Senior Bowl South Team Practice Report Day 2 Led by Lane Johnson

North Practice Report

Notes on Day 2 (Tuesday’s) South Practice:

Quarterbacks:

Tyler Wilson, Arkansas:

Wilson followed up a good day with an even better day today. He missed on a couple passes in the early going during 1-on-1’s, but he really picked it up after that. He showed really good touch, and I really liked his footwork and the way the ball came out of his hand.

E.J. Manuel, FSU:

Manuel has been very up-and-down. He’ll complete 2 or 3 really tough throws, then miss on some easier ones. Love his size and ability to move around the pocket, but accuracy and decision making are more questionable. He does have a really nice deep ball, but was a hair off on a number of his throws down the field. That could just be working with unfamiliar receivers.

Landry Jones, Oklahoma:

In the early going Jones threw perhaps the best pass thrown by any of the six quarterbacks today, unfortunately he didn’t come close to repeating that throughout the rest of practice. On quick/short throws he’s really good and gets the ball out quickly. But when dropping back from under center or making progressions he struggles.

Running backs:

Stepfan Taylor, Stanford:

Taylor has had back-to-back tremendous practices and has not really shown any weaknesses to his game. The worst you can say about him is he doesn’t have elite speed, but few backs who weigh 216 lbs do. He’s strong, he’s physical, he’s showing excellent vision. I love how decisive he is in finding his hole and exploding through it. Really love the burst, the hands, and his cutting ability. He’s very much putting on a show and is pushing his way into the 2nd day.

Tight End:

Mychal Rivera, Tennessee:

Jim Schwartz coaches South team in practice.

He hasn’t stood out, but he’s quietly having a nice week. He catches the ball well, shows some burst. For a smaller tight end he’s done okay blocking. Doesn’t excel in any one area, but shows some upside.

Michael Williams, Alabama:

Another really good day, for such a big tight end he sure seems to be catching the ball well and getting open. He won’t challenge you vertically, but he’s not a blocking (still his strong suit) tight end only.

Vance McDonald, Rice:

McDonald didn’t have a very good day dropping a couple passes throughout the day. On just about every drop the ball was placed right in the strike zone, which should make that an automatic catch. He did redeem himself some with his blocking and route running, but the drops will hurt him.

Wide Receiver:

Terrence Williams, Baylor:

Didn’t have as great of a day, but was still very impressive. He is the fastest and most explosive receiver on this roster, and is at his best when asked to get vertical. Reminds me some of Mike Wallace. A couple reps he was beaten or re-routed too easily, but overall a strong day.

Conner Vernon, Duke:

Had a really nice day, and with Ryan Swope out definitely showed he can be the sure-handed slot receiver that works the middle of the field and eats the zone alive. Vernon had a number of really nice catches and was very fluid in his route running.

Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech:

Had a great second day, showed really nice strong hands, snatching the ball away from defenders on a couple of reps. He showed good speed and was not easily pressed at all.

Offensive Line:

Brian Schwenke, Cal:

Good solid day for Schwenke, showed a lot of nice traits that you look for in a lineman: technically sound, good anchor, nice feet, a little movement to block out in space. He also looks to be a hard worker and seems to get good feedback from the coaches.

Lane Johnson, Oklahoma:

Johnson had another great day, really stonewalled a number of defenders. Shows really nice feet and a good punch. I think he’s still better against the pass than against the run.

Larry Warford, Kentucky:

Great day of practice, rarely see him give an inch of ground and in the run game really gets on the defense. I like the way he gets to the second level for a guy his size. He is looking like a day one starter for some team and a top 75 pick.

Defensive Line:

John Jenkins, Georgia:

Jenkins had a great day, the only offensive lineman that did anything against him was Warford, other than that he dominated the line of scrimmage. Loved to see his hustle getting down the line on stretch plays. Also saw him chasing from behind on a short pass, he wasn’t conceding even though it was a wide receiver and he had a 5 yard head start. Coaches (and they should) will love that kind of heart.

Montari Hughes, Tennessee Martin:

Hughes was out yesterday due to injury and was even told by his reps that he shouldn’t risk it, but he went out there today and had a huge practice. At 6’4″ 328, he’s a force out there and it showed. He was in the backfield quite a bit and really finished plays well. Really impressed by his work ethic and dedication.

Lavar Edwards, LSU:

Shows some edge rushing ability, but needs to get more consistent, Also he overpursued on a couple of run plays.

Defensive Backs:

Leon McFadden, San Diego State:

Not as strong as yesterday, but still a really nice practice.

B.W. Webb, William & Mary:

Great all-around practice, did a really nice job throughout. Rerouted receivers, stayed on them despite double moves. He also looked good when lined up off man and was able to react to the ball.

Shawn Williams, Georgia:

Non-descript day, didn’t really stand out, but wasn’t beaten that much either.

Bacarri Rambo, Georgia:

Another poor day, he struggled in coverage. Biting on a double move and just slow to move to the ball. His pursuit was off both against the pass and run. Yet once again he showed all the proper tools in the position drills.

J.J. Wilcox, Georgia Southern:

Still struggled some in the drills, but looked better in the 1-on-1’s and team scrimmage.Obvious that he’s still one of the more raw players out there, but was tighter in coverage today and showed better reaction time.

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