MOBILE, Ala. -- With three days of Reese's Senior Bowl practices in the books, 100-plus prospects for the 2023 ߣÏÈÉúAV Draft are on the verge of wrapping up a crucial job interview. ߣÏÈÉúAV.com's Daniel Jeremiah provides a look at 10 players who helped themselves the most during the week leading up to Saturday's game.
Tune in for a Senior Bowl practice recap show Thursday at 11:30 p.m. ET on ߣÏÈÉúAV Network, and don't miss exclusive coverage of the Senior Bowl game at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
Miami's Tyrique Stevenson is my highest-rated cornerback here in Mobile, and he was really consistent on Tuesday and Wednesday before not participating in practice on Thursday. He can get a little too handsy in coverage at times, but he proved he can run with the all-star wide receivers. He's a feisty player.
However, the corner that excited me the most this week was Brents. At 6-foot-3, 202 pounds, he's loose and fluid for a big player at the position. South Carolina CB Darius Rush deserves a mention, as well. Stevenson, Brents and Rush are big, athletic guys who can make plays on the ball.
Sydney Brown, S, Illinois
Brown reminded me of a former Illinois safety we saw last year in the Senior Bowl -- the Lions' Kerby Joseph, who had a very good rookie season. They went to the same school and they both have great instincts, and big-time production. Brown trusted his eyes this week and it paid off.
Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State
There wasn't a stellar group of quarterbacks in Mobile, but I thought Haener flashed the most of this year's crop. The ball jumped out of his hands during practice, and he was accurate. He's already shown he's tough, coming back from an ankle injury last season and spearheading the Bulldogs' run to a Mountain West championship. I think Haener's stock could benefit from Brock Purdy's incredible run as a rookie after he was drafted with the final pick last year.
Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
The big test for Henley was how he would hold up in coverage against all-star competition. Well, he passed that test with flying colors. He's instinctive and he can run. Henley has a chance to be a Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) pick.
Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State
McDonald has been the best pure rusher here, with his combination of speed and the ability to bend at the top of his rush. There's no doubt he has the top spin move of anyone at the Senior Bowl. I think he's a lock to be a top-50 pick. He might even go in the first round when it's all said and done. To me, he's a better player than the Titans' Harold Landry was back in 2018 as a prospect out of Boston College, and Landry went early in Round 2 (41st overall).
John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
Schmitz is probably the most consistent player here. I'm not sure he had a bad rep in practice. He is strong, powerful and tough. He's interviewed really well during his meetings with teams this week. I've been told his character is off the charts. I don't see him being available beyond Day 2 of the draft. Schmitz is a member of the American team, which is loaded with future ߣÏÈÉúAV starters on the offensive line, including Florida OG O'Cyrus Torrence and TCU OG Steve Avila, who showed he can all play all three spots on the interior during practice this week.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
Spears was the best running back in Mobile, whether he was toting the rock or catching it. He during Wednesday's practice and when he's matched up against a safety one on one, the defender can't even get a finger on him. He's bigger and stronger than I expected.
Keion White, Edge, Georgia Tech
He came in as my top-rated Senior Bowl player, and I thought he improved every day. He didn't have that wow moment that jumped out to everyone, but he was steady. White has big-time power, as we saw in some of the one-on-ones and the team period on Thursday. He's a Round 1 player.
Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati
It's a really strong tight end group this year, and Musgrave -- the best of the bunch -- improved over the course of the week. He's getting back into football shape after missing all but two games last season due to injury. Whyle is the tight end who helped himself the most this week, though. He measured 6-foot-6 1/2, 260 pounds, and he can move. He's done a good job in the run game, as well.
Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford
First of all, I believe Wilson is going to be an unbelievable special teams player in the ߣÏÈÉúAV. So, we can start there for his floor as a prospect. But the Stanford team captain proved he can make plays on offense over the last few days, too. He might not hear his name called until Day 3 of the draft, but the team that picks him is going to be happy with the decision.
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