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Senior Bowl – QB Prospects, Kyle Lauletta and Mike White Outshine Top Prospects Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield
The Senior Bowl 2018 in Mobile, Alabama are a setting for two highly regarded QBs, Josh Allen of Wyoming and Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma. Both players are ascending prospects and are considered potentially top 5-10 overall selections with strong postseasons. They were outshined by two South QBs, Kyle Lauletta and Mike White who engineered a dominated 45-16 South victory. Richmond QB Kyle Lauletta earned Player-of-the-Game honors, along with receivers D.J. Chark of LSU and Central Florida’s Tre’quan Smith. Lauletta put on a strong performance that moved him into the middle tier of QB prospects in this deep class. Lauletta displayed a strong arm with accurate throws including 3 TD passes.
Photo – QB Mike White – Western Kentucky
Western Kentucky QB Mike White looked like an emerging pro prospect off a strong performance after a consistently good week of practices. He has fine size, touch and arm strength with the ability to sit in the pocket and deliver strikes. He is a rising prospect with the talent to surprise. Josh Allen actually played for two shifts of the game after an erratic week of practices. After a subpar start of the game in the first quarter, he came back in the 2nd half and had a strong finish going 9 of 13 passes for 2 TDs. He shows a tenacity NFL clubs look for in a leader. Baker Mayfield went only 3 of 7 before calling it a day. He had a solid week of practices and impressive interviews with a few clubs. His overall showing has him earmarked for the first half of the 1st round.
Frank Coyle and staff of DraftInsiders.com was at the Senior Bowl for the week long practices. Scouting info including updates and in depth Senior Bowl Game and Practice evaluation will be in the early February Newsletter (19 pages) Available this week.
San Diego St RB Rashaad Penny was our #1 Player to Watch for the Senior Bowl and he did not disappoint. He was one of the main reasons why the South blew out the North. He had an impressive 34-yard run along with a 73-yard TD reception. Penny displayed the speed to run away from defenders at over 220 lbs. with the soft hands to be a three-down pro back. His NFL Combine performance will be watched closely as he continues to ascend the draft charts.
Texas San Antonio DE Marcus Davenport: Davenport came to the Senior Bowl as a rising prospect who scouts wanted to see vs big tackle prospects. He impressed at time, though had a few disappointing periods. He looked to impress in the game on Saturday and made a strong showing. He was very disruptive off the edge and pressured the passer continuously. Though he needs to be more explosion off the snap, he uses his long reach well to separate from blockers and be disruptive with fine closing speed to the passer. He was still able to penetrate despite double teaming at times. He has risen to the first round of the NFL Draft and maybe a top 101-5 selection with a strong NFL Combine.
Senior Bowl Statistics
Quarterbacks
Comp/Att / Yards/ TDs/ Int.
5 LAULETTA,KYLE 8-12 198 3 0
14 WHITE,MIKE 8-11 128 1 0
17 ALLEN,JOSH 9-13 158 2 0
6 MAYFIELD,BAKER 3-7 9 0 0
Running Backs
Carries/ Yards/ TDs / Long/ Avg
20 PENNY,RASHAAD 9 64 0 34 7.1
25 SMITH,ITO 9 35 0 11 3.9
7A BALLAGE,KALEN 10 57 0 16 5.7
25 WADLEY,AKRUM 8 38 0 15 4.8
21 SAMUELS,JAYLEN 10 37 0 8 3.7
Receivers
Receptions / Yards / TDs / Long
7 CHARK,DJ 5 160 1 75
4 SMITH,TRE’QUAN 5 79 1 42
84 GALLUP,MICHAEL 3 60 0 31
80 SMYTHE,DURHAM 3 48 1 27
88 GESICKI,MIKE 3 39 0 22
83 CONKLIN,TYLER 2 20 1 16
88 AKINS,JORDAN 2 31 0 19
NFL Calendar 2018
**** NFL Draft 2018 – April 26-28 ****
Thursday through Saturday – Dallas will host draft at ATT Stadium in Arlington Texas
NFL Calendar Dates For 2018 Postseason
2018 Postseason
January 1 – Earliest permissible date for clubs to renegotiate or extend the rookie contract of a drafted rookie who was selected in any round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Any permissible renegotiated or extended player contract will not be considered a rookie contract, and will not be subject to the rules that limit rookie contracts.
January 1 – Option exercise period begins for Fifth-Year Option for First- Round Selections from the 2015 NFL Draft. To exercise the option, the club must give written notice to the player on or after January 1, 2018, but prior to May 3, 2018.
January 6-7 – Wild Card Playoffs.
January 7 – Assistant coaches under contract to playoff clubs that have byes in the Wild Card weekend may be interviewed for head coaching positions through the conclusion of the Wild Card games.
January 13-14 – Divisional Playoffs.
January 14 – Assistant coaches under contract to playoff clubs that won their Wild Card games may be interviewed for head coaching positions through the conclusion of Divisional Playoff games.
January 15 – Deadline for college players that are underclassmen to apply for special eligibility. A list of players who are accepted into the NFL Draft will be sent to clubs on January 19.
January 20 – East-West Shrine Game, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida.
January 21 – AFC and NFC Championship Games.
January 27 – Senior Bowl, Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama.
January 28 – NFL Pro Bowl, Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida.
January 28 – An assistant coach, whose team is participating in the Super Bowl, who has previously interviewed for another club’s head coaching job may have a second interview with such club no later than the Sunday preceding the Super Bowl.
Feb 5 – **** Super Bowl LII **** U.S. Bank Stadium, Minnesota.
February 20 – First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
Feb 27-March 5 – NFL Combine Timing and Testing, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, In.
March 6 – Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
March 12-14 – During the period beginning at 12 noon, New York time, on March 12th and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 14th, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2017 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 14. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 14.
During the above two-day negotiating period, no direct contact is permitted between a prospective unrestricted free agent and any employee or representative of a club, other than the player’s current club.
March 14 – The 2018 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
The first day of the 2018 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 14. Clubs will receive a personnel notice that will include all transactions submitted to the League office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 14.
March 14 – Trading period for 2018 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2017 contracts.
March 25-28 – Annual League Meeting, Orlando, Florida.
April 2 – Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2017 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.
April 16 – Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.
April 20 – Deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign Offer Sheets.
April 25 – Deadline for prior club to exercise Right of First Refusal to Restricted Free Agents.
**** NFL Draft 2018 – April 26-28 ****
Thursday through Saturday – Dallas will host draft at ATT Stadium in Arlington Texas
Senior Bowl 2018 – Game Day
Players to Watch – NFL Draft
The premier All-star game, the Senior Bowl is today with updated rosters for their 2018 games and the official Weigh-in and practices. This All-star game has been cornerstone during the postseason where hundreds of scouts evaluate the nation’s top pro prospects for the NFL Draft. Th Senior bowl roster annually dominates the NFL Draft seven rounds and has a long legacy of alumni with many of them having gone to the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Houston Texans and Denver Broncos have been selected to coach the 2018 Reese’s Senior Bowl. The Texans, led by recently resigned fourth-year head coach Bill O’Brien, will guide the South team, while Vance Joseph who finished his first year as head coach of the Broncos, will guide the North.
Both the NFL Network and ESPN will televise the practices during the week and NFL Network will carry the game live on Saturday.
Senior Bowl 2018 – Sat, January 27, 2018 –
NFL Network – 2:30 pm EST
Senior Bowl Players to Watch – NFL Draft 2018
Quarterbacks
Baker Mayfield – Oklahoma
Josh Allen – Wyoming
Luke Falk – Washington St
Mike White – Western Kentucky
Running Backs
Ito Smith – Southern Miss
Kevin Ballage – Arizona St
Rashaad Penny – San Diego St
Arum Wadley – Iowa
Wide Receivers
Michael Gallup – Colorado St
D.J. Chark – LSU
Allen Lazard – Iowa St
Jaleel Scott – New Mexico St
J’Mon Moore – Missouri
Tre’Quan Smith – Central Florida
Tight Ends
Mike Gesicki – Penn St
Ian Thomas – Indiana
Troy Fumagalli – Wisconsin
Adam Breneman – UMASS
Durham Smythe – Notre Dame
Offensive Linemen
Isaiah Wynn – Georgia
Will Hernandez – Texas-El Paso
Tyrell Crosby – Oregon
Brandon Parker – North Carolina A&T
Alex Cappa – Humboldt St
Cole Madison – Washington St
Defensive Ends
Emolo Turay – Rutgers
Marcus Davenport – Texas-San Antonio
Tyquan Lewis – Ohio St
Jalyn Holmes – Ohio St
Tackles
Harrison Phillips – Stanford
B.J. Hill – N. C. St
JUSTIN JONES – N. C. St
Poona Ford – Texas
Linebackers
Shaqem Griffin – Central Florida
Marquis Haynes – Ole Miss
Fred Warner – BYU
Darius Leonard – South Carolina St
Mike McCray – Michigan
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo – Oklahoma
Cornerbacks
Levi Wallace – Alabama
Michael Joseph – Dubuque
Danny Johnson – Southern
Duke Dawson – Florida
Siran Neal – Jacksonville St
Safeties
Marcus Allen – Penn St
Armani Watts – Texas A&M
Kameron Kelly – San Diego St
Quin Blanding – Virginia
NFL Traded Picks 2018
Jan 15, 2018
NFL 2017 Trading Period began March 9, 2017, 4pm est thru Oct 31st
NFL Traded Picks
2018 NFL Draft
First Round
Buffalo from Kansas City (2017 draft day trade)
Cleveland from Houston (2017 draft day trade)
2nd Round
Cleveland from Philadelphia (2016 draft trade)
Cleveland from Houston (QB Brock Osweiller)
San Francisco from New Orleans (2017 draft day trade)
Buffalo from LA Rams (WR Sammy Watkins)
NY Jets from Seattle (DT Sheldon Richardson/WR Jermaine Kearse)
New England Patriots from SF 49ers (QB Jimmy Garoppolo)
3rd Round
San Francisco from Chicago (2017 draft day trade)
Buffalo from Philadelphia (WR Jordan Matthews)
Houston from Seattle (LT Duane Brown)
Carolina from Buffalo (WR Kelvin Benjamin)
4th Round
Cleveland from Carolina (P Andy Lee)
Philadelphia from New England (CB Eric Rowe may be #3 on production)
Philadelphia from Minnesota (QB Sam Bradford)
Chicago from Arizona (2017 draft day trade)
Denver from San Francisco (RB Kapri Bibbs)
San Francisco from Pittsburgh (TE Vance McDonald)
Miami from Philadelphia (RB Jay Ajayi)
5th Round
Seattle from Oakland (RB Marshawn Lynch)
NY Jets from Dallas (2017 draft day trade)
Pittsburgh from San Francisco (TE Vance McDonald)
Cleveland from Kansas City (OL Cameron Erving)
Denver from Atlanta (OT Ty Sambrailo)
Philadelphia from Seattle (OT Matt Tobin)
New Orleans from Miami (LB Stephon Anthony)
Seattle from Houston (LT Duane Brown)
San Fran from Jets (CB Rashard Robinson)
6th Round
Oakland from Seattle (RB Marshawn Lynch)
LA Rams from Detroit (OT Greg Robinson)
LA Rams from Buffalo (WR Sammy Watkins)
Tampa Bay from Pittsburgh (S JJ Wilcox)
Buffalo from Jacksonville (Marcel Dareus – can escalate to a #5 pick)
7th Round
Pittsburgh from NY Giants (CB Ross Cockrell)
San Francisco from Kansas City (CB Kenneth Acker)
Green Bay from Buffalo (LB Lerentee McCray)
Miami from Tampa Bay (2017 draft day trade)
Buffalo from LA Chargers (QB Cardale Jones)
Cincinnati from New England (LB Marquis Flowers)
NY Jets from Seattle (DT Sheldon Richardson/WR Jermaine Kearse)
Seattle from NY Jets (DT Sheldon Richardson/WR Jermaine Kearse)
Arizona from Baltimore (C/G Tony Bergstrom)
Seattle from Minnesota (CB Trumaine Brock)
Kansas City from Tennessee (DT David King)
Washington from LA Rams (TE Derek Carrier)
Green Bay from Dallas (OLB Jayrone Elliott)
Carolina from Buffalo (WR Kelvin Benjamin)
Undisclosed/conditional
New Orleans conditional late round pick from New England (WR Jalen Saunders)
Kansas City an undisclosed, conditional late round pick from Arizona (CB Marcus Cooper)
Jacksonville an undisclosed late round pick from Cincinnati (DE Chris Smith)
Pittsburgh conditional pick from NY Giants (CB Ross Cockrell)
Jacksonville undisclosed pick from Baltimore (C Luke Bowanko)
Kansas City undisclosed pick from Seattle (OT Isaiah Battle)
2019
2nd Round
Houston from Seattle (LT Duane Brown)
4th Round
Buffalo from Kansas City (LB Reggie Ragland)
5th round
Detroit from San Francisco (G Laken Tomlinson)
6th round
Cincinnati from Dallas (CB Bene Benwikere)
Detroit from New England (CB Johnson Bademosi)
7th Round
San Francisco has a conditional #7 from Kansas City (WR Rod Streater)
Kansas City has a conditional #7 from San Francisco (WR Rod Streater)
Philadelphia from Denver (G/T Allen Barbre)
Philadelphia from New Orleans (LS Jon Dorenbos)
Pittsburgh for Cleveland (WR Sammie Coates)
Pittsburgh from Tampa Bay (S JJ Wilcox)
Senior Bowl – Top QB Prospects, Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield Looking To Shine This Week
The Senior Bowl 2018 in Mobile, Alabama is the setting for two highly regarded QBs, Josh Allen of Wyoming and Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma. Both players are ascending prospects and are considered potentially top 5-10 overall selections with strong postseasons. The two highest rated QB prospects currently are Sam Darnold of USC and Josh Rosen of UCLA, both underclassmen and not eligible for any All-Star postseason play.
Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield is coming off a Heisman Trophy season and a terrific performance in the Sooners’ semi-final loss to Georgia. He was a late arrival in Mobile that was delayed because of a family illness matter. He missed the official weigh-in session where scouts were hoping to finally find out how tall he actually is and if he measures in over 6’. After the Tuesday afternoon Senior Bowl practice, he measured in at 6-0 3/8” and 216 lbs. to finally put to rest this drama. He will practice this week and hopefully play in the Senior Bowl classic on Saturday.
Josh Allen of Wyoming checked in at 6047 at 237 lbs., 33.5″ arm length and 10 1/8″ hands. His hands were the biggest of the Senior Bowl group of eight. He is a fourth-year junior who qualified for the Senior Bowl by graduating fall 2017.
He made it clear at Senior Bowl Media Day on Tuesday that, if selected first overall by the Cleveland Browns, he would relish being the leader for the pathetic franchise.
“It’s a tough situation obviously to come in as a rookie and expect to be perfect right away. I know that I have a lot of flaws as a quarterback,” he explained. “Given an opportunity of being able to go to Cleveland and help change the culture there and be a part of a really good team. They’re a young team, so they’re going to be really good in the next coming years. They’re doing the right things with their new GM.”
“To get the opportunity to go there and kind of be the guy would be special, but like I said, they’re going to do what’s best for the franchise.” The Browns hold multiple early selections including two first round choices, the 1st and 4th overall picks. They hold four of the top 35 overall selections plus a few multiple middle round selections, giving the Browns leverage to move up and down within the early rounds.
Allen impressed scouts with his weigh-in on Tuesday not only measuring 6-4 7/8” and 237 lbs., but his huge hand size of 10 1/8” and strong arm. He needs to impress this week vs top competition and working with NFL coaching staffs to address issues related to his level of competition and a few lackluster 2017 performances.
For Complete Senior Bowl info including updates and roster changes
Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/
Allen is Frank Coyle’s 3rd QB currently after Darnold and Rosen. He hopes to make a case for the first overall selection. The Browns have young veteran QBs in DeShone Kizer and Cody Kessler who have struggled in their short careers with zero wins and poor passing statistics. In addition to Cleveland, clubs like the Giants, Colts, Broncos and Jets, all in the top 6 choices are interested in a young QB. The two selections in the top 4 picks puts the Browns in an interesting position to addition two positions with possible impact performers.
Frank Coyle and staff of DraftInsiders.com is at the Senior Bowl for the week long practices. Scouting info including updates and in depth Senior Bowl Game and Practice evaluation will be in the early February Newsletter. January Newsletter (19 pages) available now.
WR Daurice Fountain Named Shrine Game Offensive MVP
University of Northern Iowa wide receiver Daurice Fountain was named the 93rd annual East-West Shrine Game Offensive MVP after his impressive performance against some of the nation’s best competition on Saturday.
The honor marks the first time that a player from UNI has earned the MVP distinction for the game. Fountain joins the likes of Jimmy Garoppolo (2014), Steve Smith (2001), Jeff Garcia (1994) and Brett Favre (1991) who have won the Shrine Game’s coveted Offensive MVP award.
WR Daurice Fountain – Northern Iowa“It was truly a blessing,” Fountain said about his MVP honor. “You could’ve never told me at the beginning of the week that I was going to have this kind of production. I’m thankful for the opportunity and happy that I met so many great people this week. This whole experience was just surreal.”
Daurice Fountain was Frank Coyle’s #1 Sleeper at the East-West Game – posted on this site Thursday
The former Panther wideout caught three passes for 61 yards, while also racking up 40 yards on punt returns for the afternoon. Fountain ripped off two huge plays on Saturday, the first being a 38-yard catch and run that set up the East squad with a field goal, while the second big play came on a 30-yard punt return in the third quarter to set up his team with another scoring opportunity.
The West won Saturday’s game by a narrow margin of 14-10. The West’s Natrell Jamerson of Wisconsin won Defensive MVP honors after retuning a fumble 68 yards for Saturday’s first touchdown of the game.
Fountain finished his Panther career as just the sixth player to rank in the Top 10 for catches (150), yards (2,077) and touchdowns (23) at UNI. In 2017, Fountain hauled in 66 catches, racking up 943 yards and 12 touchdowns.
For Complete East-West Shrine All-start Game info including Game stats and in depth Game and Practice evaluation – Go to http://www.shrinegame.com/
Frank Coyle and staff of DraftInsiders.com will proceed to the Senior Bowl for the Monday weigh-in and practices. Scouting info including updates and in depth Game and Practice evaluation will be in the early February Newsletter. January Newsletter (19 pgs) available now.
Senior Bowl Week Begins With Weigh-in and Practices
Updated 1/23
The premier All-star game, the Senior Bowl begins today with updated rosters for their 2018 games and the official Weigh-in and practices. This All-star game has been cornerstone during the postseason where hundreds of scouts evaluate the nation’s top pro prospects for the NFL Draft. Th Senior bowl roster annually dominates the NFL Draft seven rounds and has a long legacy of alumni with many of them having gone to the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Houston Texans and Denver Broncos have been selected to coach the 2018 Reese’s Senior Bowl, set for January 27 in Mobile, Ala.
“We are thrilled to have the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos as the two coaching staffs for our game,” said Reese’s Senior Bowl Executive Director Phil Savage.
Photo – RB Royce Freeman – Oregon
The Texans, led by their fourth-year head coach Bill O’Brien, will guide the South team, while Vance Joseph, in his first year as head coach of the Broncos, will guide the North.
“Both organizations are well respected across the National Football League and it is our honor to welcome them to Mobile,” Savage said.
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Houston has coached in the Senior Bowl one previous time, in 2003 under Dom Capers.
It finished the 2017 season with a record of 4-12 and would have picked fourth in this year’s draft, however, that pick was traded to the Browns.
strong>Senior Bowl Teams – Practice Schedule
Tuesday, January 23
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (South)
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm (North)
Wednesday, January 24
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm (North)
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (South)
Thursday, January 25
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm (North)
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (South)
* All Practices Open To Public at Ladd-Peebles Stadium
Denver was 5-11 this season and will pick fifth in the draft. The Broncos have coached in the Reese’s Senior Bowl six times, going 2-2-2 in those games.
“We jumped at the opportunity for the Broncos to work the Senior Bowl,” Broncos’ President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway said. “On both the coaching and personnel sides, the experience gives us a chance to meet these prospects and get to know them on and off the field. The Senior Bowl has a great tradition and we are excited to be a part of it.”
“The Senior Bowl provides our staff an up-close look at some of the top prospects in this year’s draft,” said Joseph, who in 13 years of coaching in the NFL has coached in the Senior Bowl three times, all as an assistant with the 49ers (2006-2008). “Having coached the Senior Bowl in the past, it’s a tremendous evaluation tool spending all week with these players in a variety of group and individual settings.
Joseph, 45, jumped into coaching after a brief NFL career, serving as an assistant at the University of Colorado, Wyoming and Bowling Green before moving up the NFL where he was a defensive backs coach for the 49ers, Texans and Bengals over a 10-year stretch. After one year as a defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins, he earned his first head coaching job with the Broncos.
Senior Bowl Director Phil Savage and staff have assembled another talented group of pro prospects. Currently, the Senior Bowl staff has over 100 acceptances from the nation’s top prospects for their January week long event.
For Complete Senior Bowl info including updated Roster acceptances
Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/
Players will arrive by Jan. 22 to begin practices the next day. The 69th Reese’s Senior Bowl is scheduled for January 27 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. CT.
Both the NFL Network and ESPN will televise the practices during the week and NFL Network will carry the game live on Saturday.
Frank Coyle and staff of DraftInsiders.com will attend the Senior Bowl for the Monday weigh-in and week long practices. Scouting info including updates and in depth Senior Bowl Game and Practice evaluation will be in the early February Newsletter. January Newsletter (19 pages) available now.
QB Josh Allen Accepts Invitation to Play in 2018 Senior Bowl
University of Wyoming QB Josh Allen accepted an invitation to play in this year’s Senior Bowl to be played in Mobile, Ala., on Saturday, Jan. 27. The game will be televised on NFL Network and is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 p.m., Mountain Time. ESPNU and NFL Network will broadcast practices from the Senior Bowl week, which will run Jan. 23-27.
Photo – QB Josh Allen – Wyoming
Allen graduated in December 2017 after completing his junior season at Wyoming in 2017. He declared for the 2018 NFL Draft immediately after leading the Wyoming Cowboys to a 37-14 victory in the 2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. He is rated as one of this year’s top quarterback prospects by Frank Coyle of DraftInsiders.com. Allen is eligible to play in the Senior Bowl by virtue of completing his degree in social science from UW this past December.
Allen led the Cowboys to an 8-5 record in 2017 and a victory in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. As a redshirt sophomore in 2016, he guided the Cowboys to an 8-6 record, a spot in the 2016 Mountain West Conference Championship Game and a berth in the 2016 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl. He also led the Cowboys to wins over two Top 25 teams in the 2016 season.
Allen was named to numerous college football award watch lists this past season, including the Davey O’Brien Award Watch List, Manning Award Watch List, Maxwell Award Watch List and Walter Camp Award Watch List. Allen was invited to and attended the Manning Passing Academy in the summer of 2017.
In his two seasons as Wyoming’s starting QB, Allen accounted for 5,833 yards of total offense and was responsible for 57 TDs passing, rushing and receiving. He ended his Wyoming career with 5,066 passing yards and 44 TD passes. He also rushed for 767 yards during his college career and scored 12 rushing touchdowns.
At the time of Allen’s acceptance of his invitation to this year’s Senior Bowl, he became the eighth and final quarterback on the 2018 Senior Bowl rosters. The other seven QBs who have accepted invitations are: Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma, Mason Rudolph of Oklahoma St, Luke Falk of Washington St, Kurt Benkert of Virginia, Kyle Lauletta of Richmond, Brandon Silvers of Troy and Mike White of Western Kentucky. The coaching staffs of the Denver Broncos (North) and Houston Texans (South) will coach this year’s Senior Bowl teams.
More information on this year’s Senior Bowl may be found at: https://www.seniorbowl.com/
Our guest host tonight is Frank Coyle. Frank is a nationally known pro football scout who publishes Draft Insiders’ Digest. In it’s 21st season, DraftInsiders.com is a website and publication dedicated to the year round coverage of NFL and NCAA Football. Frank covers the NFL Draft and Free agency extensively with a veteran scouting staff that provides insightful information on players and team potential in the coming seasons.
Frank will answer submitted Draft questions not only about how the Packers but for all NFL Teams. Have a question now? Questions were submitted on February 1st in a Chat that night.
We are ready to take your draft questions for Frank Coyle. Note: For those that cannot make the Live Chat as many questions as you want may be submitted now preceding the start of the Live Chat tonight at 9:00pm ET, 8:00pm CT. Our Chat is ‘moderated’ meaning we will be putting your questions up in random so as many fans get a turn.
Welcome everyone.
DraftInsiders.com Happy to be with Packer Chatters again
Frank Coyle
www.draftinsiders.com
Welcome back Frank to PackerChatters Live Draft Chat. Frank let us know when you are ready and we will start the questions from the fans with us tonight. Tonight’s Chat as usual will run approximately 1 hour. We will try and get to all the questions in this short time frame.
[Comment From BubbaOneBubbaOne: ]
Frank, TE’s and RB’s took advantage of Hawk and Bishop in the passing game. Which cover ILB’s could TT draft in round 3 or after? BTW- a coach who was at Ohio St when Hawk was there said at the Senior Bowl that Hawk is too big, agree?
Frank
ILB is an average group. A guy who would get early consideration would be
Dont’a Hightower of Alabama in the late first round. He is NFL ready.
Middle round guys with coverage ability would be Jerry Franklin of Arkansas
He would have limitations in the Packers scheme as a regular
[Comment From Bob C.Bob C.: ]
What players improved their stock at the Senior Bowl and who’s dropped? Thanks Frank.
Frank
TT has done a great job and value buying is always the wisest.
Picking #28 creates a multiple of situations that you must prepare for.
Trading up is always expensive.
BPA always wins in the long term. I think the Packers are looking at DB early and
often. TT usually stays with his value board. That’s why Packers are always in the Super Bowl hunt. I also like DL and an edge rusher opposit Matthews is critical.
[Comment From packerboypackerboy: ]
What three players do you think the Packers have on their radar at 28 ? Also, can Zach Brown play ROLB in Capers D ?
Frank
I say Packers needs are CB, OLB
Zach Brown is not a great fit for the 3-4 front. He is a terrific athlete but not over 235 lbs. Edge rushers are lean this year. Packers may address secondary at #28
CBs like Gilmore, Boykin. Maybe a safety like Martin
Point being Packers secondary was suspect in 2011 Woodson is entering 15th season and Collins must prove healthy. Clubs need 6 starting DB in today’s NFL game.
Comment From Bob C.
What players improved their stock at the Senior Bowl and who’s dropped? Thanks Frank.
Frank
I think players like CB Brandon Boykin, Shaun Prater & Leonard Johnson helped themseleves
I think a player like LB Melvin Ingram would be a great fit in GB
He has played both up and down on the edge and makes plays. He figures in latter first round. He had an impressive Senior Bowl
Another good fit for GB would be DL Jared Crick of Nebraska. He would be a great addition at DE in this front
[Comment From MadtorkMadtork: ]
Where is the most defensive talent late in round 1? OLB, 3/4-DE or DB?
Frank
I say DB. I am not impressed with OLB ers this year for the 3-4 scheme.
It is also one of the riskiest positions in the game. I love the CB class and feel there are 6 safeties that should go in the top 100-125 that carry solid grades.
The CB class is talented and deep. I think it will be the #1 position drafted this year again and probably the most in the first round, Top 50 and top 100 selections.
[Comment From packerboypackerboy: ]
Have you heard any news on the health of Jared Crick ? If healthy I believe he could be a STUD in the Packer D. Could the Packers get him in round 2 ? THANKS
Frank
Crick had only an average final season He was nicked up
In addition, he is a tall angular lineman who is better on the outside in a
five technique spot at end in the 3-4 front. He has the versatility to kick inside for 4 man fronts as a pass rusher. He would be a great fit for the Packers
Currently, he figures to go in the late first / early 2nd round. if healthy
His NFL Combine performance is huge.
[Comment From RedtRedt: ]
Which of these guys will most likely be available with #28; Upshaw, Barron, Ingram & Perry. Also, what rounds for Shea Mclellin, j. Crick, LaMichael James & Chris Rainey, thanks.
Frank
Barron is a top 15-20 selection.
Upshaw is well respected and probably a top 20 guy.
Ingram and Perry probably go beyond top 20. I think the 3-4 clubs like Ingram best while DE Perry is best suited for weakside end in a 4-3 front.
LB Shea McClellin is a possible 3rd round selection. Best at OLB in 3-4 scheme.
Good fit in GB
Crick late first /early 2nd RB James is 2nd-3rd round according to workout and health. Chris Rainey is a 3rd day guy 4th-5th round area.
[Comment From Uncle JoshUncle Josh: ]
Should the Packers overpay for an over-30 Scott Wells or draft Peter Konz at 28(if available)?
Frank
Wells has done well for Packers. He is only 31 years old. I say they resign him.
Konz is the #1 center and figures late first /early 2nd. Teams like Ravens, Patriots and possibly Packers would be nice fits.
[Comment From bobbob: ]
Good evening. my question tonight for frank is this. given the glaring weakness at the safety position with n.collins being lost what are your thoughts on m.martin(ok st), a.allen(s.car), and h.smith(n.d.).i’ve seen allen a bunch and think he’s a nice player. i haven’t seen the other 2. do you think they can fit the packer’s system and what rounds do you see them going in. thanks a lot.
Frank
Safety is a key spot in GB
Martin and Allen are more strong safeties Both hit and tackle.
Coverage is OK
Harrison Smith is a kid I like. He shows better coverage skills than most safeties
He probably goes in the 3rd round area. The safety spot is not as deep as corner and has become critical with all the nickel and dime packages. Safeties who can cover are gold.
Aaron Henry of Wisconsin is a prospect to watch especially his ability to run and his positional workout. I think this kid could surprise.
[Comment From John KayJohn Kay: ]
Frank, most of us fans focus on the physical side yet it’s probably less than half the equation. TT takes into account character, football IQ, drive, etc. Which defensive players projected to go in the first few rounds will TT dismiss out of hand b/c of these issues?
Frank
I think football IQ is so critical. Players that are hungry is vital to a locker room
Things happen over the course of the season and players that can reach down and play thru problems, injuries and never lose sight of the goal are the guys you must find in the scouting process.
DE Coples had a great Senior bowl but suspect senior season
That’s a red flag even though he could go in the top ten selections.
One thing to consider is that the process is ongoing.
NFL Combine will answer many questions via interviews.
DE Branch of Clemson has top talent but inconsistent motor.
[Comment From Jacob LJacob L: ]
If a ILB is BPA do you think Tedy may take one? A player that can cover will free up the Safetys to ball hawk and OLB to blitz. Hawk could be upgraded, do you agree?
Frank
Hawk is an average starter. That’s why I think a player on the GB short list
is LB Dont;a Hightower of Alabama. Great fit here. Physical and an every down defender.
The BC backer Luke Kuechly is a top 15 guy.
James-Michael Johnson of Nevada is a name to remember. Good ILB for 3-4 set.
To Continue Chat Transcript Go to Next Page
[Comment From Badgermaniac58Badgermaniac58: ]
Where do you think Nick Perry will go? He seems to be perfect for Packs needs.
Frank
Perry is a big edge rusher and will be in demand by all 32 clubs.
Any move to playing up for the 3-4 set is risky.
I think the 4-3 clubs will select him in the top 20.
Teams like Tenn, Cinnym Philly and Seahawks would have him high on their first round list. Edge rushers are gold
That’s why the GMen are in the Super Bowl. They make a difference .
But Packers fans know that after the NFC title game.
[Comment From CWood21CWood21: ]
Given that Nick Perry and Courtney Upshaw are on the board, which one do you go with disregarding the rest of the team around you?
Frank
Upshaw has played more in both sets up and down
He is best suited for playing up on the strongside Great fit opposite Matthews.
Perry has huge upside but there is a critical learning curve to playing up
Remember Vernon Gholston from Ohio St and Aaron Maybin from Penn St.
Both were 1st round disasters.
For early contribution it is Upshaw. Hands down. Though Perry has more pass rushing big play potential.
[Comment From DanDan: ]
What would it take to trade up and draft Nick Perry? We need explosive rushers, just look at the Giants.
Frank
Trading up is not cheap. I think moving up like 10-12 spots from the #29 position might cost a #2 pick High price.
Player must be an impact player at that price.
If I am TT I sit at #28 and take LB Upshaw or highest rated DB on my board.
[Comment From SteveSteve: ]
Frank, Where do you see Michael Brockers being drafted? Is he a better fit in a 4-3 or 3-4? Thanks very much.
Frank – DraftInsiders Free Email
DL Brockers is an awesome prospect
He played inside in a 4-3 set. I think he is a great end in the 3-4 set.
This kid has enormous upside and capable of being a dominant NFL lineman.
He is truly scheme diverse and gives a DC lots of options on a number of situations. Brocker would be an awesome pick for GB.
[Comment From BudBud: ]
Do you think the Packers will go after a RB? What round? And who do you think they may target? Thanks Frank.
Frank
RB is a good deep group.
The position has been downgraded due to the NFL passing game and the durability and short NFL life expectancy for the position.
TT got James Starks on the 6th round in 2010. He was my #1 sleeper at running back that year. I think there will be good RB in the middle rounds and possibly the 3rd day of the NFL Draft. It is probably not a Top 4 positional priority in GB
[Comment From BubbaOneBubbaOne: ]
You had Gilmore going to the Packers in your Jan 4th mock draft. Do you still like him at 28th. He’s being compared to Woodson. His physicality, length, and lack of top speed suggests may be he could play safety. Your thoughts?
Frank
Gilmore faces a critical NFL Combine. He is a very good young player with some inconsistencies. I just feel that TT will address the secondary with two additions and both probably early like in the top 100 picks.
The draft will dictate who and when but I would be surprised if they don’t address secondary.
Top GB needs – CB, DL, S, LB, OL, RB
[Comment From packerboypackerboy: ]
Will Fletcher Cox last until pick 28? Does he fit the Packer D at DE ?
Frank
Good question. DL Cox is another scheme diverse kid.
Played mainly inside in 4-3 set. Good fit for end in the 3-4 front.
He has to be a guy on TT short list for the #28 selection.
He figures in the latter first round and is a very good prospect.
[Comment From MadtorkMadtork: ]
How far will Dre Kilpatrick fall? What other “size” dbs do you see in later rounds?
Frank Coyle
Krrkpatrick needs big NFL Combine especially the interviews to dispel off the field concerns.
Josh Norman – 6-1, 190 Carolina Coastal is a fast rising prospect that probably moved into the top 100 and possibly top 75 off a strong EW week.
Trumaine Johnson 6-2, 205 Montana is a small college kid to watch in workouts. He has starting NFL talent. Played CB in college, possibly a starting NFL safety.
Last question for Frank tonight goes to BubbaOne.
[Comment From BubbaOneBubbaOne: ]
My contention is playmakers win you championships. This year’s D was missing 2 (Jenkins and Collins) and 2 others (Raji and Williams) had sub par years. There’s a lot of fine players but who do you see as difference makers at DE? at OLB? at CB? at Safety?
Frank
Players in the top 3 rounds
DE would be Cox, Brockers, Crick
LB Courtney Upshaw 6-2, 265 Alabama
Vontaze Burfict of Arizona St ,
CB Gilmore, Boykin, Chase Minnifield 5-11, 185 Virginia
This concludes tonight’s Draft Chat and we thank Frank for taking the time to be with us again this year. Be sure to stop by DraftInsiders.com and check out the great NFL/Draft information offered.
Thanks to all for coming with your Draft questions and to Frank for his great responses.
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Great to be with you again.
Frank Coyle
www.draftinsiders.com
1-800-776-1949
Thanks Frank….great information.