Day 2 Reese’s Senior Bowl Notes and Observations: Trenches dominate again and linebackers have started to emerge

The Falcons have to love what they’re seeing from defenders in Mobile, and they’re not alone.

It’s 70 degrees and sunny in Mobile, Alabama, perfect weather to watch future draft hopefuls duke it out for an opportunity to raise their stock. The trenches have been the talk of the NFL community in attendance, but other position groups have started to gain traction, and pecking orders are developing.

The best EDGE prospect through two days has been Marshall’s Mike Green. The bend and variety of speed moves were known strengths, but many needed to see that speed converted to power (against better competition), and Green wasted little time in today’s pass rush session. Josh Conerly Jr (who was dining at Wintzell’s Oyster House with agent Drew Rosenhaus behind me last night) unfortunately received that physics lesson from Green.

Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart, a power-to-power-to-even-more-power player, has been a tank. Try as they might, the tackles on the American roster have struggled to anchor against the pass rusher, and it’s hard to blame them. Stewart has found himself in the backfield during team sessions on more than one occasion and has generated a good amount of buzz from those in attendance.

Ole Miss EDGE Princely Umanmielen had to shut his day down early due to an injury, but thankfully, it did not appear serious. Umanmielen has had a neutral all-star week and hasn’t given us much to discuss, but that’s not unique in this environment. Too often, the all-star week is overweighted and overrated in terms of prospect projection. That statement applies to Arkansas EDGE Landon Jackson, whose performance has been somewhat uninspiring. However, Jackson is a toolsy prospect that many already believed needed refinement, so expecting that to happen between the end of the CFB season and now is unreasonable.

South Carolina EDGE Kyle Kennard has been “Steady Eddie,” notching solid wins in one-on-one drills and showing up during teams. He’s a Day 2 prospect with a solid floor, and someone else who’s having a week similar to him is his American roster teammate Barryn Sorrell. Sorrell has built off his solid Day 1 with another respectable performance, which aligns with his consistent college production. There will be Day 2 edges worth grabbing and real opportunities for double-dipping.

The off-ball linebacker group is starting to come into form, and tiers are beginning to form. Oklahoma State LB Nickolas Martin had the best performance in coverage drills during the National Team’s practice. He also recorded the third-fastest top speed in the position group on Day 1. You could describe him as fast and physical.

Syracuse safety/LB Justin Barron has been playing the position this week for the first time, and the coverage ability is noticeable. Barron has good instincts in that area, and his versatility makes him an intriguing option for nickel-heavy defenses.

Notre Damn LB Jack Kiser looked like the best overall linebacker of the day. The run instincts are noticeable during team sessions, and his coverage ability shined in one-on-ones. He took most of his reps at WILL but also had MIKE duties.

South Carolina LB Demetrius Knight II is a spark plug and plays with attitude. He’s fearless and one of the better MIKE options here. Florida LB Shemar James had a bit of a down day compared to Day 1, but the tools he offers align with what the Falcons’ new defensive staff covets–lateral speed and run-and-hit ability.

I have TWO non-front seven takes for those clamoring for more information on that front. Louisville CB Quincy Riley has showcased inside-out ability and has been fun to watch. Jerry Gray and the defensive back brain trust on staff could fall in love with him. TCU WR Jack Bech had an impressive catch in double coverage today while displaying consistent hands throughout. He doesn’t necessarily fit what the Falcons need, but a good player is a good player.

Now, back to the trenches.

Florida State IDL Joshua Farmer drew attention with a solid Day 2 performance. Farmer called out IOL standout Grey Zabel in pass rush drills and won the rep convincingly. The North Dakota State player did get his get back on the next go-round, but seeing Farmer’s desire to compete made me a fan.

I have not been as high on Kentucky IDL Deone Walker as others, and that has remained unchanged through two days of practice. Walker has struggled with his pad level, and the interior players have been able to take advantage of it. It’s a hard habit for a man of his stature to break.

Ole Miss IDL Walter Nolen had to shut his day down early, but the player has looked like a prospect worthy of pick 15. Virginia Tech IDL Aeneas Peebles has been a tough competitor and has performed well through two days. He’s consistently in the backfield on run plays, has a nice get-off, and knows how to use his hands. He’s someone that I’m excited to do a deeper dive into in the coming months.

There’s no shortage of options for teams like the Atlanta Falcons that need to bolster their front seven. Some of the best players in the draft aren’t even here.

Terry Fontenot may be strapped for picks, but as he mentioned in his end-of-the-year presser, trading down is an option. This does look like the year to pull that move off, but we’ll have to see if the regime finds multiple players in that first round they’d be more than happy with or if one, in particular, becomes the apple of their eye.

One more practice session to go. Let us know what you think of what’s transpired thus far.