Oklahoma tight end Brayden Willis receives invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl

Beginning to work toward his NFL future, Brayden Willis has accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl. From @john9williams

The Reese’s Senior Bowl has become one of the more important evaluation times for college prospects and pro scouts during draft season. Joining Eric Gray, Wanya Morris, and Jalen Redmond at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., is Sooners tight end Brayden Willis.

Willis led the Oklahoma Sooners in touchdown receptions and was second on the team in yards while finishing the 2022 season third in receptions behind Marvin Mims and Drake Stoops.

In his fifth year, Willis nearly matched his reception (36) and yardage (484) totals from the previous four seasons. In the previous four seasons, had just six touchdown receptions. That’s what a breakout season looks like.

Now with an opportunity to attend the Senior Bowl, Willis can further display his talents to NFL scouts and coaches. As his receiving numbers took a jump, his blocking ability remained at the forefront for Oklahoma, who often ran behind Willis to spring Eric Gray and the Sooners’ backfield.

Baker Mayfield used the Senior Bowl to meet with the Cleveland Browns and alleviate any concerns a team might have about taking him with the No. 1 overall pick. For seniors entering the NFL, the week-long festivities provide prospects their first opportunity to showcase their talents in practice and in the game.

Though the NFL Scouting Combine is one of the more popular events on the draft calendar, the Senior Bowl puts players through individual 1-on-1s and team drills, which provides better insight into how a player looks against some of the best competition in college football.

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