All-Star Game Losers

NFLPA Game:

Brandon Bridge, QB, South Alabama

A common theme when looking at all-star game losers are the QBs because no one really shined. Many draftniks are excited about Brandon Bridge and for good reason. He is 6’4 226 pounds with a good arm and athletic ability. Battling injuries throughout this season, Bridge had the chance to make a statement in the NFLPA game and did not take the opportunity by the horns. The accuracy issues that plagued Bridge all season continued to rear its ugly head in practices and the game. He could be drafted based on physical tools alone, but has not shown he can play at the professional level.

Chad Slade, OG, Auburn

Slade isn’t a bad player by any means, but he doesn’t show much flash. With a ton of college experience (45 straight starts,) one would expect Slade to be a legit prospect and go to the Senior Bowl. But, Slade is a mediocre pass protector and struggled with his pass protection through NFLPA week. With more teams leaning on guards to both run and pass block, Slade did not help himself against the NFLPA competition. Slade is a late round pick at best.

Shrine Game

Taylor Heinicke, QB, Old Dominion

Heinicke was extremely productive this season throwing for nearly 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns and looked like he could develop into an NFL backup. The Shrine Game was not kind to Heinicke as he struggled with advancing his ability to read a difference and put the ball in catchable locations for his WRs. He looks like more of a project than he did at times during the season and likely put himself in the undrafted range.

Edmond Robinson, LB, Newberry

Small schooler Robinson didn’t have a bad week as he definitely showcased the athletic ability that will get him drafted. At 6’3, 251 pounds with 34 inch arms, Robinson looks the part of a dominant linebacker, but he really struggled with both the physical and mental fundamentals of the game. He did not show improvement in reading and reacting or his hand usage in the pass rush, two major flaws. Robinson’s combine will likely reinvigorate his stock, but for now, it is bullish.

Jake Ryan, LB, Michigan

Ryan is a longtime starter who has been extremely productive for the Wolverines. He looks like a future NFL thumper and the Shrine Game was a big opportunity to showcase that he could be even more than that. Unfortunately, Ryan struggled mightily in practice in coverage and with his lateral mobility. He looked more like a backup and special teamer than a top 100 pick and pushed himself down into the latter rounds.

Senior Bowl:

TJ Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh

Clemmings was coming into the Senior Bowl with a lot of hype after a fantastic season at RT. The Pitt standout led the way to one of the most prolific rushing offenses in the country and it was only his second year playing offense in college. He showed just how raw he was at the Senior Bowl as he struggled with pass rush diversity and inside moves when going one on one in drills. Clemmings had the chance to push himself into the top half of the first round, but ultimately looks more like a late first round pick with raw upside.

Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford

Montgomery was discussed as a first round pick back in October, but a rough end to the season left his place in the draft in doubt. The Senior Bowl would be an ideal place for the all around threat to establish himself as a top WR option. Montgomery was overshadowed by WRs such as Phillip Dorsett, Devin Smith, and Sammie Coates. Montgomery didn’t flash exceptional ability or dominate like many thought he could and should. This could push him down team’s boards in a pretty stacked WR class.

Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor

Bryce Petty’s draft stock is hotly debated with many feeling that he is the 3rd or 4th best QB in this class to many putting him in the late rounds (he ranks 8th on my QB board). Petty has flashed NFL potential leading a successful Baylor offense and showcasing a great arm strength with the zip on his passes. With Brett Hundley skipping the Senior Bowl, Petty could have shown he was worth a top pick in a weak QB class but did just the opposite. His accuracy was erratic and in the game itself he struggled mightily reading the defense and going through progressions. The adjustment to the NFL will be a big one and after having a concussion and spinal injury this past season, his stock is trending way down.