The annual Senior Bowl practices are under way in Mobile, Alabama, and the Eagles will be paying attention.
The Birds are expecting to have around eight draft picks this spring and they have drafted several players from the Senior Bowl in recent years.
Let’s take a look at 11 players who they should be watching:
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DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Yeah, let’s get the big one out of the way first. Smith isn’t practicing or playing this week because of a finger injury. The big news this week was that he actually declined to get measured (at least height and weight). That’s a big deal because he’s listed at 6-1, 175, which means he’s not 6-1, 175. Smith will get weighed at the Alabama pro day in about a month, so he’ll have some time to pack on a few pounds. Some people think it’s a major deal that he’s so light and other people don’t seem to care. The Eagles will have to decide for themselves because he’s a real option at No. 6.
Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
Toney had a big senior season for the Gators, catching 70 passes for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns. He measured in a shade under 6-foot and 189 pounds. If the Eagles want to wait to take a receiver until the second round, there’s a chance Toney might still be there at No. 37. He was primarily a slot guy at Florida, which means it’ll be interesting to see what the Eagles think of him. That was one of the main reasons they passed on Justin Jefferson last year. Oops.
Demetric Felton, RB, UCLA
Felton is a really intriguing prospect because he’s a converted WR, who might be able to do a ton of damage out of the backfield at the next level. In just six games in 2020, he had 668 rushing yards (5.1) and 159 receiving yards with 8 total touchdowns. He’s been compared to Colts running back Nyheim Hines, which is significant because Nick Sirianni and Kevin Patullo coached Hines for the last three years and made him an important part of that offense. Felton is already impressing in Mobile.
Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
Yes, Ifeatu is the younger brother of former second-round pick Obi Melifonwu, who rose up draft boards a few years ago. While Obi hasn’t become a star, hopefully that won’t be held against his younger brother. Ifeatu (6-3, 213) is just as gifted physically but is a little more refined as a defensive back. Milifonwu is probably a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick.
NFL
Robert Rochell, CB, Central Arkansas
Jim Schwartz is gone and I’m done listed corners under 6-foot. Sue me. Rochell is 6-0, 195 and is coming off an impressive college career. Rochell is obviously a small school guy but toward the end of his time at Central Arkansas, he began to dominate FCS competition. Rochell is going to test very well but the Senior Bowl is a great chance for him to show off against top competition and prove he belongs.
Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
Alex Leatherwood is considered by most to be the top tackle at this year’s Senior Bowl but don’t sleep on Eichenberg, who will be a Day 2 pick at worst. The recent history of Notre Dame offensive linemen certainly won’t hurt his stock.
Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma
One of the top players this year in Mobile, Humphrey is a rare left-handed center who was a three-year starter for the Sooners. He was named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2020.
Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina
Surratt is a cool story. He arrived in North Carolina as a quarterback but flipped to defense in 2019 and found immediate success, piling up 206 tackles in the last two seasons to go along with 12 1/2 sacks. He’s obviously still a little raw but has all the tools to be good at the next level.
Jabril Cox, LB, LSU
After three seasons at North Dakota State, where he led the Bison to three straight FCS championships, Cox went to LSU for one year and proved he could play big in the SEC too. At 6-2, 233 pounds, Cox is a modern age linebacker with coverage ability.
Carlos Basham, DE, Wake Forest
The appropriately named Basham is one of the more fun players in Mobile this week. At 6-5, 275 pounds, he’s a huge guy but moves really well and is pretty quick for his size. His sack totals dropped in 2020 but he had 19 1/2 in the last three seasons.
Quincy Roche, DE, Miami
Basham is huge but Roche (6-2, 243) is a little more what we’re used to seeing. After three years at Temple, Roche went to Miami and had another productive season. He totaled 30 1/2 sacks and 54 TFLs during his college career. While OL-DL 1-on-1 drills are a little unfair to offensive linemen, Roche got off to a good start in Mobile:
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