MOBILE, Ala. — It’ll be a busy few days in Alabama for a bunch of football players hoping to catch the eyes of hundreds of NFL scouts and personnel men.
The actual game doesn’t happen until Saturday, but the three days of Senior Bowl practices, starting on Tuesday afternoon in Mobile, will go a long way in determining the futures of many soon-to-be pro athletes.
The Eagles, along with every other NFL team, will be well represented at this year’s event. And there are plenty of players on both the North and South rosters who will garner plenty of attention. There are more than 10, but that’s where we’ll start.
Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State — Wentz will probably have the most eyes on him this week. He’s been a fast-riser over the last few weeks and for good reason. He’s a big body with a big arm, things that can’t be taught. But he also hasn’t faced top-notch competition at North Dakota State. He can make his stock rise a ton this week.
Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State — You remember Miller, don’t you? The former starting quarterback from Ohio State. He switched positions and is obviously a rather raw talent because of his lack of familiarity to the position. But he’s a heckuva an athlete and has the body type and athleticism wanted from a wideout.
Tyler Matakevich, LB, Temple — No, the Eagles don’t need a linebacker, but some team will take Temple’s best defensive player. If you’re from the Philly area and got a chance to watch him play this year, you’ll probably be watching where he ends up.
Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State — Prescott was a guy who was about as hot as a quarterback prospect could be a year ago, but really cooled off. But he is a multi-dimensional player who can really up his draft status with a good week in Mobile.
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Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama — Jones is a pretty good cornerback, but forget that for a second. He’s a great returner. He’s someone who can be a difference-maker as a returner at the next level.
Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech — This guy has a lot of wear and tear, but it’s hard to overlook his accomplishments. He was a monster during his collegiate career and, aside from his skills as a running back, can catch the ball out of the backfield too.
Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State — Whitehair, based on what experts say, could be about the most NFL-ready guard in this class. NBC’s Josh Norris even mocked him to the Eagles at No. 13. Now, that might be high for Whitehair or any guard, for that matter, but he’s someone to watch.
Le’Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech — Clark is a big, athletic offensive tackle. He has the chance to wow some onlookers this weekend with his athleticism. He might be the best offensive tackle in Mobile this week.
Jacoby Brissett, QB, NC State — Talk about a guy who will be fun to watch this week. Brissett is pretty unpolished as an NFL quarterback prospect, but his athleticism might be enough for one team to fall in love with him. He’s not going to be a first-rounder and is definitely a project, but there’s a good chance he’ll entice some team to use a mid-round pick on him.