As the NFL season winds down, the draft season heats up.
This year the draft process will be a bit different than in year’s past, given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But the unofficial kickoff to draft season is upon us, the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
While this week usually gives teams a chance to see draft prospects up close over the course of a few days of practice, the circumstances of 2021 might mean the Senior Bowl takes on even more importance. With the NFL shelving the Scouting Combine, Senior Bowl Week is now the best chance for teams to get true face time with prospects before the draft, meaning those who have good weeks down in Mobile could truly improve their draft stock.
With that in mind, here are just some of the names I’ll be keeping a close eye on this week on the defensive side of the ball.