Senior Bowl 2019 Game Day

Frank Coyle – Head scout Draft Insiders’

  The 2019 Senior Bowl game is here with an interesting roster of pro prospects who completed the week of practices, physicals and interviews.

 QB Will Grier of West Virginia is primed for a big game after a strong week of practices. He gets the advantage of working with his two top receivers, David Sills and Greg Jennings in this game. This trio put up incredible numbers over their careers in the pass happy Big 12 Conference. Grier is prepared for this game and has the makings of an MVP candidate. QB Trace McSorley also came ready to play and is focused on this game to prove he belongs with the top prospects. He is a smart savvy leader who can be a difference maker in this All-star event.

Look for wideouts Deebo Samuel, Travis Fulgham and David Sills along with runners Dexter Williams and Wes Hills to be featured in their offenses with chances to be impact playmakers Saturday.

The NFL Draft 2019 is a class dominated by defensive front seven prospects and this game features several impact pass rushers. Look for edge rushers Montez Sweat, Oshane Ximines, L.J Collier and Ben Banogu to provide impact as outside rushers to be difference makers in this game. Linebackers, Hanks, Pratt and Coney showed speed, instincts and playmaking ability this week after fine careers. Look to them to be in the action throughout the contest to be the stars on their units. This will be the final real football action in these prospects for the year with the offseason workout portion of the NFL Draft process hitting full stride next week.

Senior Bowl Players to Watch

Offensive Players
Will     Grier               QB      West Virginia           6024   218
Daniel Jones             QB      Duke  6052   220
Trace McSorley        QB      Penn St.        6002   200
Ryan  Finley             QB      North Carolina St.  6040   208
Drew  Lock               QB      Missouri        6036   223
Tyree Jackson         QB      Buffalo          6070   249
Dexter Williams      RB      Notre Dame  5112   215
Wes    Hills               RB      Slippery Rock         6005   209
Karan Higdon          RB      Michigan       5090   203
Tony  Pollard           RB      Memphis       5115   200
Deebo Samuel         WR     South Carolina        5114   216
David Sills V            WR     West Virginia           6030   210
Jaylen Smith            WR     Louisville      6020   221
Travis Fulgham       WR     Old Dominion          6023   210
Terry  McLaurin      WR     Ohio St.         6000   205
Penny Hart               WR     Georgia St.   5080   180
Gary   Jennings       WR     West Virginia           6010   213
Anthony Johnson   WR     Buffalo          6021   211
Andy  Isabella          WR     Massachusetts       5087   186
Andre Dillard            OT      Washington St.       6047   310
Kaleb McGary           OT      Washington 6067   321
Max    Scharping      OT      Northern Illinois      6057   320
Chuma Edoga           OT      USC   6036   303
Tytus Howard          OT      Alabama St. 6050   322
Elgton Jenkins         C         Mississippi St.        6043   314
Chris  Lindstrom      OG      Boston College       6036   303
Beau  Benzschawel  OG      Wisconsin    6062   307
Ben    Powers            OG      Oklahoma     6037   310
 
Defensive Players

Montez Sweat          DE      Mississippi St.        6060   252
Oshane Ximines      DE      Old Dominion          6034   241
L.J. Collier                DE      TCU   6022   280
Byron Cowart          DE      Maryland       6033   297
Ben Banogu             DE      TCU   6034   247
Carl Granderson     DE      Wyoming      6046   246
Jalen  Jelks              DE      Oregon          6054   250
Khalen Saunders    DT      Western Illinois       6005   320
Daylon Mack           DT      Texas A&M   6010   327
Sutton Smith           OLB    Northern Illinois      6003   234
Terrill Hanks           OLB    New Mexico St.       6020   234
Germaine Pratt       ILB      North Carolina St.  6025   240
Te’Von Coney          ILB      Notre Dame  6007   244
Rock  Ya-Sin                CB      Temple          5116   189
Isaiah Johnson            CB      Houston        6022   207
Lonnie Johnson, Jr.   CB  Kentucky      6022   210
Nasir  Adderley          S         Delaware      5117   195
Jaquan Johnson        S         Miami (FL)    5103   186
Darnell Savage           S         Maryland       5110   199

 Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years. He was a 20 year Scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl.

Senior Bowl 2019

Wednesday’s practices moving to South Alabama University
Statement from Reese’s Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy:

“Because of potential bad weather on Wednesday, we have decided to move practices to South Alabama’s new indoor facility. Our number one priority is always player safety. Rather than risk injury to a player on a slick field or expose them to potential severe weather, we have opted to go indoors. Unfortunately, because of severe space limitations, that means our credentialed media will not be able to attend the practice. We are sorry for this inconvenience.”

Practice times will remain as scheduled:

North 12:30 pm-2:30 pm
South 3:00 pm-5:00 pm

They are closed to media and the public on Wednesday.

Thursday Practices return to Ladd-Peebles Stadium
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm (North)
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (South)

* Practices Open To Public Thursday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium

*** Senior Bowl 2019 Game – Jan 26, 2019 Mobile, Alabama – 1:30 pm CT- NFL Network ***
Weigh-in/Practices – Monday Jan 21st thru Thursday Jan 24th

For Complete Senior Bowl info including Roster acceptances
Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/

Draft Insiders’ All-Star Games
Frank Coyle/ Publisher – Head Scout

Senior Bowl Week

             The premier All-star event of the offseason has begun with the Senior Bowl weigh-in Monday and afternoon practices. Director Jim Nagy has assembled All-star rosters that promise to have the usual impact on the NFL Draft 2019. Draft Insiders’ will have extensive scouting reports in the upcoming Newsletter along with Web site reports and Tweets

Senior Bowl Practice Schedule

Tuesday
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (SOUTH)
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm (NORTH)

Wednesday
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm (NORTH)
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (SOUTH)

Thursday
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm (NORTH)
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (SOUTH)

* ALL PRACTICES OPEN TO PUBLIC AT LADD-PEEBLES STADIUM

*** Senior Bowl Game – Jan 26, 2019 Mobile, Alabama – 1:30 pm CT- NFL Network ***

Weigh-in/Practices – Monday Jan 21st thru Thursday Jan 24th

For Complete Senior Bowl info including Roster acceptances
Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/

It’s the Rams vs Patriots in Super Bowl LIII

Super Bowl LIII
When: Sunday, Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m. et on CBS
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Frank Coyle – head scout

In probably the most exciting day in NFL history, the Rams and Patriots won their NFC and AFC championship games with dramatic overtime victories. The Rams/Patriot game will be a rematch of Super Bowl XXXVI.

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The Rams return to the Super Bowl in only HC Sean McVay’s second season after 12 consecutive non-playoff appearances. It is the Rams’ fourth appearance in the SB. On Sunday, they fought back twice to tie the Saints and won in overtime on a 57 yard game winning FG by Greg Zuerlein. It was the longest FG in NFL Postseason history.

The Patriots go to their third consecutive Super Bowl and 11^th overall in history and the 9^th between HC Bill Belichick and Pro Bowl QB Tom Brady tenure. They won this time on one their patented long drives including the game winning drive in overtime after winning the coin toss. Brady outbattled young Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes in a postseason classic with the Patriots prevailing in the end.

We will have our Super Bowl LIII matchup story prior to the event.

East-West Shrine and NFLPA – Major All-Star Weeks Begin

  Both the East-West Shrine and NFLPA All-star weeks begin with practices. Both events have rosters of many NFL prospects including small college players looking to highlight their talent on the main stage.   

Draft Insiders’ will have scouting staffs at both All-star events this week. We will have in-depth evaluation of all the All-star events in upcoming newsletters.

  Draft Insiders’ 2019 January Newslettter will be available this week – Order Today –  Underclassmen rated, 2 Round Mock Draft and new Top 100 Pro Prospects

All-Star Games

     Jan. 19 – NFLPA Collegiate Game – Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Ca.– FS1 – 2 pm PT
      Go to http://collegiate.nflpa.com/2019-game-roster/ for updated info including Rosters

     Jan. 19- East-West Shrine – St. Petersburg, Florida – 3 pm est – NFL Network
 For Complete East-West Shrine All-star Game info including updated Roster acceptances
Go to http://www.shrinegame.com/
 
*** Senior Bowl Game – Jan 26, 2019 Mobile, Alabama – 1:30 pm CT- NFL Network ***
                       Weigh-in- Practices – Monday Jan 21st thru Thursday Jan 24th
For Complete Senior Bowl info including Roster acceptances
Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/

 Key Postseason Dates
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.

Jan 19 – East-West Shrine Game, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida.
Jan 19 – NFLPA All-Star Game, Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Ca.
 
January 20 – AFC and NFC Championship Games.
 
January 26 – Senior Bowl, Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama.

January 27 – NFL Pro Bowl, Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida.
January 27 – 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 3 – **** Super Bowl LIIl **** Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.

Draft Insiders’ All-Pro Teams

Frank Coyle/ Head scout

 Draft Insiders’ announces its annual Pro Bowl teams with the NFC and AFC championship games set for next Sunday, the Chiefs host the Patriots and the Saints play the Rams,

  The NFL’s four best teams with square off for the honor to meet in the Super Bowl on Feb. 3^rd. The four finalists have dominated out Pro Bowl clubs, along with several interesting first year and young players. The four title game clubs were the four highest scoring teams in the league in 2018 as the NFL continues in a dominate pass oriented game.  

MVP – QB Patrick Mahomes – Chiefs
Defensive POY – DT Aaron Donald – Rams

Comeback POY – QB Andrew Luck – Colts

Rookies of the Year
  Offense – RB Saquon Barkley – Giants
  Defense – LB Darius Leonard – Colts
 
* rookies

Draft Insiders’ 2019 January Newslettter will be available this week – All Underclassmen, 2 Round MD, and new Top 100 Pro Prospects

Draft Insiders’ Pro Bowl Teams
First Team
Offense

Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs
 
Running Back: * Saquon Barkley – New York Giants
1A Type: Tyreek Hill – Kansas City Chiefs
 
Tight End: Travis Kelce – Kansas City Chiefs
 
Wide Receivers:
 Michael Thomas – New Orleans Saints
 DeAndre Hopkins – Houston Texans

Left Tackle: David Bakhtiari – Green Bay Packers
Right Tackle: Mitchell Schwartz – Kansas City Chiefs
 
Left Guard: * Quenton Nelson – Indianapolis Colts
Right Guard: Zack Martin – Dallas Cowboys
Center: Jason Kelce – Philadelphia Eagles
 
Defense
Edge Rushers:
 J.J. Watt – Houston Texans
 Khalil Mack – Chicago Bears
 Cameron Jordan – New Orleans Saints
 
Tackles:
   Aaron Donald – Los Angeles Rams
  Chris Jones – Kansas City Chiefs

Linebackers:
Luke Kuechly – Carolina Panthers
Bobby Wagner – Seattle Seahawks
* Darius Leonard – Indianapolis Colts
 
Cornerbacks: Kyle Fuller – Chicago Bears
 Stephon Gilmore – New England Patriots
 
Safeties:
  * Derwin James – Los Angeles Chargers
  Eddie Jackson – Chicago Bears
  Nickel Back: Desmond King – Los Angeles Chargers
 
Special Teams
Placekicker: Aldrick Rosas – New York Giants
Punter: * Michael Dickson – Seattle Seahawks
Kick Returner: Andre Roberts – New York Jets
Punt Returner: Tarik Cohen – Chicago Bears
Special Teamer: Adrian Phillips – Los Angeles Chargers
 
Second Team
Offense
Quarterback:
  Drew Brees – New Orleans Saints
 
Running Back:
Todd Gurley – Los Angeles Rams
1A Type: Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers
 
Tight End: George Kittle – San Francisco 49ers
 
Wide Receivers:
Julio Jones – Atlanta Falcons
Amari Cooper – Dallas Cowboys
 
Left Tackle: Duane Brown – Seattle Seahawks
Right Tackle: Ryan Ramczyk – New Orleans Saints
 
 Left Guard: Joel Bitonio – Cleveland Browns
 Right Guard: Marshal Yanda – Baltimore Ravens
 Center: Maurkice Pouncey – Pittsburgh Steelers
 
Defense
Edge Rushers:
 Von Miller – Denver Broncos
 Myles Garrett – Cleveland Browns
 Danielle Hunter – Minnesota Vikings
 
Tackles:  
 Fletcher Cox – Philadelphia Eagles
 Jurrell Casey – Tennessee Titans
 
Linebackers:
 C.J. Mosley – Baltimore Ravens
 * Leighton Vander Esch – Dallas Cowboys
T.J. Watt – Pittsburgh Steelers

 Cornerbacks:
   Byron Jones – Dallas Cowboys
   Xavien Howard – Miami Dolphins
 
Safeties:
  Jamal Adams – New York Jets
  Harrison Smith – Minnesota Vikings
  Nickel Back: * Denzel Ward – Cleveland Browns
 
Special Teams
Placekicker: Justin Tucker – Baltimore Ravens
Punter: Johnny Hekker – Los Angeles Rams
Kick Returner: Cordarrelle Patterson – New England Patriots
Punt Returner: Desmond King – Los Angeles Chargers
Special Teamer: Cory Littleton – Los Angeles Rams

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years. He was a 20 year Scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl.

Draft Insiders’ Rookie Spotlight – RB Sony Michel – Patriots

  By Frank Coyle

       Draft Insiders’ will post Rookie spotlight players regularly and their Scouting Report from our NFL Draft 2018 Yearbook. Scouting Reports are written from the fall into March annually.

Rookie runner Sony Michel has been one of the top impact first year players in the NFL this season. He has been a  difference maker for the Patriots current playoff run. In their opening playoff game victory over the Chargers, he rushed for 129 yards on 24 carries for 3 TDs and 1 reception for 9 yards. He was instrumental as their run to a 35-0 first half advantage that never relinquished.

For his rookie season, he rushed for 931 yards on just 209 carries for a 4.5 yard average and 6 TDs. He added 7 receptions. Over the season, he has split time with veteran James White to give the Pats a combo that averaged 4.5 yards per attempt.

Michel is an every down back and one of the most productive runners over an SEC career prior to this season. His well rounded talent translated quickly to the NFL and he has been an interchangeable part for all the Patriots offensive packages.

 Here is his Scouting Report from Draft Insiders’ Yearbook 2018 written March 2018

 Sony Michel #1 – Georgia                     5-11      215        – Sp. 4.50
    Player Comparison: Isaiah Crowell                        Rating 60                                                                
Talented multi-dimensional all around back has been an impact performer for the Bulldogs the past three seasons. Earned SEC honors in 2017 after an excellent overall performance. Tough natural low based runner shows quick feet with good size and speed to be an NFL feature back. Slides nicely laterally and runs with a wiggle to string multiple moves together. Gets to top speed quickly with the ability to adjust his speed and change gears well. On the 2nd level, he has a burst to run away from defenders. Displays good lower body power and is able to make consistent yardage after contact. Keeps his pad level down to run over defenders. Developing receiver comes out of the backfield quickly into his routes. Shows reliable hands and capable of making the tough catch. In space, he knows what to do with the ball and shows the burst to take the play the distance. Very effective on screens and shorter routes, though only a limited route tree and needs some further development. Displayed the ability to run inside and outside, though not a physical downhill power back between the tackles. As a pass blocker, he’s alert, aware and competent at picking up the blitz. Keeps his feet well and shows good balance and functional strength. Explosive when he sees a crease and is capable of making huge yardage. Good vision and awareness to keep drives alive. Versatile talent to give an offense a unique weapon to command special attention in every situation and high level 1A type.

The Numbers:  As a senior in 2017, he shared time with Nick Chubb and played in 14 games and rushed for 1227 yards on 156 carries for a 7.9 yard average and 16 TDs. He caught 9 passes for 96 yards and 1 TD. As a junior, he rushed for 840 yards on 152 carries for a 5.5 average and 4 TDs. He caught 22 passes for 149 yards and 1 TD. As a sophomore, he rushed for over 1000 yards with 8 TDs and 26 receptions and 3 TDs. Over his career, he rushed for 3638 yards on 591 carries for 6.2 yard average with 33 rushing TDs and 64 catches with 6 TDs. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 5’10”, 214 lbs. and ran a 4.54 time. He did 22 reps, a 4.21 shuttle and no other events. At the pro day, he looked sharp in drills, catching the ball and looking smooth in routes.

The Skinny: Natural runner and receiver with good speed to change games. Nice combination of speed, power and cutting skills. Combines the size, quickness and strength to get into the end zone. Well-rounded with the suddenness to get outside and make the corner with the burst to hit the home run. Rising talent probably goes in the top 50 prospects and capable of being a quality feature back similar to rookie sensation Alvin Kamara who we were very high on last year. Kamara’s YB Scouting Report is on web site. Also, Frank Gore and Isaiah Crowell in size, style and speed. Fine addition with starting talent to be a three down back, though more a complete 1A type and nice asset for any backfield.

Draft Projection: 2nd Round

Draft Insiders’ Rookie Spotlight – LB Darius Leonard – Colts

By Frank Coyle

       Draft Insiders’ will post Rookie spotlight players regularly and their Scouting Report from our NFL Draft 2018 Yearbook. Scouting Reports are written from the fall into March annually.

Rookie Darius Leonard has been one of the top impact first year players in the NFL this season. He has been a major difference maker for the Colts playoff run. He has been an every down defender and one of the most productive defenders in the league. His well rounded talent translated quickly to the NFL and he has been an interchangeable defender for all the Colts package defenses

 Here is his Scouting Report from Draft Insiders’ Yearbook 2018 written March 2018

 Darius Leonard #10     South Carolina St         6-2       235       – Sp. 4.65       
    Player Comparison: Thomas Davis                                   Rating 80

Athletic, active, senior finished his small college career with incredible consistency as an every down defender. Earned MEAC honors annually, completing his career with an impressive Senior Bowl week. Long rangy defender with fine field speed to make plays at the opposite sideline and drop in coverage. Lean frame and probably has maxed out at the 235 lb. level. His athleticism, quickness, toughness and consistent effort vs a high level of competition stand out on film. Good movement skills with good instincts and fluid hips. Top instincts and quick reactions to use his fine speed and athleticism to make plays. Fiery on-field character with explosive closing speed and able to cover a lot of ground quickly in pursuit. Flashes burst to close on the ball especially in close quarters. Powerful tackler and really brings his pads on contact and consistently able to finish. Good initial quickness off the snap to read plays and defeat blocking angles. Able to contort his body to dip around a block and drop ball-carriers. Holds point fairly well with adequate functional strength. Above average change-of-direction allows him to redirect in space and stay with receivers. Developing cover man with improving ball skills to compete for the Will position in the NFL. That is his best position. Very experienced and effective on all special teams’ coverage units where his sure tackling ranks him as one of the premier special teams’ defenders in this class. High level of self-motivation and excellent competitive drive. Outstanding quickness makes it tough for blockers to get a good fit and compensates for marginal size. Moves laterally well and keeps blockers off his body to flow to the ball. Well-developed backfield vision and usually on time recognizing route concepts. In 2017, he had 114 tackles with 12 TFL and 8.5 sacks, 10 QB hurries, 1 FF, 1 PBU and 2 interceptions. Earned 1st team MEAC honors. In 2016, started 11 games and posted 124 tackles with 14.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 4 FF, 3 PBU and 2 interceptions. Earned 1st team MEAC honors. Good early part time defender and special teams’ performer from his true freshman season. Over his career, recorded 394 tackles with 22 sacks, 53 TFLs, 8 FF, 3 FR, 6 interceptions and 7 PBUs. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 6’2”, 234 lbs. with 34 3/8” arms. He ran a 4.70 time with a 1.67 ten-yard split and did 17 reps.  He was average in the positional drills. Lack of ideal size causes concern about durability. Best fit as Will backer. Many of the same skills as Thomas Davis with keen instincts, big play talent and good work habits. Rising top 100 prospect with upside and the AA to become a pro playmaker in either a 4-3  or 3-4 set. Fine run and chase defender and rising talent with early starting ability. Needs work in coverage for nickel role, but displays the skills to start there. Outstanding special teams’ ability earns him a roster spot. Top three small college prospect to be a fixture in a 4-3 set. Probable Will starter with some coverage work. 

                                                                        Draft Projection: 3rd Round  

Senior Bowl 2019 Finalizes Roster

 Mobile, Ala. – The Reese’s Senior Bowl has finalized its 2019 roster with the addition of eight players.

This is another strong nationwide group of pro prospects assembled by first year Senior Bowl director, Jim Nagy.

 For Complete Senior Bowl 2019 Roster go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/accepted-invites.php

 Added to the roster this week were Alabama offensive lineman Ross Piersbacher, Ole Miss offensive lineman Javon Patterson, Texas A&M center Erik McCoy, linebacker Alaka Otaro and defensive lineman Kingsley Keke, Miami (FL) safety Sheldrick Redwine, Ohio State wide receiver Terry McLaurin and UC-Davis wide receiver Keelan Doss.

 McCoy is a fourth-year junior graduate who has declared for the 2019 NFL Draft. He is one of five junior graduates on this year’s roster, joining Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham, NC State wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, Utah State tight end Dax Raymond and West Virginia linebacker David Long.

 “After a very thorough process that actually began last summer, we are excited to finalize the rosters for our 70th annual Reese’s Senior Bowl game,” said Reese’s Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy. “Our main objective is to provide the 32 NFL member clubs with the best rosters possible and this collection of players truly represents the best that college football, at all levels, had to offer this year.”

 The official game week North/South rosters will be released on Wednesday, Jan. 16.

 The 2019 Reese’s Senior Bowl is January 26th at 1:30pm at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Tickets can be purchased at www.seniorbowl.com, at 151 Dauphin St. in downtown Mobile or at Piggly Wiggly locations.

 Reese’s Senior Bowl week begins on Monday, Jan. 21 and practices will be on Tuesday (Jan. 22), Wednesday (Jan. 23) and Thursday (Jan. 24) at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. They are free and open to the public.

 All three practices and the game will be televised live by NFL Network

              ** Senior Bowl Game – Jan 26, 2019 Mobile, Alabama – 1:30 pm CT- NFL Network **                                                   Weigh-in- Practices – Monday Jan 21st thru Thursday Jan 24th
                                            Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/

Raiders and 49ers Coaching Staffs Direct Senior Bowl Teams

The Senior Bowl announced this week that the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers have been selected by the NFL as the two coaching staffs for the 2019 All-star classic in Mobile, Ala. They are the two highest teams drafting with coaching staffs intact for the upcoming 2019 season.

 This marks the 70th year the NFL will send two of its full coaching staffs to the game’s premier all-star and pre-draft event. Reese’s Senior Bowl week starts on Monday, January 21st and concludes with the 70th annual Reese’s Senior Bowl on January 26th at 1:30 pm CT at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

*** Senior Bowl Game – Jan 26, 2019 Mobile, Alabama – 1:30 pm CT- NFL Network ***
                             Weigh-in- Practices – Monday Jan 21st thru Thursday Jan 24th
                       For Complete Senior Bowl info including updated Roster acceptances
Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/

 “The Reese’s Senior Bowl is excited to have the two Bay Area teams coaching in our 70th annual game,” said Reese’s Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy.  “The Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers are both iconic franchises. With eight Super Bowl victories between them, the Raiders and Niners are historic brands of the league and the Senior Bowl is honored to have them at our game this year.”

 The 49ers will coach the South team and have coached the Reese’s Senior Bowl five times, last coaching in the game in 2008, ending a stretch of three consecutive coaching appearances (Mike Nolan 2006-08). They also coached in 1975 (Dick Nolan) and 1981 (Bill Walsh).

 The Raiders, who will lead the North team, have also coached in the Reese’s Senior Bowl five times previously – 1992 (Art Shell), 1999 (Jon Gruden), 2005 (Norv Turner), 2008 (Lane Kiffin) and 2013 (Dennis Allen).

 Both the Raiders and 49ers finished with 4-12 records in 2018. The 49ers hold the second overall pick and the Raiders will select fourth in April’s 2019 NFL Draft.

 Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden will be coaching in the Reese’s Senior Bowl for the fourth time. He coached the North team as the Raiders head coach in 1999, falling to Bucs’ coach Tony Dungy and the South, 31-21. He then coached in the game twice as the head coach of the Bucs, in 2005 and 2007, going 1-1 in those games.

  “We’re fired up to have Jon Gruden back in Mobile,” Nagy said. “He brings such rare energy and passion to the game of football.  This is a unique opportunity for our fans to see and hear coach Gruden at field level during our practice week.”

 Gruden, 55, returned to coaching this season after spending nearly a decade in the broadcast booth. Gruden compiled a 95-81 (.540) regular season mark in his 12 seasons as a head coach with the Raiders (1999-2001, 2018) and Bucs (2002-2008) and a 5-4 postseason mark, which includes a victory in Super Bowl XXXVII.

 When he was initially hired by Al Davis with the Raiders in 1998, he was the youngest coach in the league at age 34 and posted a 38-26 record, leading the silver and black to back-to-back AFC West titles in 2000 and 2001, including a trip to the AFC Championship game in 2000.

 “The Oakland Raiders are excited to coach in the premier all-star game in the land,” Gruden said. “The opportunity to interact with the Senior Bowl rosters and help these great young men achieve their dreams has the entire Raider staff galvanized. We could not be more pumped to get to Mobile.”

 Shanahan, 39, who will coach the South, will be making his head coaching debut in the Senior Bowl, but coached twice in the game previously as an assistant. Ironically, his first coaching experience in the Reese’s Senior Bowl was in 2005 as the Offensive Quality Control Coordinator for Gruden with the Bucs. In 2012, he returned to Mobile as the Offensive Coordinator of the Washington Redskins, under his father Mike Shanahan.

 “Our players are lucky to have the opportunity to be around coach Shanahan and his staff for a week,” Nagy said. “He is one of the brightest offensive minds in the game today and the Reese’s Senior Bowl is excited that our fans will get an up-close look at how he prepares players.  In addition, we are excited to have a great football man like General Manager John Lynch around our game all week, as well.”

 “The Senior Bowl is a tremendous opportunity for NFL teams to get a firsthand look at some of the top college prospects, and the City of Mobile has always been a gracious host,” Lynch said. “The opportunity to coach these young men is an invaluable asset to our evaluation process and one that we are excited to have. We look forward to getting to know these guys personally while working with them on the practice field, in meetings and even in the dining facilities.”

 Shanahan has 15 seasons of coaching experience in the NFL, the past two as the 49ers’ head coach, where he has compiled a 10-22 record. Prior to his first head coaching position, he served as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons (2015-2016), Cleveland Browns (2014), Washington Redskins (2010-2013) and Houston Texans (2008-2009).

 Following the 2016 season, in which the Falcons appeared in Super Bowl LI, Shanahan was named the Associated Press Assistant Coach of the Year.