Tag: Reese’s Senior Bowl

These three Gators will appear in the Reese’s Senior Bowl

Zach Carter won’t be the only Gator at the Reese’s Senior Bowl this year.

With the college football season winding down, upperclassmen are looking to boost their draft stock before the 2022 NFL draft. One of the best ways for NFL hopefuls to get noticed by teams is by participating in the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Florida has three seniors headed to this year’s showcase, linebacker Jeremiah Moon, running back Dameon Pierce and defensive end Zachary Carter.

Carter was the first to be announced, but Moon actually received his invitation a year ago before opting to return to Florida for a sixth season. The free year of college eligibility served Moon well as he currently ranks fourth on the team in tackles. He switched from being an edge rusher to playing more of a traditional linebacker role before the season, and an injury to starting linebacker Ventrell Miller only granted Moon more opportunities.

Personal success aside, Moon will be marred by the Gators’ wretched performance on defense over the last two years. A good showing at the Senior Bowl could help find him a new home to play on Sundays in the NFL.

Pierce is in a completely different position. He’s averaging 6.6 yards per carry and leading the team in rushing yards for running backs. The problem is he’s only averaging 6.8 carries per game. Pierce splits the load with two other talented backs and however many quarterbacks play on that Saturday. Still, this is the most productive season of Pierce’s career and he’s established himself well as a true threat in the red zone with most of his 10 touchdowns coming on short-yardage plays.

To his credit, Pierce is happy to share the ball with his teammates. He’s also one of the most outgoing personalities in the Florida locker room. Pierce has shown what he can do on the field whenever his number has been called this season, and he’s stepped up as a team leader in a challenging season for the Gators, to say the least.

Pierce will get his shot to prove himself to those who haven’t paid attention at the Senior Bowl and should get some looks in the draft process. They might even let him run the ball more than seven times in a game with scouts in the stands.

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6 potential Chargers prospects who stood out from Day 1 of Senior Bowl

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez updates you on the prospects he believes will receive attention from Los Angeles.

Day 1 of practices at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl have officially come to an end.

On this gloomy and rainy day in Mobile, AL, there were a handful of NFL draft prospects who shined on the first day.

Here are six players that stood out who could be on the Chargers’ radar:

OT Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State

The Chargers could be in need of a blindside blocker, especially if the team lets Sam Tevi walk. Radunz, the 6-foot-5 and 304 pound tackle, came into this week known primarily for his run-blocking prowess. He showed that he was not only capable of clearing the way in the run game, but defending the edge in pass protection. Radunz currently projects as a second or third-round selection. If Los Angeles elects to pass up on a tackle in the first-round, Radunz could be available on Day 2.

OT D’Ante Smith, East Carolina

If the Chargers want a toolsy tackle with starter upside, Smith could be that guy. Coming in with with the longest arms at 35 2/8”, Smith did not let many bodies around him. He was very explosive off the snap, showing outstanding feet and a square base in pass protection. When he landed his hands on defenders, the rep was over.

OG Aaron Banks, Notre Dame

Forrest Lamp’s future remains to be seen, which means that the team could be looking to fill the left guard position. In my eyes, Banks was seen as a second-round pick, but he helped his case today at practice. A wall in pass protection and a mover in the run game, Banks was getting the job done up front with sheer power. He should start his professional career at guard, but he has previous experience at left tackle.

EDGE Quincy Roche, Miami

Regardless if Melvin Ingram is back next season or not, the Chargers need more juice in the pass-rush department. Day 2 in the draft is a sweet spot to address the need and someone like Roche would be the perfect player to play the outside linebacker role. Reminiscent of Buccaneers’ Shaq Barrett, Roche was consistently in the backfield, showing speed, flexibility and quick hands. He had a great rep against potential first-round tackle Alex Leatherwood.

EDGE Jordan Smith, UAB

If the Chargers miss out on Roche, Smith would be an excellent consolation prize. The 6-foot-5 and 255 pounder was fantastic off the edge, showing power in his hands, utilization of his long arms, explosion off the line of scrimmage and great agility when turning the corner. Like Roche, Smith had a standout rep against Leatherwood. Arguably one of the biggest risers in this year’s class, Smith has the chance to go before the end of the second day in the draft.

CB Thomas Graham, Oregon

Even if Michael Davis is re-signed, the Chargers need more talent in the cornerback room, especially since this will be the last year under contract for Casey Hayward and Chris Harris Jr. Prior to coming to Mobile, Graham led the nation in passes defensed. Graham was strong carrying receivers vertically and in man coverage. He displayed quick feet & hips and physicality at the line of scrimmage. He currently projects as a Day 3 selection, but he could be a steal when all is said and done.