Saints college scouting director: Player can't hurt himself at Senior Bowl

But really I do agree.

Why would the coaches and scouts be there if it didn’t?

I have read repeatedly that the Lions staff jumped at the chance to coach in this game. It allowed them access to a kid’s personality and practise habit that they would not be able to see. The game tape speaks for it self, but the ability to know the type of person your drafting is key.

Some were talking he could sneak late into the first round but after what i saw there is no way he goes in the first two rounds. He was dominated by almost everyone while he was at left tackle and looked lost at guard. He does have size and atheltic ability but he is much more of a project and that was highlighted by the senior bowl practices.

See: Schofield, O’Brien.

“There’s no way you’re going to HURT yourself by coming to a bowl game.”

“Not hurting” is not equivalent to “not affecting.” The Senior Bowl can help your draft stock (thereby affecting it) while also not hurting it (and thereby also proving the Saints guy right). We’re not talking about mutually exclusive options here.

Which is why sensible GMs will always take 3-4 years of game tape and the mass of other evidence over a guy’s performance in an unfamiliar situation in one game. It’s akin to watching a rookie during his first NFL game and using that to negatively judge his entire NFL career. Sure, you may see him dominate and be at least partially justified in saying that he will have a promising career. But you absolutely can’t watch him struggle and say that he will fail.

1. It marks the first real chance that coaches get a chance to see players, so it marks the beginning of the draft process for them.

2. Players are practicing / playing against the best competition they’ve seen all year. This is especially true for the non- or lower FBS players.

3. It’s a chance to see how the players adapt to a pro style game. 10 years ago, this was not an issue. With so many teams running spread, the importance of the Senior Bowl has increased.

4. I think players can both positively effect their stock. Case in point is Pat White from last year. Players can hurt their stock, but if the scouts have been diligent, they already know the player’s flaws, so the Senior Bowl only confirms what they already think.

And I’m sure Iupati, Kyle Wilson, Andre Roberts, Jeremy Williams, and Brandon Graham probably improved their stock a lot because of this week.
Other players that skipped this game, like LaFell, and Trent Williams will likely have some unanswered questions about their abilities come draft day and, teams being as cautious as they are, may pass on them for someone else.

I think it will help third and second rounders more than it will hurt first rounders.

 Granted its not the end all be all for prospects but to think it doesnt affect a player’s stock is foolish.

Well anyone who is preparing for the combine at this point for one should be ready by the Senior Bowl, but if you go out there and have a “BAD” week you can’t really be docked for that. Heck even pro players have a bad game here and there.