Cincy Jungle - 2015 NFL Senior Bowl StreamWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2015-01-24T12:00:03-05:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/76454182015-01-24T12:00:03-05:002015-01-24T12:00:03-05:00Jackson prefers speed over size with receivers
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<figcaption>Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>When Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson scouts his players, he's looking for speed this year. While size helps you make contested catches, speed helps with separation -- and that's something the Bengals desperately needed this year.</p> <p>The Cincinnati Bengals could be in the market for a speedy receiver who can vertically threaten the opposing defense. Let's recall that the last time we watched Cincinnati in the playoffs. Receivers struggled to break away from their defenders and the vertical threat was hilariously nonexistent -- which allowed the Colts to compress Andy Dalton's goldilocks zone within 10 yards. (D<i>isclaimer: Because staunch defenders will complain about the use of "goldilocks", <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldilocks_planet">it's not</a>. And yes, we're at a point now where we have to write disclaimers</i>). Dalton went a pedestrian 18 of 35 for 155 yards passing with a passer rating of 63.4.</p>
<p>If you're judging the Bengals' roster following their 26-10 playoff loss to the Colts, it could lead to severe psychosis. Marvin Jones, A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert were out. Mohamed Sanu may have celebrated several career highs this season (which isn't all THAT difficult for a third-year player) but he essentially disappeared in the second half of the season. Jermaine Gresham's routes were notoriously short, especially on third down... forcing him to fight for more yardage that lead to nervousness and careless ballhandling.</p>
<p>Regardless, offensive coordinator Hue Jackson is looking at his options in Mobile, Alabama, where prospects have gathered to stage an exhibition game with 32 professional teams looking restock their ranks. And if Jackson values anything, it's speed over size. Per <a href="http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Running-with-the-Bucks/a78ecc12-730e-4c2c-b5ac-12df6aad618e">Bengals.com</a>:</p>
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<p>"The biggest threat is vertical speed, not size," Jackson said as he watched Smith and the rest of the North on Thursday. "If I’m faster than you, but you’re taller than me, I’m eventually going to find a way to get away from you. There are guys that make contested catches, but the common thread for success is speed.</p>
<p>"You’re not going to get open all the time, so you have to make contested catches. But you also have to be able to create separation so the quarterback can feel comfortable throwing it in there."</p>
<p>Jackson’s idea of a speed receiver is the current biggest Bengals killer not in captivity, Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown as he comes off a monster season in which he bedeviled Cincinnati twice in the December losses to Pittsburgh with big catches and a punt return touchdown. Jackson admires the 5-10, 180-pound Brown for not only his speed, but his toughness and strength.</p>
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<p>Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Devin Smith is a combination of both. Standing more than six feet tall with the type of speed that could change the momentum of games, Smith averaged 28.2 yards per catch (33 receptions, 931 yards receiving) during his senior season with 12 touchdowns scored. He dominated Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship game with 137 yards receiving and three touchdowns, helping the Buckeyes to crush the Badgers 59-0 -- a needed display to convince the powers-that-be to give Ohio State the final seed in the College Football Playoffs. Smith totaled 132 yards in the playoffs, scoring a touchdown against Alabama.</p>
<p>Smith compares himself to Philadelphia Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin. "How smooth he is when he runs routes, it kind of reminds me of myself a little bit with how natural it looks," <a href="http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/Ohio-State-WR-Devin-Smith-Compares-His-Game-to-Jeremy-Maclin/54cc92e7-cf87-4946-98f5-a065e566b9b2">Smith said via kcchiefs.com</a>.</p>
<p>The Baltimore Ravens have also been showing interest in Smith this week. Per the <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ohio-state-wide-receiver-devin-smith-encouraged-by-ravens-interest-in-him-at-senior-bowl-20150123-story.html">Baltimore Sun</a>:</p>
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<p>Smith talked with the Ravens this week and characterized it as a productive meeting.</p>
<p>"It went really well," Smith said. "They showed a lot of interest. They liked the things I did on the football field."</p>
<p>...</p>
<p>Smith runs the 40-yard dash in about 4.3 seconds. He finished his career with 121 receptions for 2,503 yards and 30 touchdowns. He averaged 37.9 yards per score, and Ohio State went 22-0 in games where he caught a touchdown pass.</p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/1/24/7881383/bengals-hue-jackson-prefers-speed-over-size-when-scouting-wideJosh Kirkendall2015-01-24T11:44:31-05:002015-01-24T11:44:31-05:00Saturday Open Thread
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<p>The 2015 Senior Bowl kicks off at 4 pm ET while college and NBA basketball tip off throughout the day.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/1/24/7882267/saturday-open-thread-senior-bowl-basketballJason Marcum2015-01-24T10:30:48-05:002015-01-24T10:30:48-05:00Lewis attended weigh-ins and we're thinking 'Bama?
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<p>Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis is an annual visitor to Mobile, Alabama, scouting the Senior Bowl. He attended the weigh-ins earlier this week, which included four Alabama players.</p> <p>When considering whom the Cincinnati Bengals will draft this year, you should always take into account SEC schools first... Georgia especially (eight players during Marvin Lewis era) but more recently, Alabama. Per 247Sports, Head Coach Marvin Lewis joined Detroit Lions Head Coach Jim Caldwell, Texans Head Coach Bill O'Brien and Seattle Seahawks General Manager John Schneider <a href="http://alabama.247sports.com/Bolt/Alabama-players-receive-measurements-at-Senior-Bowl-34902207">during weigh-ins that featured four Alabama players</a>.</p>
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<p>The four Crimson Tide seniors, Jalston Fowler, Arie Kouandjio, Austin Shepherd and Blake Sims, received their measurements along with the other 55 players on the South roster. Here are their respective measurements:</p>
<p>FB Jalston Fowler: 5'11", 264 lbs <br>OG Arie Kouandjio: 6'4.7", 318 lbs<br>OT Austin Shepherd: 6'4.4", 324 lbs<br>QB Blake Sims: 5'11.4", 223 lbs</p>
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<p>Cincinnati selected a mid-round quarterback out of Alabama last year and they're not expected to address the position during this year's NFL draft. Austin Shepherd? Are they willing to draft another offensive tackle? Maybe a guard to stock up a position that's facing contract years? Ryan Hewitt isn't going anywhere and who drafts a fullback in this era anyway? Only five have been drafted since 2008 and none were last year.</p>
<p>Since 2009, the Bengals have drafted three players out of Alabama with two (Andre Smith in 2009 and Dre Kirkpatrick in 2012) in the first round.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/1/24/7881691/marvin-lewis-attended-weigh-ins-at-senior-bowl-that-featured-fourJosh Kirkendall2015-01-24T09:45:32-05:002015-01-24T09:45:32-05:00Senior Bowl Prospects who fit Bengals
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<figcaption>John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Several players at this week's Senior Bowl would immediately upgrade the Bengals' roster. </p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/senior-bowl" class="sbn-auto-link">Senior Bowl</a> week is nearly over with only Saturday's game left to be played before the draft process really begins.</p>
<p>As is the case every year, many prospects improved their draft stock with a solid week of practice in Mobile, and some of them are players who the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Bengals</a> could be interested in. Here's a look at the Senior Bowl prospects who the Bengals should show the most interest in this offseason leading up to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">2015 NFL Draft</a>.</p>
<p><b>Duke WR <span>Jamison Crowder</span></b></p>
<p>The Bengals badly missed <span>Andrew Hawkins</span> this past season, and they never found a slot receiver to replace him. <span>Mohamed Sanu</span> tried but was also forced to play out wide with injuries to <span>A.J. Green</span> and <span>Marvin Jones</span> throughout the season. It's unclear if Sanu will move back to the slot, or if he even should be in the top three of the WR rotation.</p>
<p>That's where a guy like Jamison Crowder could fit in. The 5-9, 175-pounder looks and plays like Baby Hawk, and not only is he a quality slot receiver, he has the ability to beat his man at the line of scrimmage and deep, which has made him stand out during Senior Bowl practices.</p>
<p>Crowder will likely go somewhere after the third round, and he'd be an ideal target for Cincinnati if they want to get a more capable slot receiver than Sanu.</p>
<p><b>Washington DT Danny Shelton</b></p>
<p>Arguably the most dominant player during Senior Bowl practices is the one guy who could dramatically affect the Bengals' defense. Washington DT Danny Shelton was the best player on the field this week as he dominated whoever tried to block him.</p>
<p>Shelton could play either DT or NT in a 4-3 defense, and may be a suitable replacement for <span>Domata Peko</span> if Cincinnati moves on from him. He's a big man at 6-2, 343, but he has better feet and stamina than most defensive lineman. Shelton is the kind of interior force the Bengals simply didn't have this year, and he'd immediately upgrade the pass rush from the interior defensive line.</p>
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<p><b>Kentucky DE <span>Za'Darius Smith</span></b></p>
<p>Though much of the Kentucky hype is with OLB Bud Dupree, Za'Darius Smith may be the better fit for the Bengals. He hasn't lost any momentum since his MVP performance at last week's East-West Shrine Game. Smith, who had two tackles and a sack in the Shrine Game, has stood out on the South Team in both pass-rushing drills and setting the edge as a run-stuffer.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000461678/article/buzzworthy-and-buzzkill-players-from-day-2-at-the-senior-bowl?campaign=Twitter_nfl_cfb">NFL Network's Bucky Brooks</a> said scouts covet a player like Smith for nickel edge defending. He's been able to stand out a little more because he's not standing in his former teammate's shadow. Smith is trending in the right direction and currently <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/2015/DE">projects as a third-rounder by CBS Sports.</a></p>
<p><b>The Miami Trio: LB Denzel Perryman, TE Clive Walford and WR Phillip Dorsett</b></p>
<p>The Miami Hurricanes were one of the more disappointing teams in college football this past season, mainly because they had many NFL prospects on a roster that finished 6-7. Several Hurricanes stood out during Senior Bowl practices, and one player Cincinnati should take a hard look at is Denzel Perryman. He could be their next MLB with <span>Rey Maualuga</span> set to hit free agency.</p>
<p><span>Perryman, a Hurricanes team captain, finished his collegiate career with 350 total tackles and 27 tackles for a loss. He's been solid during the week of practice after entering the 2014 college football season projected as the top MLB prospect and a first-round pick. </span></p>
<p>He's now projected to go in round 2 or later, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't be an upgrade to Cincinnati's defense. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1860814/denzel-perryman">NFL Draft Scout wrote this on Perryman</a>:</p>
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<p>He is an instinctive and tough in-the-box defender who showed improved closing speed and explosiveness as a hitter in 2014. He's difficult to latch onto at the second level due to strong, active hands, agile feet and good use of leverage when taking on bigger blockers, and he exhibits good burst and solid angles to either sideline when asked to pursue plays on the edges.</p>
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<p><span>Another Hurricane to watch is TE Clive Walford, who measured in at 6-foot-4 and 254 pounds, but played just one year of high school football because his first love was basketball. He uses his basketball background to consistently get in position and box out defenders to make contested catches over the middle.</span></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2015/1/21/7868797/phillip-dorsett-clive-walford-senior-bowl">SB Nation's Dan Kadar</a> had this writeup of Walford's week in Mobile:</p>
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<p><span>In front of <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> tight ends coach Ron Middleton, Walford was making catch after catch. Dig route. Catch. Out route. Catch. Flat route. Catch. Every time Walford would pull in the ball, Middleton would scream in delight. It's fair enough to assume he'll have a sore throat tonight.</span></p>
<p><span>Walford was getting open using his frame to create space and a nice head fake to lose a defender. Walford is really competing this week and has been willing to go up and after difficult catches. He's showing why he should be in the discussion to be the first tight end drafted along with <span>Maxx Williams</span> of Minnesota.</span></p>
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<p>As for WR Phillip Dorsett, the 5-10, 188-pound ball of fire has been burning DBs all week with his speed. He's easily one of, if not the fastest player in this year's draft. And, Dorsett has done a great job of getting open running the entire route tree, <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000461560/article/jeremiah-phillip-dorsett-probably-fastest-player-in-2015-draft" target="_blank" data-ref-index="9" style="background-color: #ffffff;">according to NFL.com</a>.</p>
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<p id="paragraph5">"Some guys can run fast, but they have to work hard to do it, which limits what they can do out of their breaks," an NFC player personnel director <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000461404/article/sources-tell-us-inside-scoop-on-prospects-at-senior-bowl" target="_blank" data-ref-index="10">told NFL Media analysts</a>. "Dorsett is more natural with his speed and movement."</p>
<p id="paragraph6">NFL Media analysts mentioned names such as <span>Antonio Brown</span>, <span>John Brown</span> and <span>T.Y. Hilton</span> as potential comparisons; all four played high school ball in Miami or Fort Lauderdale.</p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/1/24/7881381/senior-bowl-prospects-bengalsJason Marcum2015-01-24T07:00:02-05:002015-01-24T07:00:02-05:00Senior Bowl live stream, rosters, TV info & more
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<figcaption>Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Everything you need to know for the 2015 Reese's Senior Bowl.</p> <p>The final college football game for many players will also be their final chance to impress NFL scouts in live game-action during the 2015 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/senior-bowl">Senior Bowl</a>.</p>
<p>Played in Mobile, Alabama annually, the Senior Bowl routinely hosts some of the top draft prospects each year for one week. The event gets prospects acclimated to an NFL style of coaching while practicing and playing the game under NFL rules.</p>
<p>Most years, several first-round prospects participate in this game, as is the case this year with guys like Washington DT Danny Shelton, Pittsburgh OT <span>T.J. Clemmings</span> and LSU OT La'el Collins. Plenty of other players have already booted their stock and had scouts take notice of them during the week of practice leading up to the game, and they'll hope to parlay that into big performances come gametime on Saturday.</p>
<p>This will be the final college all-star game that gets national recognition before the offseason and draft process really kicks into gear. So even if you're not into the draft, this is one of the final football games until August.</p>
<h4>How to watch</h4>
<p id="paragraph5"><b>Where:</b> Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Ala.</p>
<p id="paragraph6"><b>When:</b> 4 p.m. ET<b></b></p>
<p id="paragraph7"><b>TV:</b> NFL Network<b></b></p>
<p id="paragraph8"><b>Online streaming:</b> <a href="http://www.nfl.com/mobile" data-ref-index="9" sl-processed="1">Verizon NFL Mobile</a></p>
<p><b>Rosters</b>: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.seniorbowl.com/rosters-2015.php?squad=North">North Team</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.seniorbowl.com/rosters-2015.php?squad=South">South Team</a></p>
<p><b style="line-height: 9px;">Live stats</b><span>: Available at </span><a href="http://usajaguars.com/" target="_blank">usajaguars.com</a><span>. (Note: You will need to click on the 'live stats' icon located in the upper right of the home page. You will see eight small icons in the upper right. Live stats is the furthest icon on the left.)</span></p>
<h4>Further reading</h4>
<p id="paragraph9">For more Senior Bowl coverage, check out <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft" data-ref-index="10" sl-processed="1">SB Nation's Mocking the Draft</a>. You can also find live coverage from Mocking the Draft's Dan Kadar via <a href="https://twitter.com/MockingTheDraft" data-ref-index="11" sl-processed="1">his Twitter account</a>.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/1/24/7880625/nfl-senior-bowl-live-stream-rosters-game-time-tv-channelJason Marcum2015-01-23T07:34:00-05:002015-01-23T07:34:00-05:00Senior Bowl Prospects Raising Their Stock
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<p>The pass-catchers are continuing to impress during Senior Bowl week. </p> <p>As <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/senior-bowl">Senior Bowl</a> week winds down, the fully-padded practices are over, leaving Saturday's game as the final chance for players to showcase themselves on national TV.</p>
<p>Several players came into this game without much fanfare, but will leave having raised their stock after impressing throughout the week. Miami had a pair of players do so, the biggest of which being tight end <span>Clive Walford</span>.</p>
<p>After a so-so college career entering 2014, Walford grabbed a team-high 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior this past season. In a weak TE class, Walford is actually viewed as one of the two or three best TE prospects, and he solidified that status with a great week of practice.</p>
<p>Walford was constantly getting open this week, whether it was deep down the field, in the intermediate routes, or simply using his 6-4, 255-pound frame to box out his defender in the end zone for the score. NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock <a href="https://twitter.com/ChaseGoodbread/status/558036202352562176">told NFL.com's Chase Goodbread</a> that Walford "could be the best tight end in the country." It's beginning to look like Walford will go somewhere in the first 50 picks of this year's draft.</p>
<p>The other Miami pass-catcher impressing is Phillip Dorsett. The 5-10, 188-pound ball of fire has been smoking DBs all week, and he claims to have run a 4.21 in the 40-yard dash. He's easily one of, if not the fastest player in this year's draft, but Dorsett has done a great job of getting open running the entire route tree, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000461560/article/jeremiah-phillip-dorsett-probably-fastest-player-in-2015-draft">according to NFL.com</a>.</p>
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<p>"Some guys can run fast, but they have to work hard to do it, which limits what they can do out of their breaks," an NFC player personnel director <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000461404/article/sources-tell-us-inside-scoop-on-prospects-at-senior-bowl">told NFL Media analysts</a>. "Dorsett is more natural with his speed and movement."</p>
<p>NFL Media analysts mentioned names such as <span>Antonio Brown</span>, <span>John Brown</span> and <span>T.Y. Hilton</span> as potential comparisons; all four played high school ball in Miami or Fort Lauderdale.</p>
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<p><span>Georgia inside linebacker <span>Amarlo Herrera</span> also had a solid week of practice. The </span>6-2, 245-pounder led Georgia in tackles as a senior with 115 stops, but still didn't enter this week with much attention paid to him. He's played both inside and outside linebacker this week, and those in Mobile have been impressed with what they've seen.</p>
<p><span>Herrera is more of a run-stuffer that needs to be put into the right system for him to succeed in the NFL. </span></p>
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<p>"He did a great job of reading the plays and getting to the spot ahead of the ball carrier. He’ll be a three-down player in the right system, but you don’t want to put him on a 6-3, 6-4 tight end," Draft analyst Tony Pauline said.</p>
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<p><span>Ohio State receiver <span>Devin Smith</span> entered the week regarded as a vertical threat who needed to prove he’s more than a one-trick pony, and he's done a solid job of that to this point. Smith has shown he can be a good route-runner on the short and intermediate levels so far this week, but he needs to show it during Saturday's game if he hopes to rise above the Day 3 grade many have slapped on him. </span></p>
<p>East Carolina receiver <span>Justin Hardy</span> is one of the most complete receivers in the draft, which comes as no surprise given that he's the FBS' all-time leader in receptions. The 5-10, 190-pounder runs in the 4.4s in the 40-yard dash, and he can beat defenders in a variety of ways, which is what he's done this week.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/1/23/7876085/2015-nfl-senior-bowl-draft-prospects-stockJason Marcum2015-01-21T11:40:19-05:002015-01-21T11:40:19-05:00Stand-Out Senior Bowl Prospects
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<p>The Senior Bowl showcases some of the top NFL draft prospects every year. </p> <p>Senior Bowl Week is underway, and while many people pay little attention until the game on Saturday, the practices during the week are just as important to coaches and executives looking to potentially draft these players.</p>
<p>For the most part, the elite prospects opt to pass on this event while hoping to maintain their status as a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Last year, only seven Senior Bowl participants were drafted in the first round, and none went in the top 12 while four went 23rd or later.</p>
<p><span>As for who's standing out after the first few practices, Duke receiver Jamison Crowder is turning head early. One of the most underrated receivers in college football this past year, Crowder was projected as a Day 3 pick coming into this week. </span></p>
<p><span>The 5-9, 175-pounder looks and plays like Andrew Hawkins, and he'd be a quality slot receiver for whoever gets him. However, it's been his ability to beat his man at the line of scrimmage and deep: </span></p>
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<p>Wins at the LOS, gets back on top of the CB and then tracks the ball over his shoulder. Nice. <a href="https://t.co/shJiihbFsT">https://t.co/shJiihbFsT</a></p>
— Joe G (@JoeGoodberry) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodberry/status/557910314872999937">January 21, 2015</a>
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<p>One prospect who's already managed to hurt his stock is Pittsburgh offensive lineman TJ Clemmings. A 6-foot-5, 307-pounder, Clemmings spent his first three seasons at Pitt as a defensive lineman before moving to the other side of the ball in 2013 and great the past two seasons, and there was talk of him being a first-round prospect entering Senior Bowl week.</p>
<p>However, Clemmings has looked out of sorts thus far, overreaching and using poor technique often. On this play, Kentucky defensive end Za'Darius Smith blows by him in pass protection drills:</p>
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<p>Clemmings day summed up. <a href="https://t.co/WcqaK7B1t3">https://t.co/WcqaK7B1t3</a></p>
— Joe G (@JoeGoodberry) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodberry/status/557927707791851521">January 21, 2015</a>
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<p>Making that worse was that Smith was having a poor practice as well up to that point:</p>
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<p>A couple uninspired pass rush attempts for Z.Smith (Kentucky). <a href="https://t.co/mXXOBRZZOz">https://t.co/mXXOBRZZOz</a></p>
— Joe G (@JoeGoodberry) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodberry/status/557920329000300544">January 21, 2015</a>
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<p><span>Trenton Brown is another guy making noise, though much of that came from his weigh-in, when the Florida Gators lineman measured in at </span>6-8, 376 pounds with 86.5-inch wing span. Technique and consistency plagued his college career to the point he's projected as a late Day 3 pick.</p>
<p><span>He did hold his own in one-one-one matchups with Washington's Danny Shelton, the 343-pound first-round prospect:</span></p>
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<p>6-8 376lb Trenton Brown vs. 6-2 343lb Danny Sheldon. <a href="https://t.co/GjzktSyWcX">https://t.co/GjzktSyWcX</a></p>
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanDFischer/status/557623923744194560">January 20, 2015</a>
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<p>As a whole, the Gators program has massively underperformed over the past two seasons, so maybe Brown was just a victim of the mess and has more ability than he showed this past season. Still, he looks like this year's version of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Seantrel-Henderson-on-path-to-reclaim-lofty-status/951ef55f-b921-4b3a-928d-df151c0fde90">Seantrel Henderson</a>.</p>
<p>Speaking of Shelton, the Washington defensive tackle is arguably the best prospect at the Senior Bowl, and he showed flashes of the dominance that led <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000459925/article/mayock-washington-dt-danny-shelton-could-be-top10-pick" target="_blank">Mike Mayock to compare Shelton to Haloti Ngata</a>.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>This is raw power. <a href="https://t.co/6VIpOiTCrn">https://t.co/6VIpOiTCrn</a></p>
— Joe G (@JoeGoodberry) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodberry/status/557917236913250304">January 21, 2015</a>
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<p>The biggest headline to this point may have been Auburn's Nick Marshall saying <a href="http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2015/01/auburns_nick_marshall_to_enter.html" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">he'll enter the draft as a cornerback</a>, his original position in college, and <a href="http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/01/senior_bowl_adds_qb_as_nick_ma.html" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">practiced exclusively with the defensive backs Tuesday</a> after playing QB for the Tigers over the past two season.</p>
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<p>"It wasn't difficult because I played cornerback coming up," said Marshall, who played cornerback in his freshman season at Georgia before transferring to junior college, where he moved to quarterback. "It won't be a hard transition for me to make. It's something that I know if I put my mind to it I can do anything that I want."</p>
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<p>He was a good enough QB at Auburn that if he did make an NFL roster as a DB, they still may list him as the emergency third QB if both the starter and backup got injured. As little and insignificant as that sounds, every little thing helps get a guy drafted and/or on an NFL roster.</p>
<p>And for one final highlight, here's probably the worst double-move attempt you'll ever see:</p>
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<p>LOL this double move <a href="https://t.co/3zbOEGx83T">https://t.co/3zbOEGx83T</a></p>
— Joe G (@JoeGoodberry) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodberry/status/557906818207612929">January 21, 2015</a>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/1/21/7865993/senior-bowl-2015-nfl-draft-prospectsJason Marcum2015-01-20T09:00:04-05:002015-01-20T09:00:04-05:00Kicking off the 2015 Reese's Senior Bowl
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<figcaption>Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Cincinnati Bengals are in Mobile, Alabama with every other NFL team scouting the seniors headed into the 2015 NFL draft. </p> <p>The senior bowl doesn't necessarily feature prospects that are first round picks in the NFL draft (there ARE first rounders here but it's not a who's who of first rounders) -- those players are undergoing radical strength and conditioning drills to conquer the NFL Combine in the hopes of improving their overall numbers for their draft stock. <i>It's a farce because scouts are judging players using drills that offer little football relevance. Yet these drills take precedence over the tape that features these players playing the game that they're being scouted for</i>.</p>
<p>Weird.</p>
<p>Anyway... that's for another day. While the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks prepare for the Super Bowl next week, the rest of the NFL is descending on Mobile, Alabama for the annual senior bowl. A significant number of Cincinnati's scouting crew, presumably including Duke Tobin and their coaches (Marvin Lewis is an annual guest), are likely stationed in the warm breezes of Alabama sunshine to monitor practices this week, leading to Saturday's annual game.</p>
<p>If you're reclusive enough to believe that the Bengals are monitoring only specific positions, you're not paying attention to this team's recent work in the draft. That being said, people <i>do </i>draft based on need -- it's just that "need" isn't so much of a headline priority from the BPA crowd. <i>For example, why would the Bengals draft a quarterback in the first round. They won't</i>. That being said, we're envisioning that the Bengals will address linebacker, offensive line and defensive line in the NFL draft (not just the first round).</p>
<p>A few notes:</p>
<p><b>+</b> Paul Dehner Jr. offers a list of players that the Bengals could be looking at, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincinnati.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Fbengals%2F2015%2F01%2F19%2Fsenior-bowl-cincinnati-bearcats-miami-redhawks-cincinnati-bengals%2F22003263%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2F2015%2F1%2F20%2F7856291%2F2015-reeses-senior-bowl-roster" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">including LSU offensive tackle La'el Collins</a>:</p>
<blockquote>He won't just be on the Cincinnati radar. He's arguably the top player at the event. Collins looks targeted for a first-round draft pick and a player capable of entering the league and starting as a blind side protector immediately. The Bengals know just how well an LSU left tackle can work out but at some point they need to not only fix the swing tackle position vacated by Anthony Collins, but think about life after the 33-year-old Andrew Whitworth.</blockquote>
<p><strong>+</strong> Sports Illustrated's Chris Burke offers a look at the top 10 prospects to watch, <a href="http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/01/19/senior-bowl-2015-preview-blake-sims-bryce-petty">including Michigan State wide receiver Tony Lippett</a>:</p>
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<p>Lippett is listed as a wide receiver for the event. Will he take any turns at cornerback? The 6-3, 185-pounder pulled double duty for Michigan State down the stretch, catching five passes and holding up well on the other side of the ball during that bowl win over Baylor. He finished the year with 11 receiving touchdowns and more than 1,100 yards, which is why he's starting off on offense at the Senior Bowl. His versatility is pretty unique, though.</p>
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<p><b>+</b> Dane Brugler with NFL Draft Scout offers 10 defensive prospects to watch with Harvard outside linebacker <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/24978490/senior-bowl-10-defensive-prospects-to-watch">Zach Hodges generating some interest as a hybrid player</a>:</p>
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<p>Arguably the top "small school" prospect at the Senior Bowl, Hodges will look to do what WR Tre McBride did at the East-West Shrine Game and show he can have success against FBS talent. Hodges played a hybrid role at Harvard, lining up inside, outside and also standing up as a rusher, so scouts will be eager to see how Hodges looks at a traditional linebacker spot.</p>
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<p><b>+</b> Here's the senior bowl roster... get used to these names.</p>
<h3>North team</h3>
<p><strong>Quarterbacks</strong><br> Sean Mannion, Oregon State <br> Bryce Petty, Baylor</p>
<p><strong>Running backs</strong><br> Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska <br> David Cobb, Minnesota <br> Jeremy Langford, Michigan State <br> Ty Varga (FB), Yale</p>
<p><strong>Receivers</strong><br> Nick Boyle (TE), Delaware <br> Jamison Crowder, Duke <br> Antwan Goodley, Baylor <br> Ben Koyack (TE), Notre Dame <br> Tony Lippett, Michigan State <br> Tyler Lockett, Kansas State <br> Vince Mayle, Washington State <br> Ty Montgomery, Stanford <br> Casey Pierce (TE), Kent State <br> Devin Smith, Ohio State</p>
<p><strong>Offensive linemen</strong><br> Trenton Brown (OT), Florida <br> T.J. Clemmings (OT), Pittsburgh <br> Jamil Douglas (OT), Arizona State <br> Max Garcia (C), Florida <br> Rob Havenstein (OT), Wisconsin <br> Chris Jasperse (C), Marshall <br> Ali Marpet (OT), Hobart <br> Donovan Smith (OT), Penn State <br> Robert Myers (G), Tennessee State <br> Laken Tomlinson (G), Duke</p>
<p><strong>Defensive linemen</strong><br> Henry Anderson (DE), Stanford <br> Deion Barnes (DE), Penn State <br> Michael Bennett (DT), Ohio State <br> Marcus Hardison (DE), Arizona State <br> Hau'oli Kikaha (DE), Washington <br> Nate Orchard (DE), Utah <br> Danny Shelton (DT), Washington <br> Za'Darius Smith (DE), Kentucky <br> Louis Trinca-Pasat (DT), Iowa</p>
<p><strong>Linebackers</strong><br> Jordan Hicks (OLB), Texas <br> Mike Hull (OLB), Penn State <br> Zack Hodges (OLB), Harvard <br> Jeff Luc (ILB), Cincinnati</p>
<p><strong>Defensive backs</strong><br> Adrian Amos (S), Penn State <br> Ibraheim Campbell (S), Northwestern <br> Quandre Diggs (CB), Texas <br> Kurtis Drummond (S), Michigan State <br> Doran Grant (CB), Ohio State <br> Steven Nelson (CB), Oregon State <br> Damarious Randall (S), Arizona State <br> Quinten Rollins (CB), Miami (Ohio) <br> Eric Rowe (CB), Utah <br> Josh Shaw (CB), USC <br> Kevin White (CB), TCU</p>
<p><strong>Specialists</strong><br> Joe Cardona (LS), Navy <br> Kyle Loomis (P), Portland State <br> Tom Obarski (K), Concordia-St. Paul</p>
<h3>South team</h3>
<p><strong>Quarterbacks</strong><br> Shane Carden, East Carolina <br> Nick Marshall, Auburn <br> Blake Sims, Alabama</p>
<p><strong>Running backs</strong><br> Cameron Artis-Payne, Auburn <br> Jalston Fowler (FB), Alabama <br> David Johnson, Northern Iowa <br> Cameron Neighbors (FB), LSU</p>
<p><strong>Receivers</strong><br> Sammie Coates, Auburn <br> Devante Davis, UNLV <br> Phillip Dorsett, Miami (Fla.) <br> Rannell Hall, UCF <br> Justin Hardy, East Carolina <br> Josh Harper, Fresno State <br> Dezmin Lewis, Central Arkansas <br> Donatella Luckett, Harding <br> Nick O'Leary (TE), Florida State <br> C.J. Uzomah (TE), Auburn <br> Clive Walford (TE), Miami (Fla.)</p>
<p><strong>Offensive linemen</strong><br> La'el Collins (OT), LSU <br> Dillon Day (C), Mississippi State <br> Reese Dismukes (C), Auburn <br> Tayo Fabuluje (OT), TCU <br> Tre' Jackson (G), Florida State <br> Arie Kouandjio (G), Alabama <br> Shaq Mason (G), Georgia Tech <br> Ty Sambrailo (OT), Colorado State <br> Austin Shepherd (OT), Alabama <br> Daryl Williams (OT), Oklahoma</p>
<p><strong>Defensive linemen</strong><br> Kaleb Eulls (DT), Mississippi State <br> Trey Flowers (DE), Arkansas <br> Markus Golden (DE), Missouri <br> Grady Jarrett (DT), Clemson <br> Joey Mbu (DT), Houston <br> Owamagbe Odighizuwa (DE), UCLA <br> Preston Smith (DE), Mississippi State <br> Gabe Wright (DT), Auburn</p>
<p><strong>Linebackers</strong><br> Stephone Anthony (ILB), Clemson <br> Geneo Grissom (OLB), Oklahoma <br> Lorenzo Mauldin (OLB), Louisville <br> Denzel Perryman (ILB), Miami (Fla.) <br> Hayes Pullard (ILB), USC <br> Martrell Spaight (OLB), Arkansas <br> Lynden Trail (OLB), Norfolk State</p>
<p><strong>Defensive backs</strong><br> Imoan Claiborne (CB), Northwestern State <br> Clayton Geathers (S), UCF <br> Senquez Golson (CB), Ole Miss <br> Anthony Jefferson (S), UCLA <br> Cody Prewitt (S), Ole Miss <br> JaCorey Shepherd (CB), Kansas <br> D'Joun Smith (CB), Florida Atlantic <br> Jaquiski Tartt (S), Samford</p>
<p><strong>Specialists</strong><br> Andrew East (LS), Vanderbilt <br> Justin Manton (K), Louisiana-Monroe</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/1/20/7856291/2015-reeses-senior-bowl-rosterJosh Kirkendall