Day 1 of the Senior Bowl is in the books, and there's plenty left to learn -- but first impressions can be everything.
That's why I'll be keeping my Day 1 observations short and sweet and direct you to the three players who had me the most intrigued after the opening practices in Mobile. The first probably shouldn't be a surprise, considering he very well might be the best overall player in the impressive field of prospects.
1. TALIESE FUAGA, OT, OREGON STATE
Measurables
- Height: 6'5 7/8"
- Weight: 332 pounds
- Arms: 33 3/8"
- Hands: 10 6/8"
The New Orleans Saints pick at No. 14 and are have a potentially dire need at offensive tackle, with the direness determined by how Ryan Ramczyk's knee responds this offseason. The Saints have questions on the left side as well, but at this point it sounds like the hope is to for Trevor Penning to develop into that role.
With that in mind I really don't see a better scenario than the Oregon State product, who is a massive mauler that will most likely stick on the right side of the line at the NFL level. I have some questions in pass protection, but he certainly has the mobility and strength to be a dominant tackle.
I'm intrigued to watch him the rest of the week and how he fares in more 1-on-1 drills, particularly against speed rushers -- a few of which he manhandled on Tuesday. He's a player that I came in expecting to be impressed with, and that has delivered on the early returns.
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2. XAVIER LEGETTE, WR, SOUTH CAROLINA
Measureables
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 223 pounds
- Arms: 31 5/8"
- Hands: 8 7/8"
- 2023 stats: 71 catches, 1,255 yards, 7 TDs
This is my third consecutive year coming to the Senior Bowl as a Saints reporter. I am not a scout and I don't pretend to be. I'm not going to sit here and give you a 500-word evaluation on each prospect like I'm some sort of an expert on how to play WR at the NFL level. In fact, one of the things I like to do is go in blind.
Now what does that mean? Well, it doesn't mean I go in unprepared. I know a good number of these prospects, and I have a host of players I want to get a close look at. But I have no idea who is in each number, and the distance makes it difficult to make out helmet decals clearly. I use this to my advantage. No preconceived notions of what to expect from certain players (OK, the QBs are obvious). I sit back and watch, trust my eyes and make notes to cross reference later. Last year that method took me to players named Tank Dell and Jayden Reed, whom I left Mobile convinced would make an impact at the NFL level. Feel free to Google them to see how that went.
This year one of those players for me was Legette, who is as physically imposing of a WR specimen you'll find. He's not just big, he's built. He's fast. It's the type of size/speed combination I'd comp most closely to AJ Brown. Guys that big aren't supposed to run away from defenders, but that's what Xavier was doing.
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But here's the thing: He's raw. This is a player that had a huge final season for the Gamecocks, but that's about it. I don't think he fully understands how to use his frame to ward off defenders and create angles for the catch. It's what meant the difference between a highlight grab downfield or a ball bouncing harmlessly to the turf. But it's a classic case of ... I can teach you those the things you need to get better at. The thing you can't teach? He's got all that.
I'm hopeful to see some improvement in that regard as the week goes on and the pass-catchers get more familiar with the QBs throwing to them. My strategy of going in blind only works on Day 1, because by Day 2 I remember the numbers and helmets. Still, if the Saints are looking for another playmaker in the WR room -- maybe at No. 45 -- this could be a guy to target.
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3. BEN SINNOTT, TE, KANSAS STATE
Measurables
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 254 pounds
- Arms: 32"
- Hands: 9 3/8"
- 2023 stats: 49 catches, 676 yards, 6 TDs
Another example of my going in blind method, Sinnott drew my attention when he attacked a defender like a linebacker on a comeback route (but did it legally) and worked back to the quarterback for an easy completion.
I kept watching, and he kept impressing. Later he left a linebacker in the dust in a 1-on-1 drill and flashed athleticism that didn't quite make sense with the level of athleticism I'd just seen previously. It's an impressive combination.
He was getting open in team drills, but I didn't see him catch a pass. There was at least one that hit off his hands. Again, like I mentioned above, of the wild cards in these practices is unfamiliarity between QB and receiver. Sometimes you have to look past the result of the plays and evaluate each end on its own. I was impressed with what I saw from the K-State standout.
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The Saints are in an interesting position with their TE room, but it's certainly one they could add to. This isn't a banner year at the position by any stretch, but that just means the acclaim isn't there. There's talent to be had, and I really like the combination of size, speed and playmaking he could provide at the position. The issue for the Saints is they don't have a third-round pick, and that's where I'd like to get him if I did. But that's not the end of the conversation, the Saints are more than willing to trade up for their target, and the third round is where they've targeted TEs they covet.
I could see it happening and I'm interested in how he shows the rest of the week.
NOTE: These are all offensive players, in part because I spent the bulk of my time focused on the offense today. Tomorrow's focus will be more on the defensive players, particularly in the trenches. See ya then!
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