The 2012 Senior Bowl in Mobile is a great opportunity for NFL coaches, scouts and evaluators -- as well as NFL fans at large -- to get a good look at a large group of college football players who will soon be entering the 2012 NFL Draft.
Senior Bowl 2012: Courtney Upshaw, Quinton Coples, Kirk Cousins Stand Out At Practices
Bill Hanstock is a writer, author and Emmy Award-winning producer. He began writing for SB Nation in 2011.
Matt Bowen of the National Football Post is in Mobile watching the practice sessions this week. He provided a report on some of the standout players on the squads. Here is his take on Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Courtney Upshaw and North Carolina Tar Heels defensive end Quinton Coples:
During one-on-one pass rush, both Alabama DE/ OLB Courtney Upshaw and UNC DE Quinton Coples stood out. With Upshaw, there is enormous power to his game but he also demonstrated the ability to use his hands (and multiple moves) to win. With Coples, we are looking at a legit edge rusher. Speed to turn the corner and athletic ability that isn’t matched by anyone on the field for his size (6-6, 281).
Michigan State Spartans quarterback is fresh off leading his team to a triple-overtime victory in the 2012 Outback Bowl and is turning some heads in this week’s practices. Here are Bowen’s observations:
Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins stands out on the North roster because of this arm strength compared to Boise State’s Kellen Moore and Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson. And talking with scouts, his stock may start to rise.
The week leading up to the Senior Bowl, not to mention the game itself, will be filled with analysis of these young prospects. Many players are such to use this week’s extra scrutiny to put forward their best possible performances.
For more on the Senior Bowl and complete draft coverage, check out SB Nation’s 2012 NFL Draft page and Mocking the Draft.
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