Three days in, the stars of Senior Bowl week are starting to become known. They are Idaho guard Mike Iupati, Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham, Oregon tight end Ed Dickson and Mississippi speed demon Dexter McCluster.
Five who need to finish strong at the Senior Bowl
But some players are struggling immensely. Here’s a look at guys who need to turn around their fortunes to, well, make a fortune:
Taylor Mays | S | Southern California
There is no more frustrating player at the Senior Bowl than Mays. He’s big and fast, but doesn’t show it. In one-on-one coverage drills, Mays has been exposed. His poor hip fluidity doesn’t allow him to stay with receivers when they come out of their cuts. If Mays is allowed to show his athletic ability, he can well for himself. But as of now, his draft stock is plummeting.
Mardy Gilyard | WR | Cincinnati
Everyone knows that Gilyard’s size and speed is only ordinary for a wide receiver. So he has to make a name catching everything. That’s been the problem all week for Gilyard. He’s admitted to reporters that he was trying to “live up to his name” this week, and that’s hurt him. Gilyard’s strengths are getting off the line and his leadership ability. But the Mardy Gilyard name is really only worth a third-round pick. Start catching more passes and it may mean more.
Selvish Capers | OT | West Virginia
Everything you need to know about Capers is summarized by former Browns and Ravens scout Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter. “Rough week. looked like a priority FA. Waste-bender, slow feet, no anchor,” he tweeted.
Vladimir Ducasse | OL | Massachusetts
There have been moments where Ducasse looked great this week. However, when he’s been lined up at tackle, he has struggled. His footwork is average and slow, two bad traits. Ducasse is purely a power blocker, but he’s not showing it. Although practices are ratcheted down some, it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to see Ducasse get fired up and pancake someone.
Jimmy Graham | TE | Miami (Fla.)
Everyone knows Graham is a project, considering he’s only played football for six months. Still, he’s at the Senior Bowl instead of some other tight ends who are arguably more deserving. Graham needs to close out his week showing why he was invited. That was for his athleticism and hands. No one expects Graham to learn how to block overnight, but like Gilyard, he needs to display his hands as well as his route running.
Note: We’re not having a Senior Bowl live blog during the day today.
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