MOBILE, Alabama — The Press-Register consulted with pro football observers who kept a close watch on Senior Bowl practices and got a feel for how certain players helped or hurt their NFL stock during their week in Mobile.
The keys:
UP: Helped.
DOWN: Hurt.
EVEN: No change.
Here are the general assessments for the Senior Bowl’s Class of 2011:
Auburn players
EVEN: DB Zac Etheridge: The question about him remains his health and his past neck injury. Later physical exams will be a key. He figures to be a late-round pick.
EVEN: LB Josh Bynes: Strictly an inside linebacker. Lacks the first-step quickness that some hoped to see. Wearing a brace on his left knee while here also might be a concern for some teams.
EVEN: OL Lee Ziemba: His comfort zone is at left or right tackle. He didn’t look good when he received some reps at guard during the week and probably projects as a third- or fourth-rounder.
Alabama players
UP: OL James Carpenter: The week helped Carpenter because he played all four line positions other than center. He demonstrated some versatility and helped himself probably more than any other Crimson Tide player.
EVEN: QB Greg McElroy: Blew people away with his interviews. Had a solid week, but nothing flashy. He’ll probably be a late-round selection.
EVEN: TE Preston Dial: Showed the qualities he demonstrated at Alabama — toughness, versatility and aggressiveness. He needs to have a better 40-yard time at pro day, which could improve his draft status.
Local players
DOWN: WR Courtney Smith, South Alabama: The big question is his speed. If you can’t win with speed, you have to win with body position. He dropped some balls, and the week was a bit of a reality check for him. If he records a good 40 time, somebody might take a chance on him.
UP: OL Rodney Hudson, Florida State: He had a solid week, and he’s a solid player. He’s never going to be a 300-pound mauler, but he’s tough, feisty, technically strong and knows how to play. He might get a look at center down the line.
Others
UP: DE Cameron Jordan, Cal: May have had the best week of any player here. He dominated his end of the field and looked like a first-round talent.
UP: TE Luke Stocker, Tennessee: He had an impressive week for someone who probably lost some momentum with NFL scouts during the season.
UP: WR Titus Young, Boise State: He’s only 174 pounds, but he flashed big-play capability. He made good catches all week and had success as a returner.
UP: WR Vincent Brown, San Diego State: He caught the ball well all week, and while not a top-drawer starter, he could help a team.
UP: WR Leonard Hankerson, Miami: Consistently made catches throughout the week of pra
via Senior Bowl 2011: Which players rose, which fell in NFL’s eyes | al.com.
