Senior Bowl recap: winners and losers

In an exciting Senior Bowl, the South pulled out a 16-15 win over the North. Former Cal QB Davis Webb was named the game’s MVP, Toledo RB Kareem Hunt was named the North’s Most Outstanding Player, and Jordan Willis was named the Most Outstanding Player for the South team. The following is a list of winners and losers for the game as it relates to the Ravens draft needs.

Winners

Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina

Man, where to begin with Jones incredible game today. Jones hauled in two spectacular touchdown catches in the first half, but neither of them counted. The first, and arguably the greatest catch throughout this whole season of college football, was ruled incomplete. The Senior Bowl does not have replay reviews, but upon looking at the replay, Jones does appear to have gotten both feet down.

Later in the first half, Jones hauled in this long touchdown catch, just to have it called back for a penalty on the offensive line.

In the end, Jones caught a touchdown that did in fact count, but like all of his catches throughout the game, it wasn’t easy.

Jones caught nearly everything thrown his way, despite fighting through contact for the entire game. The East Carolina product had the look of a true playmaker on the next level in today’s game.

Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M

Reynolds failed to register on the radar for the majority of the draft process to this point, but put out an excellent showing in today’s game. The highlight of his day came in the second quarter as the former Aggie hauled in this deep touchdown pass.

Reynolds was utilized in many third down situations as a possession receiver. With his reliable hands and big frame, Reynolds could have a bright future as a redzone threat in the NFL. In addition, Reynolds get excellent release off of the line, which helps him beat defensive backs in press coverage. He flashed that ability with this catch at practice earlier in the week.

Jordan Willis, DE, OLB, Kansas State

The Big-12 defensive player of the year put himself in the higher tier of edge rushers with his strong performance today. Willis came quickly off the edge to record these two sacks in the first half.

In the second half, Willis hit Nathan Peterman’s arm as he was throwing to force a pass that fluttered off toward the sideline. His excellent play off the edge earned in the honor of Most Outstanding Player for the South team.

Ethan Pocic, C, LSU

Pocic played at both center and guard in today’s game, and played well at both. Specifically at center, Pocic did not have a single bad snap, and blocked extremely well, especially in the run game. The South team ran significantly better up the middle when Pocic was playing center versus anyone else. Pocic is the real deal.

Lorenzo Jerome, S, St. Francis

Jerome had two interceptions and a forced fumble. Jerome isn’t going to see a jump up into the mid-rounds, but may have gone from undrafted to a possible late round pick with his production today.

Hasson Reddick, LB, Temple

Reddick is easily the most versatile player to come out of the Senior Bowl this year. Reddick recorded six tackles in the first half while lining up at both outside and inside linebacker. Reddick did a great job putting pressure on the quarterback at both the inside and outside linebacker spots. When playing inside linebacker, Reddick showed speed to get to the outside against running backs, while also have the cover skills to stay with wide receivers and tight ends over the middle. His cover skills are due to his previous days at cornerback. Reddick projects very well as a 3-4 MLB, and thus could be a perfect fit for the Ravens who need to replace Zach Orr.

Honorable Mention: Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo

Losers

Ryan Switzer, WR, North Carolina

Switzer didn’t have a catch in today’s game. After a stellar week of practice, the hype for Switzer was at an all time high coming into the game. There isn’t a report that I have seen saying that he missed the game for any reason. Weird to not see him get involved.

Amara Darboh, WR, Michigan

Darboh, unlike Switzer, did have a catch. But he did not do anything to add the momentum he built throughout the week of practice. Darboh is already regarded as a late round pick, and did nothing to boost his draft status in today’s game.

Brendan Langley, CB, Lamar

Langley did have a pick, but for the most part he was burned, especially by Josh Reynolds, throughout the game. The pick only came as a result of happening to be in the right place at the right time anyway.

Kyle Fuller, C, Baylor

Fuller came into the game hyped as one of the better center prospects in this game, but struggled throughout it. His holding penalty in the first half brought back a Zay Jones touchdown. Especially in pass protection, Fuller struggled to block, and pressure was often seen coming up the middle.

There is a lot of movement on draft boards set to take place after this Senior Bowl week. Keep an eye out for a new Baltimore Beatdown seven round mock draft coming soon.