2015 Senior Bowl: Ten players to watch at pre-NFL Draft talent showcase
While the most important part of the 2015 Senior Bowl was the practices, the game provides ample value for NFL teams to watch live and request game video.
Some players thrive on game day, others need to solidify a strong week and others are at positions including running back and linebacker where video is more important than practice reps. Learn more on which players improved their draft stock and who stumbled.
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Today's all-star game begins at 4 p.m. ET in Mobile, Ala., with NFL scouts making final evaluations from a week's work. Ahead are the NFL Combine, Feb. 17-23 in Indianapolis, and other workouts.
It all culminates with the 2015 NFL Draft, beginning April 20 in Chicago.
Here are the 10 players, by position, that need a strong game to improve, maintain or recover their draft stock.
1. Shane Carden, QB, East Carolina
NFL teams see Carden is a "game-day" impresser, struggling in practices at East Carolina but making placement throws in action. After a rough week in Mobile that did nothing to alleviate teams' concerns over his arm strength, Carden needs a big game to remain in draft consideration.
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2. David Johnson, RB, Northern Iowa
This do-it-all prospect had a strong week in Mobile, showing quick feet, ample size, plus pass protection skills and NFL-ready receiving ability. Johnson runs a bit stiff, but if he can break out a handful of big plays he could be viewed as a safe pick with the upside as a situational H-back.
3. Dezmin Lewis, WR, Central Arkansas
This small school receiver generated plenty of buzz, showcasing downfield receiving talent, finishing ability and the upside to become a starter. Capping off the week with a big game could put him in line for second-round discussion.
4. La'el Collins, T, LSU
Collins struggled mightily in one-on-one pass protection drills. A mauling run blocker with devastating strength, he must show teams that he can be effective as a pass blocker if he hopes to keep his value as a top-20 option — and as a tackle prospect.
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5. Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
Shelton is a mountain of a man, especially with his tree-trunk legs and ability at 320 well enough to maintain lateral balance. He'll have value as a space eater and merit first-round grades. But if he can replicate the pass-rushing flashes he had during his senior season, Shelton could be in the top-10 pick discussion.
6. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
His impressive week demonstrated his length, lateral disruption and explosiveness as a pass rusher. Odighizuwa give tackle prospects trouble, so don't be surprised if Roger Goodell says his name in Round 1 of the NFL Draft. A big game could cement top-40 selection.
7. Hayes Pullard, LB, Southern Cal
Pullard transitioned his college success and versatility into a plus week in practice. Two of the top linebackers dropped out late in the process, so Pullard was expected to be the best 4-3 linebacker on display.
8. Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami (Ohio)
A basketball starter turned cornerback, Rollins impressed scouts by showing that despite being raw, his fluidity, ball skills and length are more than enough to be a option in the top three rounds. A strong game could pave the way to battling for a first-round pick.
9. D'Joun Smith, CB, Florida Atlantic
Smith made the most of his opportunity, showing in practice he can handle physical receivers and is fluid in transition in the mid-range and downfield coverage. In a strong cornerback class, Smith needs a few nice plays.
10. Josh Shaw, S, Southern Cal
After displaying an impressive frame, build and necessary size requirements at weigh-in, Shaw had an explosive week of practice. He looks the part of a versatile safety who can add nickel coverage value. After a tumultuous season off the field, Shaw must continue to keep quiet and impress scouts.