Nebraska cornerback Tommi HillNathanial George/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
A fascinating dynamic emerges at each and every Senior Bowl event. Certain positions are set up to succeed more so than others.
Case in point, wide receivers are often given far more time and room to beat the jam and create separation than typically allowed within the structure of a regular practice. One-on-ones often become a pseudo-game of playground hoops, where both sides are doing things that aren’t necessarily efficient or even effective. Sometimes, a win may be a win but it means nothing since it would never happen in a game setting.
With this in mind, the incoming secondary class continually competed for three straight days and really made life difficult for the wide receivers in attendance despite the obvious disadvantage.
CB Melvin Smith Jr., Southern Arkansas
A trio of small-school offensive linemen stole the show during Wednesday’s practice. Smith didn’t create the same type of buzz. However, his ability to compete throughout Thursday’s practice was impressive to watch.
In particular, Smith had a series of matchups against Georgia speedster Arian Smith during one-on-one sessions. The two did a wonderful job battling and going back and forth. The 5’10”, 185-pound Division II product wasn’t overwhelmed against arguably the fastest guy in this year’s class, who happened to play for one the nation’s biggest pipeline programs.
Instead, Melvin Smith Jr. attacked at the jam to reroute his opponent and maintained the receiver on his hip even when the release occurred. He was even overheard telling the other Smith, “Good route,” upon giving up a touchdown despite being in good position.
Performances like the one described against better competition can only help the status of a lesser-known prospect.
Hill became the focal point for the defensive backs during Thursday’s session, for good and bad.
He received play of attention for a tipped interception in the end zone, where he could keep both feet in the field of play. Technically, LSU tight end Mason Taylor should have come down with the pass from quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Still, Hill made the play on the ball when the opportunity arose.
Later in the practice, particularly the “compete” portion where the day’s top performers are highlighted by their respective coaches, Hill really struggled by getting beat on three straight reps. His week felt like it was all or nothing when it came to his specific contributions.
Thomas turned out to be a surprise entrant to the 2025 class as a 20-year-old underclassman from a program that severely disappointed this past season. Even so, Thomas presents tremendous upside as a big and long corner with vicious press-man skills.
As is the case with any bigger corner—he measured in at 6’1″ and 191 pounds, with 32.5-inch arms—he’s going to lose certain matchups against smaller and quicker wide receivers. He certainly did so a few times in Mobile.
At the same time, Thomas proved multiple reps where he simply overwhelmed receivers at the jam point, which allowed him to stay in phase throughout the entirety of the route.
CB Jacob Parrish, Kansas State
Each day, Parrish popped upon watching him based on his foot quickness and hip flexibility. He showed the ability to backpedal and turn as smoothly as anyone in attendance. However, one concern emerged with closing speed off the top of the stem. Parrish was particularly sticky on shorter routes but struggled as reps extended.
S Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
Bowman has been regularly featured through all three days, because he’s continually been in the mix. He started off the week extremely strong, then experienced his share of losses throughout Wednesday’s session.
The improvement came from what seemed like a more aggressive version.
Bowman lost some clean reps a day earlier. He wasn’t going to let that happen for a second straight practice. Instead, Bowman, who is fluid in coverage, continually harassed his assignments, leading to quite a few good moments where he was in a position to make plays on the ball.
CB Upton Stout, Western Kentucky
Much like Bowman, Stout was featured earlier in the week for his stellar play. He had his issues over the next two days, though.
As mentioned then, Stout is fluid and feisty. However, he’s far too reliant on getting grabby when the possibility of losing the route emerges.
Obviously, a 5’8″, 178-pound frame creates natural disadvantages. He can’t compound the things he can’t control with the things he can, which includes technique.
CB Jonathan Williams, Tulane
Williams continued to build on a positive predraft cycle, which began by participating in the Hula Bowl and then taking part in this year’s Senior Bowl.
His build is what really sticks out, as a 6’0″, 203-pound defensive back, with arms over 32 inches long. His lankiness can be seen in how he competes.
Williams didn’t show explosive traits. However, he used his long legs and arms to bother some wide receivers. He may lose some reps quickly, but he’s going to use every inch of his frame to cover a receiver.
Read the full article here