Category: Senior Bowl

FSU’s Braden Fiske shines in Reeses Senior Bowl game

Braden Fiske’s standout performance at the Senior Bowl, his disruptive presence in the backfield, and rapid initial burst, has emphatically amplified his draft prospects

Braden Fiske’s NFL draft stock keeps climbing. In a recent article, I highlighted his compelling performance throughout the Senior Bowl practice week, particularly noting his dynamic presence in practice sessions and one-on-one reps. His prowess, characterized by a unique blend of speed, power, and aggression, established him as a standout force on the line.

Despite facing challenges in a few reps against Miami’s Javion Cohen, Fiske’s overall dominance, especially in team exercises, underscored his ability to disrupt plays and command the line of scrimmage. Even with a relatively lighter frame, his explosive talent shone through, unequivocally affirming his readiness for the NFL stage. He simply gets off the ball like he was shot out of a cannon at 6’4 295 lbs.

This readiness was further validated during the Senior Bowl game, where Fiske’s performance silenced any lingering doubts about his capability to excel at a higher level. His relentless drive resulted in a constant presence in the backfield, a fact that did not go unnoticed. The game’s commentators frequently mentioned his name, at times dedicating minutes to laud his substantial impact on the game, particularly during the third quarter. NFL analysts Charles Davis and Brian Baldinger both raved about his performance postgame.

Fiske’s performance in the game speaks volumes: a sack, numerous stops in the backfield, and consistent pressure on the offense whenever he was on the field. His initial burst, among the fastest I’ve observed from an ACC interior lineman in recent years, was a persistent nightmare for the opposition. His exceptional play even sparked discussions among spectators and analysts about him being a deserving candidate for the game’s MVP, a remarkable consideration given that he switched teams at the last minute due to roster requirements.

The culmination of Fiske’s impressive week of practice was this game, where his name was mentioned more often than most skill position players, a notable feat for an interior lineman. This showcase is expected to significantly elevate Fiske’s draft stock. Currently, he is projected to go in the second or third round.

Fiske wasn’t the only player from FSU to leave a mark on the game. Jaheim Bell demonstrated notable yards-after-catch (YAC) ability and athleticism, turning a few catches into gains. His consistent performance throughout the week, marked by a natural knack for finding open space, suggests that he, like Fiske, is a name to watch as the draft approaches.

10 potential Eagles NFL draft targets that stood out during the 2024 Senior Bowl

We’re looking at 10 potential Philadelphia Eagles NFL draft targets that stood out during the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl

The NFL draft starts in Mobile, Alabama, and as the Eagles and 29 other teams start figuring out a plan to reach the Super Bowl, coaches, scouts, and GMs have descended upon the most storied all-star game going today.

The National Team defeated the American Team, 16-7, in the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl on Saturday at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the University of South Alabama campus.

The game capped off a week-long interview process, including three days of practices, for more than 100 of the 2024 NFL Draft’s top senior (and select underclassman) prospects.

With all eyes now on the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, here are ten potential Eagles draft targets that stood out.

7 Senior Bowl participants who are perfect fits for the Eagles, Kellen Moore’s offense

We’re looking at seven players at the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl who are perfect fits for the Philadelphia Eagles offense

The NFL draft starts in Mobile, Alabama, and as the Eagles and 29 other teams start figuring out a plan to reach the Super Bowl, coaches, scouts, and GMs have descend upon the most storied all-star game going today.

This year’s Reese’s Senior Bowl game will be broadcast on NFL Network at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 3. The game will be played at Hancock Whitney Stadium at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama.

Both teams had practice on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and with kickoff fast approaching, we’re looking at seven prospects who are perfect fits for the Eagles, and Kellen Moore’s offensive scheme.

2024 Senior Bowl rosters

Check out the players who are in the 2024 Senior Bowl.

The 2024 Senior Bowl is Saturday at 1 p.m. ET in Mobile Alabama. It is the final college all-star game for NFL draft prospects.

After that is the NFL combine and then visits, pro days, workouts and more.

Who is in the Senior Bowl?

Below are the rosters for each team, grouped by position.

 

 

Senior Bowl Q&A with Texas A&M WR Ainias Smith

An exclusive interview with Texas A&M WR Ainias Smith at the 2024 Senior Bowl

Today, some of the best eligible players for the 2024 NFL Draft will compete in Mobile, Alabama in the Reeses’ Senior Bowl.

This is the prospects’ final chance to make an impression on NFL scouts before transitioning to preparation for the NFL combine. It comes after a long week of practices and learning to play with a brand new group of teammates.

Texas A&M wide receiver Ainias Smith had 53 catches for 795 yards and 2 touchdowns his year to lead the Aggies air attack. The 5-foot-9, 190-pound offensive weapon is one of many players who will hope to impress scouts during the event today.

Smith himself confirmed that he met this week with the Houston Texans and Texans Wire’s own John Crumpler had the opportunity to speak with him about his week of practice and overall transition to the NFL:

John Crumpler, Texans Wire: What does it mean to be at the Senior Bowl?

Ainias Smith, Texas A&M WR: It’s everything. I’m definitely honored and blessed to be here, going up against all this great competition and it’s been a honor just be able to meet a lot of new coaches and get the interview process, going and whatnot, meeting new coaches meeting and, I guess you can say, getting introduced to new play calls and different schemes and how I’ll probably be used in the NFL. So definitely an honor and a blessing for sure.

JC: How did you feel about your first two days of practice in Mobile?

AS: I mean, I feel pretty good. First day, I feel like I’ll say I was dipping my feet in the water, getting back to putting on the pads. Today, I feel I came out a whole lot better, a lot stronger, more energy. I feel like the team in general came out with a lot more energy so it was smooth for sure.

JC: What kind of player and kind of person is an NFL team getting when you walk into that locker room in May?

AS: You’re getting somebody that’s dedicated, never gonna quit. Somebody that’s not only dedicated to the game, but dedicated to the process, you know, always trying to enjoy the process. Never going to, like I said, shy away from competition, never gonna quit. So you’re gonna get somebody that wants to be successful and going to help the team believe or help lead the team to have success.

JC: This time of year NFL coaches watch a lot of film. What’s one play that you hope coaches see on your tape to fully understand what you bring to the table?

AS: I hope they look back at 2020 when we were going up against Florida. I remember I had made a block. I forgot who I made the block on but I remember taking his helmet off. So I hope they just see the toughness in me in that play and continue to watch all the rest of my film.

JC: What kind of future role do you see yourself playing for an NFL team?

AS: That’s a great question. I’ll probably say a little bit of receiver, a little bit of running back, a little bit of special teams. Whether that’s on punt return, kick return, being a gunner, being on kickoff. Whatever they really need me to be. I’ll just say an all-around athlete for sure.

How to watch, stream the 2024 Senior Bowl

The info you need to watch or stream the 2024 Senior Bowl.

For those interested in seeing many of the top 2024 NFL draft prospects compete against one another, this is the last football game opportunity. It is the Senior Bowl, the biggest and most important postseason college all-star game.

NFL teams had decision makers and evaluators in Mobile, AL to watch practices and to talk to the players.

Now comes the actual game.

Are you planning on watching the Senior Bowl? Here is the information you need.

2024 Senior Bowl schedule, TV, streaming, broadcasters

What: 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl

Where: Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile, AL

When: 1 p.m. ET (11 a.m. Arizona time)

TV coverage: NFL Network

Streaming options: NFL+ app, FuboTV (Watch for free).

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

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10 NFL draft prospects whose stock rose during Senior Bowl week

Who were the biggest winners from the Reese’s Senior Bowl for the 2024 NFL Draft? Roman Wilson and Spencer Rattler highlight the group.

The 2024 NFL draft process isn’t just fun, but it’s also complex and in turn, fascinating.

The Reese’s Senior Bowl is the first of many different NFL draft events and it’s arguably the most important of them all. Jim Nagy and his team invite around 120 prospects to Mobile, AL for an all-star week filled with practices, media availability and the game itself of Saturday afternoon.

The most important part of the week for the media is watching practice. It gets everyone, including multiple small school players on the same playing field. The drills allow them to show what they have in one-on-one situations where the best man wins, allowing traits and ability to shine over everything else.

There were plenty of standouts across both teams, including some first round talents like UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu and Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell. While they helped their stocks, this list isn’t going to include players who have been projected in the first round. The real joy of Senior Bowl week is seeing players take a massive step forward in their process.

These 10 players that weren’t projected to be first round picks improved their stocks the most during the week.

PODCAST: Brock Purdy billboard, new NFL head coaches, Senior Bowl measurements

Listen to the latest edition of the podcast with Jess Root and Seth Cox discussing the Cardinals and the NFL.

Seth Cox and I recorded the latest edition of the podcast covering a trio of offseason topics surrounding the Arizona Cardinals and their fans.

They begin talking about the billboard in Phoenix in support of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Is it a big deal?

They go over the eight new head coaches that were hired around the NFL, which ones the Cardinals will face in 2024 and what their impact on the Cardinals’ season could be.

They wrap things up with Cox going over important takeaways from the height, weight and measurement numbers from the prospects at the Senior Bowl this week.

Enjoy the show!

Enjoy the show with the embedded player above or by subscribing to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss a show. Make sure as well to give it a five-star rating!

Times and topics:

(1:00) The deal with the billboard about Brock Purdy in Phoenix

(14:32) The new NFL head coaches and which ones the Cardinals face in 2024

(26:03) Senior Bowl measurement takeaways

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10 biggest winners from the week of Senior Bowl practices

These 10 players did the most during Senior Bowl practices to help their 2024 NFL draft stock

Another week of Senior Bowl practices ended on Thursday. The three days of work from the American and National rosters helped elevate some players and spotlight who might not be as ready as hoped or hyped for the 2024 NFL draft.

The focus here is on some of the top performers and also a few lesser-knwon prospects who helped themselves during the sessions in Mobile.

Texans 4-round mock draft: Senior Bowl exclusive

What if the Texans could only draft from the Senior Bowl? John Crumpler’s latest mock draft does just that.

Senior Bowl practices have officially come and gone in Mobile, Ala.

One of the most talented groups in years, according to director Jim Nagy, did not disappoint. It was a phenomenal week of football that saw multiple NFL draft prospects help themselves over three days of practice against their draft-eligible peers.

The Houston Texans are involved heavily in this event annually. Last year, the team selected participants Tank Dell, Henry To’oTo’o, Dylan Horton and Jarrett Patterson. This year, general manager Nick Caserio and director of college scouting James Liipfert were both present, and multiple players confirmed meetings with the team.

What if the Texans could only draft from the Senior Bowl? Well, fortunately, there would be plenty of talent to choose from. This mock draft goes through the first four rounds with four players to watch in each potential round from the Senior Bowl that could majorly boost the Texans in April.