Reese’s Senior Bowl: Players to Watch
The 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl game is on Saturday, Feb 5 at 2:30 p.m. ET in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team, coached by the Jets, will take on the American Team and the Lions coaching staff. Many NFL stars have participated in this game, a game which marks a chance for players across many college programs to showcase their abilities.
National Team:
Nevada QB Carson Strong
Strong is a player with extreme potential to vault up draft boards with a good showing at the Senior Bowl. The two-time Mountain West Player of the Year is coming off his best season at Nevada, throwing for 4,186 yards, 36 touchdowns to only 8 interceptions. He also completed 70.2 percent of his passes. It will be exciting to see his big arm on display against a high level of competition on Saturday.
Colorado State TE Trey McBride
McBride has all the tools you look for in a star tight end in today’s NFL. In 2021, he earned the John Mackey Award, which is presented to college football’s most outstanding tight end. He was also named a unanimous All-American.
Boise State WR Khalil Shakir
Shakir is one of the more underrated wide receivers in a stacked 2022 draft class. His versatility and playmaking ability makes him a must-watch player in the Senior Bowl.
North Dakota State WR Christian Watson
Watson is big, fast, smooth, and could be one of the biggest steals in the 2022 NFL Draft. A big day in the Senior Bowl could make him a day two draft selection. He averaged over 18 yards per reception every year of his collegiate career.
Nevada WR Romeo Doubs
Doubs may be one of the fastest players in this year’s Senior Bowl, having reached speeds above 21 miles per hour in practices this week, and it shows on tape. A good Senior Bowl and NFL Combine could add to his draft stock in the coming months.
Cincinnati DB Coby Bryant
Bryant proved his elite coverage ability against Alabama in the College Football Playoffs. In a stacked draft class at his position, Bryant may not be one of the first corners selected and yet still could prove to be an impact player – it would not surprise me if he locks down every receiver he faces in the Senior Bowl.
Cincinnati DE Myjai Sanders
Sanders shows flashes of elite pass rushing ability, and could be an even better pro than he was a college player – which is impressive considering he stood out on a stacked Cincinnati Bearcats defense.
American Team:
Liberty QB Malik Willis
If Willis is put in the right situation with the proper patience and coaching he might be the best quarterback in the class. His big arm and rushing ability are traits you can’t teach, and he has the potential to be an elite player. Even if he never reaches his ceiling, he is sure to produce highlights.
Alabama RB Brian Robinson Jr.
Robinson is a strong back with an elite ability to cut through traffic. It was finally his turn to lead the Alabama rushing attack, and he delivered with 271 carries for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Michigan State FB Connor Heyward
Heyward, the younger brother of Steelers’ Cam Heyward, can do it all. Catching, running, and blocking from multiple positions at Michigan State make him perhaps the most versatile player in the entire class.
South Alabama WR Jalen Tolbert
Tolbert could be a key player in this game, and he has the chance to prove his high level production at South Alabama can translate against some of the best corners in college football.
Auburn DB Roger McCreary
McCreary has already competed, with his share of victories, against the SEC’s very best wide receivers. He can separate himself as a prospect from his peers at the Senior Bowl, and will also be a name to watch in the NFL Combine.
Florida State DE Jermaine Johnson II
Johnson’s transfer to Florida State from Georgia allowed him to shine this year, totaling 12 sacks for the Seminoles. He may rise to be a top pick when draft day arrives.
Arkansas DL John Ridgeway III
Ridgeway is strong and quick, but it is his motor that makes him a great player. He should be an exciting player to watch.
