2010 Senior Bowl Preview

With the excitement brewing, the action kicks off in Mobile, Alabama where representatives of all 32 NFL teams will be there for the start of Senior Bowl week. This week-long event will allow a selected few to officially begin an arduous four-month interview for the NFL. Throughout the week, scouts and general managers will have the opportunity to watch members of the North and South squads practice and respond to NFL coaching. Tony Sparano and the Dolphins’ staff will lead the South team while Jim Schwartz and the Lions’ staff will coach the North team. After a week of one-on-one matchups against some of college’s finest athletes, the week will culminate with a game pitting the two sides against one another inside Ladd Peebles Stadium.

Players to Watch

Tim Tebow, QB, Florida – Several weeks ago, Tim Tebow officially committed to playing in the Senior Bowl. It’s a decision that must have placed a smile on the faces of so many NFL scouts. By accepting the invitation to play this week, Tebow put himself under heavy scrutiny. Scouts will be watching his footwork dropping back from underneath center and how his poor mechanics translate to an even playing field with no system to disguise weaknesses. If Tebow can react well to coaching and put on a show, he could very well become one of the very top quarterbacks taken based on athleticism and leadership, as well as his new found potential.

Taylor Mays, S, USC – After Tim Tebow, Mays is probably the most polarizing prospect in the draft. He has drawn all sorts of labels depending on who you talk to. With Mays, his athleticism isn’t a concern – he’s expected to light it up next month – but angles and coverage are often two negatives often brought up in association with his name. This week, he can help himself by holding up in coverage over the week.

Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma – Williams’ potential was probably higher after last season when he played right tackle to Phil Loadholt. This year he struggled a bit with speed at left tackle, so this is where he can really reclaim some of the lost money in draft stock, so to speak. The one-on-one drills are a crowd pleaser and in his case, the most direct path back into the top 10.

Vladimir Ducasse, OG, Massachusetts – This week always means the most for small school players with a lot to prove as far as level of competition is concerned. Ducasse is a talented, hard-working individual who could really make a splash this week. He came to the United State from Haiti only as a teenager and was late to start playing football. While his Football IQ is still improving, he has the athleticism, strength and drive to play either inside at guard, or outside at tackle. If he can display some nimble footwork, he would have much more value as a dual-position player and solidify a standing as a potential late first round prospect.

Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho – Iupati will face a lot of the same obstacles that Ducasse does. He’s more of a traditional mauler though that will have to show enough quickness to handle some tough interior pass-rushing tackles who always seem to make a lot of money this week. If he can lessen concerns of his pass-protection, he could potentially be the first guard off the board.

Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati – In a QB class that’s weak toward the top, Pike could seize this opportunity to shine much like a similar towering quarterback did a couple years ago. Pike is one of the stable prospects in the draft. Many realize he good accuracy and is a good decision-maker, but does he have the arm strength to zip passes downfield? This will be Pike’s opportunity to come away from Mobile as the best quarterback prospect in town.

Dan LeFevour, QB, Central Michigan – After a splendid college career highlighted with elite production, LeFevour needs to prove he can translate to an NFL offense. He hasn’t garnered the buzz of a Colt McCoy, primarily because of the level of competition, but to me, I can see him coming out this week as a better prospect. Of course, things could also turn the other way if he doesn’t respond well underneath center.

Myron Rolle, S, Florida State – The former FSU standout is one of the athletes here that everyone will be rooting for. He took a year off from football to attend Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship. He was projected to be a mid-round prospect in last year’s draft, but a year away from the game will only have hurt that. This is Rolle’s opportunity to demonstrate his talent that made him one of the nation’s leading recruits and put him back on the map with developmental potential.

Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan – Graham has been drawing a lot of comparisons to Michigan alum LaMarr Woodley. However, he’s been facing criticisms of athleticism and closing speed, which could drop him into the second round. If he can continue to flash a variety of moves, pro-readiness, and most importantly the speed around edge, Graham could work his way back into a range more indicative of his collegiate success.

Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU – Hughes was relatively quiet on his biggest stage, but now has the opportunity to reclaim the buzz he received through much of the year. He beat lesser competition with ease throughout the year and needs to prove that he can beat the best with his speed. Equally important, Hughes will be tested to see how he holds up with his hips and overall fluidity as some 3-4 teams hope he can translate to outside linebacker.

Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee – This could be the week Williams solidifies himself as a first round prospect. This week isn’t suited to his abilities because he’s more of a traditional two-gapper, but if he comes out garnering any sort of positive buzz, the results should be magnified even more.

Complete Rosters: 2010 North Roster | 2010 South Roster