Estimated studying time: 6 minutes
Probably the most thrilling components of the pre-draft course of is seeing particular person matchups between star gamers vying for higher draft positioning. These matchups are notably fascinating throughout one-on-one drills at all-star practices when scouts get to these prospects’ expertise in better element.
Right here, we’ll break down a number of the most fascinating potential matchups that might happen in the course of the week of follow or doubtlessly within the Senior Bowl sport that caps off the week.
American Workforce: Alabama QB Jalen Milroe vs. Oklahoma S Billy Bowman Jr.
Milroe has arguably essentially the most to show of any quarterback on the Senior Bowl. When he will get his alternatives to shine in seven-on-seven and crew intervals, he’ll be squaring off with Oklahoma ballhawk Billy Bowman Jr.
Remember the fact that though Bowman didn’t personally choose off Milroe, the Sooners protection did 3 times and the Crimson Tide’s playoff hopes successfully resulted in that loss. Milroe is bound to be searching for revenge on this week’s practices.
American Workforce: TCU WR Jack Bech vs. Ole Miss CB Trey Amos
Bech might be within the highlight as a latest riser up the board. He’ll get a chance to face off with Trey Amos in one-on-ones. Amos is the highest-ranked cornerback in attendance on PFF’s massive board and completed this previous season with a 76.4 man protection grade, a top-15 mark within the class.
Nationwide Workforce: Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins vs. Florida State CB Azareye’h Thomas
Higgins completed the 2024 season with the very best receiving grade within the Energy 4 at his place. He’s a giant goal at practically 6-foot-4, so his means to separate might be essential when figuring out his draft inventory. He’ll face a powerful check in Thomas, who’s constructed to win one-on-one drills along with his size and expertise in press-man protection coming from Florida State.
American Workforce: SMU RB Brashard Smith vs. South Carolina LB Demetrius Knight Jr.
Smith is a former broad receiver who understandably led all certified working backs with a 90.6 receiving grade in 2024. He may very nicely showcase his value as a premier route runner at his place. Knight is changing into a favourite amongst scouts for his means to diagnose and defend the run. If he exhibits a couple of good reps in opposition to a participant like Smith, he could possibly be in consideration to be the primary linebacker chosen within the draft.
Nationwide Workforce: Syracuse RB LeQuint Allen vs. Syracuse LB Justin Barron
Typically, it’s enjoyable to see former teammates battle, and that would be the case when Allen and Barron face off in follow. The one-on-one intervals must be notably fascinating as a result of Allen is without doubt one of the higher receiving backs within the class whereas Barron is a former security who will want to have the ability to cowl gamers like Allen on the subsequent degree.
Nationwide Workforce: Bowling Inexperienced TE Harold Fannin Jr. vs. Iowa S Sebastian Castro
This might be an enormous week for Fannin to show that his record-breaking season at Bowling Inexperienced wasn’t a mirage. He’ll must show he’s an satisfactory blocker at simply 238 kilos, but it surely must be enjoyable to look at him battle within the passing sport in opposition to somebody like Sebastian Castro.
Castro has been probably the greatest slot corners within the nation over the previous couple of years. Though he’s listed as a security, he’ll nonetheless possible get some reps in man protection going through gamers like Fannin.
Nationwide Workforce: West Virginia OT Wyatt Milum vs. Marshall EDGE Mike Inexperienced
The Mates of Coal Bowl could possibly be within the highlight if we see West Virginia’s Wyatt Milum face off with Marshall’s Mike Inexperienced. Milum was the nation’s highest-grade deal with this season whereas Inexperienced was the highest-graded edge defender. Both of them may solidify a first-round choice this week, so any matchups between them could be fascinating to look at.
American Workforce: Missouri OT Armand Membou vs. Ole Miss EDGE Princely Umanmielen
Two of the perfect gamers within the SEC may collide as Membou and Umanmielen reside on the identical squad. Membou ranked third amongst FBS tackles in general grade this 12 months whereas Umanmielen ranked ninth amongst edge defenders.
Georgia Tech TE Jackson Hawes (American) vs. Arkansas ED Landon Jackson (Nationwide)
Georgia Tech’s Jackson Hawes is without doubt one of the premier run blocking tight ends on this class. If he will get to face Arkansas edge defender Landon Jackson, we are going to see a enjoyable and bodily matchup. Jackson’s 88.7 run-defense grade tied him for the third-best mark within the FBS this final season.
Jacksonville State G Clay Webb (American) vs. Virginia Tech DT Aeneas Peebles (Nationwide)
Jacksonville State’s Clay Webb is a former Georgia switch who had three excellent seasons with the Gamecocks. His run-blocking was excellent once more this season, however his pass-blocking grade dipped to 72.7. He’ll must show he can constantly block somebody like Virginia Tech’s Aeneas Peebles, who completed this season atop the FBS with a 91.2 cross rush grade.
Illinois WR Pat Bryant (Nationwide) vs. Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston (American)
Large receiver Pat Bryant and cornerback Maxwell Hairston are two gamers possible aiming to solidify their standing as day two prospects. Bryant had an impressive season for the Preventing Illini, racking up practically 1,000 yards and rating eleventh within the FBS in receiving grade. Hairston was bothered by accidents this season however completed 2023 with a superb 85.3 protection grade.
Minnesota OT Aireontae Ersery (Nationwide) vs. Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart (American)
We may even see two monsters sq. off within the trenches if Minnesota’s Aireontae Ersery faces Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart on sport day. The practically 340-pound Ersery is without doubt one of the strongest run blockers within the class. The 281-pound Stewart earned a terrific 88.2 run protection grade in 2024, the sixth-best mark within the nation amongst certified edge defenders.
