Five Eagles draft prospects who performed well in the Senior Bowl
Quinyon Mitchell of Toledo, who is probably going to be a top cornerback in the NFL draft, was the big attraction, but the Eagles might also benefit from five other possibilities.
The National team, headed by former South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler, game MVP, defeated the American squad, 16-7, to wrap off the Senior Bowl on Saturday afternoon in Mobile, Alabama.
In the first quarter, Rattler completed all four of his throws for 65 yards and a touchdown, and Tykee Smith, a native of West Philadelphia and former Georgia defensive back, was named the American team MVP after recording three pass breakups.
For the last game of the week, both rosters were pared down, but for most of the players that participated over the three days, the practice sessions were more important in terms of their appraisal.
The two standout players of the week are Jackson Powers-Johnson of Oregon and Quinyon Mitchell of Toledo, who both had outstanding press coverage throughout the week despite entering with a nagging ailment. Powers-Johnson was untouchable against a variety of defensive linemen at both center and guard.
Although Mitchell would satisfy an Eagles need, there’s a potential that the Eagles’ No. 22 pick might select him as the first cornerback off the board.
Missourian Darius Robinson is an edge rusher.
Robinson was an absolute star for the American team’s defensive line and was named the top practice player for the entire week for both teams. At six feet five inches tall and 286 pounds with arms that reach thirty-four inches, Robinson plays and moves like a guy who is twenty pounds lighter.
He explodes off the ball and then uses his length to get space from the offensive lines. During the second practice of the week, he had one of the greatest defensive performances of the week.
Robinson has demonstrated throughout the week that he can make plays at both the three and five levels, which is an important quality for an early-round pick. Robinson clarified to The Inquirer earlier this week how his strategy varies based on his alignment.
During Senior Bowl media day on Wednesday, Robinson stated, It obviously has something to do with my alignment and really depends on if I’m on a speed track or a power track.
I have to make decisions faster because everything inside me moves much more quickly, but I simply try to play hard and get off the ball quickly because the get-off is crucial. I simply utilize my length to detach myself from others.
Along with Nolan Smith, Josh Sweat, and Haason Reddick, Robinson’s versatility would suit nicely in an edge rusher room as Brandon Graham approaches the later phases of his career.
Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma, overtime
The two practices that Guyton participated in demonstrated his athletic prowess. At 6-7 and 328 pounds, he moved very light on his feet and demonstrated his ability to reset his hands, move at a controlled pace, and complete each rep.
Guyton has 15 college starts under his belt, but he is still developing as a player. Earlier this week, he told The Inquirer that he attributes his growth and achievements to Oklahoma offensive line coach Bill Bendenbaugh, who has turned out multiple NFL players.
Guyton stated, He has meant everything to me; he has developed me as a guy and as a player in a way I didn’t know I could grow.
Because of the way he treats his guys—treating them like NFL players and expecting and demanding greatness from them—he has such a stellar record.
Guyton has a close relationship with the Eagles; current right tackle Lane Johnson is his mentor. Guyton would provide the Birds with a long-term developmental option while he learns under Johnson and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, even though Johnson is still playing at an All-Pro level.
North Carolina’s Cedric Gray, LB
Linebackers with the ability to play in coverage and tackle in space are essential to the Eagles. Gray is the right person for it.
In a setting where it is challenging for linebackers to stand out, Gray put together many days of steady play. He concluded with seven tackles and two pass breakups in the Senior Bowl game on Saturday.
He was an intriguing addition to the Senior Bowl because of his run-and-chase ability and fast trigger to attack downhill, but he also stood out in one-on-one coverage against a potent set of running backs.
Gray’s value was closer to day three of the draft going into the week, and he wasn’t considered a high-end talent. However, he had a great week and might go as high as the third round.
Louisville’s Jarvis Brownlee, DB
Brownlee has been a Power 5 defensive back who rarely goes unnoticed, but after putting together one of his best weeks as a secondary player, that will change.
After showing promise on practice’s first day, Brownlee dominated drills on Wednesday, going through three straight sets of one-on-one drills in which he almost intercepted every throw.
In an exercise intended to give wide receivers the upper hand, Brownlee demonstrated his ability to anticipate and stifle opponents in man coverage.