There were some strong performances throughout the week leading up to the Senior Bowl, and the Denver Broncos should have been taking note of three of these prospects.
The National team defeated the America team 20-10 in Saturday’s Senior Bowl, but the result of these All-Star games is always secondary to the evaluation process of the future pro prospects that are on the field.
The Senior Bowl is one of the key tools in the process leading up to the draft each year and it isn’t just the game, it’s the week of practice that NFL scouts look at just as much, if not even more.
For the Broncos, a team with needs at several positions, there are a few players that should have stood out in this game and should be squarely on George Paton’s draft board.
Though the team should have been keeping tabs on some of the quarterbacks in this game, none of the prospects on this list are going to be quarterbacks.
Desmond Ridder, Malik Willis look strong in Senior Bowl, but the Broncos should look at other positions in the draft
Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder and Liberty’s Malik Willis did nothing to hurt their draft stock in the Senior Bowl as each made some impressive plays. In addition, Kenny Pickett, the No. 1 quarterback on draft analyst’s boards, when 6-for-6 passing in the game.
But the Broncos have other glaring needs in which they need to find players with a chance to be key contributors and three of those potential players had strong weeks down in Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl.
Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
The knock on Trevor Penning is that he played at Northern Iowa, not exactly the mecca of college football. But down in Mobile, against pro prospects from all of the elite schools, he shined.
Penning was manhandling guys in practice, tossing them around like small children in some drills.
Penning is tough, physical and would bring a nastiness that is missing in Denver. Being paired with Garett Bolles in Denver could give the Broncos two mean, nasty dudes at the tackle spots.
Penning is being projected by most as a first-round pick and that was solidified this past week in Mobile. He won never every rep in practice and won convincingly. This is the kind of thing that took place regularly during practice sessions.
During the broadcast of the game, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah revealed that Penning watches horror movies the night before each game to get into character. What? How can you not love this guy?
The Broncos would have a couple of options if they were serious about landing Penning. The No. 9 overall pick is probably a bit too high to take him, so they could trade back in the first round and acquire more picks while then selecting Penning.
Or, they could package some of their later picks to move up a bit in the second round if they feel he is going to start to fall.
But Penning makes a lot of sense for the Broncos.
Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina
There is no doubt that the Broncos need to add an Edge rusher or two in this draft and Kingsley Enagbare could be that guy.
To this point, most analysts saw Enagbare as a third-round pick but after the week he had down in Mobile, he’s almost certainly shot into the second round. You may even see some mocks out there that have him as a surprising first-round choice.
At South Carolina, Enagbare had 15 career sacks. He has great length, quick hands and he can be quite explosive off the snap. He will need to develop at the next level as he doesn’t have the bend or balance that most teams like.
However, the upside is clearly there.
Enagbare improved his draft stock as much as any player that participated in the Senior Bowl and his outlook is exciting. If the Broncos could get him with one of their second-round picks, I would consider it a steal.
Travis Jones, DL, Connecticut
Travis Jones probably improved his draft stock at the Senior Bowl more than anyone there.
Like Penning on the offensive line, Jones is an absolute animal on the interior of the defensive line and was just dominating opponents in Senior Bowl practices.
While interior defensive line may not be the Broncos’ biggest priority with Shelby Harris and Dre’Mont Jones on the roster, there isn’t much behind those two players, and if the Broncos could bring this guy into that rotation, look out.
It’s easy to have overlooked Jones last season as he played on a 1-11 Huskies team, but he has the ability to shine at the next level and that was on display down in Mobile.
At 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds, Jones comes with the size and strength that you are looking for at this position. But for a man that size, he will absolutely catch you off guard with his quickness and that is what will lead to trouble for guards and centers who aren’t ready for that lethal combination.
This is another player who, if he is still on the board in the second round, would be nearly impossible to pass up.