With no Will Levis in attendance, the quarterback position at the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl was always going to be a tad bit underwhelming.
That said, it was hard to walk away with many positives after Day 1, particularly the morning session. In fairness, I was more critical on BYU's Jaren Hall than some others because I saw him as a potential target for the Saints, but he was erratic, and none of the other five QBs really made you sit up and take notice, either. The good news is it was only Day 1, and things will likely look sharper as the week goes on and players get more comfortable with each other.
That said, here are some players who stood out, and some players who did not.
STOCK RISING
RB Tyjae Spears, Tulane
When I asked the former Green Wave standout what he wanted to make sure to showcase to NFL scouts, his answer was simple: Everything.
And that's honestly what I found most impressive with Spears' performance, there are very few holes in his game. Yes, he'll have to continue to showcase his abilities as a pass-catcher and pass-protector, but there were no issues in that regard on Tuesday. In fact he made his biggest splashes during team drills in the receiving game. He's a player I'd love to see on the Saints, but that's me being a bit of a homer. I think wherever he lands, he's going to rise to the top before long.
Way-too-early comp: He won't comp himself to anyone, so I won't either
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RB Evan Hull, Northwestern
When I go to these events, I try to not over-prepare for the skill positions. If I stare too hard at the players I expect to like, I'll too often miss the players who should be grabbing my attention. And that's what happened with Northwestern's Evan Hull.
There's nothing about him that jumps off the page. But he's consistent, he's always in control, he's got a powerful lower body and makes people miss in the hole as well as anyone. There's a lot to like there.
Way-too-early comp: Kareem Hunt
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TE Davis Allen, Clemson
The big dude in the orange helmet is easy to spot, but I was more impressed with his mindset than anything he necessarily did on the field. This is a player who knows the key to making it in the NFL is being a blocker first, that's what he told me after practice.
If you can get on the field as a trusted blocker, the offensive opportunities will come. And as you look around at an impressive field of TEs at this year's Senior Bowl, that's something that I see many needing to work on. Not true for Davis. He's a little stiff and needs to work on getting more fluid in and out of his breaks, but he's got a lot to like as a big-bodied pass-catcher on an NFL roster.
Way-too-early comp: Nick Vannett
Others who caught my eye:
- RB Chase Brown, Illinois (built like a tree trunk)
- WR Jaylen Reed, Michigan State (smooooth)
- WR Nethaniel Dell, Houston (no one could cover this man)
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NEED TO SEE MORE
TE Luke Musgrave, Oregon State
The top-end traits are easy to see. This is a 6-5, 250-pound man who runs and catches like a WR. But unlike Davis above, I'm not sure Luke plays with the physicality he needs to be able to excel at an NFL level.
Can that be learned? I think so. And the traits he's displaying are more than enough to make a team take a swing on Day 2. But with his injury history and limited production, I'd really like to see more. The only thing that will stop him from producing on the field is not being able to get on it as a trusted TE.
Way-too-early comp: Dallas Goedert
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DT Dawand Jones, Ohio State
This man is easy to spot. Well, as long as he's not standing in front of the sun, because he'd block it out. He can also move and has the longest wingspan of any player in Senior Bowl history.
My questions are the fundamentals. He drew at least one penalty and I have questions about his feet. I just need to see more before I give him too much shine.
Way-too early comp: Orlando Brown Jr.
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QB Clayton Tune, Houston
He very much wins in the fun name department, but otherwise I'm still not sold. That said, he had easily the most consistent performance of any QB on the field Tuesday. He's not a guy that's ever going to wow you with his arm strength, but the ball comes out on time and on target. It gets to receivers where it should.
What I need to see is his ability to hit more second and third level throws. If he can demonstrate that ability, I'll start to believe in his profile a bit more.
Way-too-early NFL comp: Taylor Heineicke? I genuinely don't know.
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NOTES
- Jaren Hall threw an interception in walkthroughs, something that should never happen. He had another badly overthrown ball in 7-on-7s. I'm not going to continue hammering the kid, but he's got to improve over the next few days for me to talk about him again.
- Hendon Hooker is in town, but not participating as he recovers from his knee injury; Louisville QB Malik Cunningham also didn't participate due to an illness
- Former LSU WR Trey Palmer's speed is still a difference-maker. If he can harness it the right way, he's got a role on an NFL roster.
- LSU edge rusher Ali Gaye looks a bit undersized in this format, but his speed rush is dominant. He'll be a target of 3-4 schemes, but I don't think he'd hold up in the 4-3.
- Tulane LB Dorian Williams is impressive, but his hips look a little stiff at points. That's something I'd like to see him work on. Everything else is there.