Many top 2023 NFL draft prospects and potential risers stood out during three days of Senior Bowl practices this week, and a few of our reporters and analysts were on hand in Mobile, Alabama, to see the action. In addition to a close-up look at some of the top upperclassmen entering the draft, however, they also had the chance to talk to people from around the NFL and college football. Every NFL team had representatives in attendance, including coaches, front-office executives and scouts, and many college coaches were in town for the event, as well. Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy noted that a record 1,100 total credentials were granted to media for the week of practices and the game on Saturday.
So what was the buzz around the University of South Alabama’s facilities? NFL draft analyst Todd McShay, NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler and college football reporter Pete Thamel break down what they heard and saw at the Senior Bowl, including nuggets on top prospects, teams to watch and more from execs, coaches and scouts around the football world. Let’s get into all of it. (And don’t miss the Senior Bowl game on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network.)
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Biggest risers at Senior Bowl
What will Chicago do with the No. 1 pick?
Fowler: The Chicago Bears brought the cavalry to Mobile, with general manager Ryan Poles, coach Matt Eberflus and assistant general manager Ian Cunningham all in attendance. (Chicago offensive coordinator Luke Getsy is one of the Senior Bowl coaches.) Teams are keeping close tabs on the Bears, who own the No. 1 pick in April’s draft, and the prevailing theme is Poles is very high on value. Despite in-season trades of linebacker Roquan Smith and edge rusher Robert Quinn, Chicago has just eight picks in the draft and only one in the top 50. Poles will most likely aim to change that.
“They still have so many needs, and a trade back — even if only one spot or a few spots — would help them,” an NFC exec said. Having Justin Fields helps Chicago pass on the quarterbacks if it chooses, as the majority believe Chicago will build around Fields in Year 3. But those who expect the Bears to at least consider an alternative over the next two months punctuate this point, via an NFC scout: “Fields proved he’s a weapon but has a ways to go as a quarterback. The Bears must figure out if they can marry those two.”
McShay: I’ve heard similar in talking to…
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