As the practice part of the Senior Bowl draws to a close it’s time we looked at how the Quarterbacks have performed. 6 of the consensus top 7 QBs in this years class are at the Senior Bowl. Hoping to join the likes of Justin Herbert, Dak Prescott and Josh Allen, who all raised their draft stock with a good outing in Mobile. With no stand out prospect at QB for April’s draft this week was an opportunity for someone to seperate themselves from the pack. Here’s what we’ve learnt so far…
Malik Willis
Probably the most exciting prospect in terms of potential, Willis showed his impressive arm all three days of practice. Hitting some tight windows with pace on the ball. Maybe the most naturally talented QB on display in Mobile Willis also showed how he’s far from the finished article. Not always setting his feet and his lack of correct technique has shown. He’s shown that he’s raw, but will have attracted a lot of attention with his performance.
Kenny Pickett
Pickett has had a good few days. As expected following his impressive season; accurate, moves well and looks natural at the position. Those concerned about his smaller hands will highlight that he had a few grip issues day two. But it’s worth noting it was awful weather, everybody struggled. It’ll be interesting to see how Pickett does in the game (7.30pm GMT) as it’s so far, so good in Mobile.
Carson Strong
Carson Strong Arm, as I like to call him, impressed out of the blocks with a great day 1. Made sure he moved in the pocket and showed off his athleticism. A wise move as his lack of movement is one of the main criticisms of his game. As expected, he unleashed his impressive arm early to the delight of his teammates. Strong is succeeding in his mission to prove he belongs in the “top 5” QB prospects conversation.
Bailey Zappe
Somewhat of an outlier, Zappe is by far the least hyped QB at the Senior Bowl. It’s tight whether he, or Desmond Ridder, is the weakest of the Senior Bowl QBs. This was an opportunity to prove that rhetoric wrong and push himself up draft boards. He hasn’t quite managed that. He’s been good, not great, about what you’d expect for the West Kentucky man. Zappe will be hoping to put on a show when he gets on the field Saturday.
Desmond Ridder
While many players struggled in the swirling rain that hit Mobile on Wednesday, day 2, Ridder shone. After a shaky day 1 Ridder improved to be one of the better players, despite the less than friendly weather. Hitting receivers from distance and with touch up close Ridder showed he can place the ball as well as anyone. After an impressive final season in Cincinnati leaving a good impression, Ridder has done himself some favors in Mobile this week too.
Sam Howell
Similar to classmate Kenny Pickett, Howell hasn’t done much positive or negative through Senior Bowl Practices. He’s looked good, not great, failing to do anything to jump off the page while avoiding doing anything to raise eyebrows negatively. If he wants to make a big impression it’ll have to be in Saturday’s game.
Matt Corral
What’s that you say, “Matt Corral isn’t at the Senior Bowl?”, correct! But it turns out this may be a blessing for Ole Miss QB. With no one standing out, not being at the Senior Bowl hasn’t hurt Corrals stock whatsoever.
For more of what’s been on show from the Senior Bowl…
Feature Image from cbssports.com