Reese's Senior Bowl - Risers and Fallers

By: Tanner Elliott

Every year during the Senior Bowl, there are always a handful of prospects who increase their draft stock dramatically, as well as others who are not so lucky. Here, we look at three prospects who improved their stock, and others whose stock fell during their time at the Senior Bowl. 
 
Risers
 
Quinn Meinerz, IOL, Wisconsin-Whitewater
           
Quin Meinerz was one of the few prospects who participated in the Senior Bowl with everything to gain and very little to lose. Meinerz, who played guard at Wisconsin-Whitewater (a Division Three college), turned heads during Senior Bowl week with his aggression. Coming from a D-III school there were questions about his competition level, but those were all put to rest. All week, he pancaked almost every defender, and even got the attention of NFL Network analysis Daniel Jeremiah, who was seen wearing a Wisconsin-Whitewater shirt throughout the Senior Bowl in support of Meinerz. Meinerz may have become a day two pick instead of a day three pick due to his Senior Bowl performance.
 
Demetric Felton, WR, UCLA
           
Demetric Felton was one of the most intriguing prospects in the Senior Bowl, as he actually played his past two seasons at running back. His first year at UCLA, he played both slot and outside receiver, then he switched to running back for his last two years. At the Senior Bowl, he switched back to receiver and turned a lot of heads. His route running was some of the best on display, as well as his catching. Felton was one of, if not the most impressive prospect during Senior Bowl practices. Felton could slip into the first round or be an early day two pick due to his route running ability and his ability to gain yards after the catch.

Sam Ehlinger to Demetric Felton on an island✅

pic.twitter.com/8XnmYqmcvd

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) January 30, 2021

Best Plays of the 1st Half #SeniorBowl

Michael Carter UNC RB
Demetric Felton UCLA RB/WR
Frank Darby ASU WR

Not much offense due to QB play but a few standout moments ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Fp9hwfIN62

— Joel Smyth (@FF_Smyth) January 30, 2021

Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina
           
Michael Carter is one half of the amazing backfield at North Carolina, but the only one to play in the Senior Bowl. He was a very impressive runner, and also showed off his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Carter was the top running back at the Senior Bowl (outside of Najee Harris, who did not play due to injury) and may have solidified himself as a top running back in this draft. Aside from showing off his ability to catch the ball, Carter also showed he has the ability to break tackles and push the pile, which will boost his stock tremendously. Look for Carter to be an early to mid-second round pick. 

Fallers
 
Jamie Newman, QB, Georgia/ Wake Forest
 
The Senior Bowl was important for Newman. He had the most to prove and had the most questions surrounding his name after transferring to Georgia from Wake Forest, then deciding to opt out of the 2020 season. He has arm strength, but his decision making and inconsistency are huge question marks. Newman threw his fair share of interceptions during the week and was still inconsistent. This may be the end of the road for Newman, as he is now seen as an early day three pick as a developmental quarterback at best.
 
Marvin Wilson, DT, Florida State
 
Coming into the Senior Bowl, Wilson had a lot of hype around his name. Due to a poor Senior Bowl performance, his draft stock more than likely plummeted. Some viewed Wilson as a top-three defensive tackle in the draft, but now he may not even be drafted in the first three rounds. Wilson had his 2020 season end early, and he had the same result in the Senior Bowl. Wilson did get to practice for half the week, but made little to no impact plays and his injury also kept him out of the game. If Wilson wants to regain his hype, he must have a very big pro day.