Stu’s 2023 Senior Bowl Watchlist

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It’s that time of year when Mobile, Alabama is the place to be. The 2023 Senior Bowl is once again upon us. This the place where senior draft prospects have the opportunity to enhance their stock even further ahead of the NFL Draft 

Draft Talk’s Stu takes a look at some of the players to look out for over the coming week. 

Kyu Blu Kelly – CB – Stanford 

Back in the summertime, a lot of draft analysts were talking about Kyu Blu Kelly, with many muttering of first round potential. However, this seems to have gone quieter and quieter as the season has gone on.  

Kelly is an experienced corner, having played over 1000 snaps for the Cardinals during his college career. His strengths seem to be in press man coverage, where he disrupts receivers at the line of scrimmage. Mirroring his opposing wide receiver, he is able to stick hip to hip with most opponents. He is less confident when lined up further from the line of scrimmage. This was evident struggled when asked to do so against Jordan Addison earlier in the season. 

A good showing at the Senior Bowl could do wonders for Kelly in a loaded cornerback class. He is unlikely to see his name called on day 1. With a lot of names expected to fly off the board early, some team may be very happy to snap him up on day 2 

Jaelyn Duncan – OT – Maryland 

Much like Kelly, Jaelyn Duncan was rated highly in the summer months. An athletic offensive tackle with upside, Duncan didn’t quite make the leap expected in his senior year. An excellent run blocker, Duncan uses his athletic gifts to not only kick out from the tackle spot, but also climb and engage second level defenders with gusto. His experience, having been the Terrapins starting tackle since 2019, will also impress evaluator.  

 However, hand technique and balance are issues that Duncan needs to work on as he progresses through the draft process. The 1-on-1 drills at the Senior Bowl are always fun to watch and I am keen to see howe Duncan addresses these. Should he put up a good showing, his draft stock will surely take an upswing 

Luke Musgrave – TE – Oregon State 

Oregon State Beaver Luke Musgrave stands to benefit from being seen and heard during the Senior Bowl. Unfortunately, due to injury he was only able to start 2 games in the 2022 season. The Senior Bowl will offer him the opportunity to show he is still the same player pre-injury, as well as demonstrating what he has learned during his time on the sidelines 

An athletic TE who is likely to test well, Musgrave is best when allowed to get vertical and use his speed to trouble the seams. Whilst enthusiastic and diligent, he is not a people mover in the blocking department. Teams looking for a TE2 with potential to develop further will have their eyes on Musgrave. 

Derick Hall – DL – Auburn 

Of all the prospects heading to Mobile, Derick Hall is the one that intrigues me most. An explosive pass rusher, who has all the right measurables at the position, Hall is also very good in run defence. He is still learning the position and needs to develop more of a pass rush plan at the next level. Auburn dropped him in coverage to utilise his athletic ability a bit too regularly, and this may have stymied his growth in rushing the passer. 

 The Senior Bowl did wonders for Jermaine Johnson last year, leading to him being drafted 26^th overall by the New York Jets. If Hall shows up, don’t be surprised if there is a similar outcome in his future. 

Who do you think will propel themselves up draft boards at the Senior Bowl? Lets us know on Twitter @stuie17 or @NinetynineYards

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