Let me just start by saying evaluating passing games in the Senior Bowl is difficult. It’s difficult in that only very generic coverages are run, quarterbacks aren’t facing blitzes, nor do they have to worry about twists or anything wild being thrown at their linemen.
With that said, I still think making a huge play in the game as a defensive back is better than not making a big play.
Captain Obvious, right?
Well, Troy Pride, Jr. wrapped up his impressive week at the Senior Bowl with exactly that.
Troy Pride Jr. (@NDFootball) with the pick for the North!
📺: @seniorbowl on NFL Network pic.twitter.com/lWc1OjLKEA
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 25, 2020
People have taken notice of Pride who showed out in practices long before Saturday’s interception.
I wasn’t sure what I was going to see from @NDFootball CB Troy Pride at the #SeniorBowl knowing he’d have to play 1-on-1 close coverage with some bigger WRs.
But I know what I got: the best CB in Mobile this week. https://t.co/zlZml1M0uo
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 23, 2020
What I do know is that Pride is a fantastic example of what staying in school can do for a player. Yes, it’s easy to want the money and I’ll never knock a football player for seeking compensation for putting their bodies on the line like they do.
Had Pride left a year early you’re looking at what, a very late round pick if he gets drafted at all?
Now you’re talking a possible day-two of the draft type player as Pride proved Notre Dame’s pass defense wasn’t just a fluke but that is was one of the very best in college football in 2019.