Final takeaways from college all-star games

John Schmeelk: It was another great week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, and Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas. The prospects at these two events are going to make up the majority of Fays two and 3 of the draft. The depth of the class was reflected in the strength at the position groups, with the best players showing up on defense, tight end, and running back.

Last year, 13 players who participated in the Senior Bowl were drafted in the first round, including Michael Penix, who was selected eighth overall. Not counting Shedeur Sanders, who attended the Shrine Bowl but did not participate, no pick in either all-star game will likely go that high. But there are some who will be getting first round consideration.

At defensive tackle, Walter Nolen could easily be a first-round pick. Kentucky’s Deone Walker is polarizing, but it is possible a team falls in love with his size and athleticism and picks him at the end of the first round. Edge rushers Shemar Stewart, Mike Green, and Donovan Ezeiruaku could find themselves in the first round.

The offensive line groups helped themselves with offensive tackles like Josh Conerly Jr., Armand Membou and possibly Aireontae Ersery sneaking into the first round. Converted tackles that move into guard could also get into the first round, such as Jonah Savaiinaea, Wyatt Millum, and possibly Grey Zabel or Marcus Mbow.

Quarterbacks Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe also have outside chances of sneaking into the first round. Players covering their targets like Azareye’h Thomas, Trey Amos and Maxwell Hairston are also borderline first round selections.

All of these players will not go in the first round, and if I had to guess, it will be just fewer than last year’s 13. But in a draft class that is very polarizing with draft boards very different from team to team, anything is possible. It is what makes these games so valuable. An added piece of data from a live rep in practice or the game or a few extra words in an interview can move a player up the board in a way that players that choose not to participate in these games won’t.