this practice this afternoon. He looked natural and comfortable catching the ball and is likely something we could see full time in his future.
