There may not be a more thrilling time in draft season then Senior Bowl week, especially with the depth and talent spread across all seven rounds this season. A class without a clear leader for a QB1, plenty of top defensive talent and depth among the tight end and EDGE group really sets the stage to be one of the more competitive weeks of practice in recent memory.
As part of Blue Chip Scouting’s coverage of the Senior Bowl, I was tasked to key in on the tight end and safety groups for both the American and National teams. It was clear though, however the top players in each respective position group belonged to the National squad, but a handful of players caught my eye after reviewing the first day of practice film from the Senior Bowl.
Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State (#88 in practice)
By far the best tight end on day one of the Senior Bowl was Ohio State tight end Jeremy Ruckert. Known for his prowess as a receiver in the Buckeyes offense, his blocking ability was the trait that caught my eye with how well he positioned himself and the natural knack to work to get his hands inside. While it wasn’t all pretty for him, I thought Ruckert did a nice job in one on one scenarios working to cut off the backside defensive end like he accomplishes in the play below. All of these tight ends had up and down days in the trenches but Ruckert’s technique shows real promise.
The route running ability was never going to be the question for Ruckert, and it showed early on. He showcased the ability to create separation at the top of is route, which is incredibly important with how matched the athleticism is across the board in Mobile. Ruckert may have been an afterthought in this tight end class before the week began but he can make a strong case by closing the week strong.
Other notes: It was largely a mixed bag for other tight ends across both teams. Colorado State tight end Trey McBride flashed a few reps where he was able to make some tightly contested catches but his lack of separation at the top of routes showed His blocking technique must be refined or become more consistent, his hands kept sliding up the shoulder pads.. San Diego State tight end Daniel Bellinger was the best blocking tight end of the day, and showed great route tempo speed working across the field. Look out for him to build off of that. Greg Dulcich is the fastest tight end at the Senior Bowl’; Wisconsin tight end Jake Ferguson was solid, steady, flying a bit under the radar. Charlie Kolar had a solid day as well but we learned nothing new about his play speed nor his in-line blocking ability. Cole Turner, Grant Calcaterra and Isaiah Likely all had relatively quiet practices.
Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois (#36 in practice)
Another player in the Big Ten is the biggest standout in his position group on day one. Illinois safety Kerby Joseph has gained momentum in the latter months leading up to the Senior Bowl with his range, speed and instincts to play as a true single-high safety. The beautiful thing about the Senior Bowl is how the NFL coaches move players around and put them in positions they didn’t play in college or lack experience with.
This was the case for Joseph, who saw quire a bit of snaps as a box, low hole defender/TE stopper. Kerby excelled in that role, being disruptive against tight ends like Trey McBride and utilizing his 33 and 1/4 inch arms to get hands in the passing lane. Much like Richie Grant became the talk of the town in Mobile, I can see Kerby Joseph making the same type of fanfare around his draft stock.
Other notes: Baylor Safety/Nickel Jalen Pitre was another big standout from practices, with his activity in the short area zones and how well he operated in one on ones against tight ends. Joseph made a few more plays in team setting that gave him the edge but Pitre was impressive in his own right. Texas A&M safety Leon O’Neal made a handful of plays coming downhill in the run game but want to see reps of him in one on one coverage situations. Kentucky safety Yusuf Corker and Texas safety/nickel Josh Thompson both had a handful of quality reps but made no plays on the football. Baylor safety JT Woods ran the alley well in the team period, as well as quality single high reps. He’s a likely low-hole player at the next level. Toledo safety Tycen Anderson didn’t look comfortable in one one situations but works well in the short area zones.
Honorable Mention: Listed a cornerback, Nebraska defensive back Cam Taylor-Britt was the most physical and versatile player of the day. Seeing snaps at nickel, safety, in the box and outside corner, Taylor-Britt was sticky in man coverage outside of one rep in the one-on-one session and set the tone on the back end. He had a near interception later in the team period, and he came up hobbling later, so let’s hope it’s nothing too serious.
