NFL Analysis
1/31/24
7 min read
2024 Senior Bowl: Stock Up, Stock Down at Day 2 Practices
After a spirited practice on Day 1, the pads came out in Mobile, Ala., on Wednesday. This is usually the most telling practice of the week because we see a ton of 1-on-1 drills and competitive team periods. So, who were the biggest winners and losers from Day 2 at the Senior Bowl? Let’s dive in.
>>READ: Senior Bowl Day 1 Stock Up, Stock Down
STOCK UP: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
If there were any doubts as to who the best defensive back was in Mobile, Quinyon Mitchell quieted them on Wednesday. The National coaching staff moved Mitchell to the slot on Day 2, and he shut down every receiver he faced. He finished the 1-on-1 reps with an interception on a pass intended for Brenden Rice.
Quinyon Mitchell wreaking havoc today at the #SeniorBowl!
— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) January 31, 2024
Here he is sticking to Brenden Rice and making the interception! pic.twitter.com/xKjNnL8TAL
Mitchell has outstanding closing speed, and his ability to stay in the hip pocket makes him a Round 1 lock. There were a few times when receivers beat him across his chest in 1-on-1 drills, but he was so close to his man that he would have been able to limit the yards after the catch. No one is expecting a cornerback to win every matchup, but even when Mitchell lost, he barely did so.
Mitchell might be the best defender in Mobile, and he couldn’t have had a better start to the week. He has solidified himself as a top-25 pick and could go much higher than that.
STOCK DOWN: Devontez Walker, WR North Carolina
It was a day to forget for Devontez Walker. He started off the 1-on-1 drills with back-to-back drops despite creating separation. He ran a beautiful go-route but could not bring in the pass over his shoulder. The throw was perfect, but it was a flat-out drop in the end zone. He followed it up with a drop on a slant route in the middle of the field.
But drops weren’t the only issue for Walker. On his next rep, Walker could not create separation on a comeback route, and the cornerback jumped in front of him for the would-be interception. Walker has trouble gearing down and dropping his hips, which allows cornerbacks to stay attached to him.
Walker’s rough day continued into team periods. He dropped a strike from Michael Penix Jr. on an out route. Clearly, he was fighting the football and could never get out of his slump.
Nice ball from Wahington QB Michael Penix Jr. Drop from UNC's Tez Walker. pic.twitter.com/4tDEQosY0y
— Brent Sobleski (@brentsobleski) January 31, 2024
Walker was one of the highest-regarded receivers coming into Mobile, but he’s failed to separate himself. There is still another full practice left before Saturday’s game, but time is running out for him to make an impact.
STOCK UP: Sione Vaki, RB/DB, Utah
The goal for any player expected to be picked on Day 3 of the NFL Draft is to make a 53-man roster. To do so, you'll need to be able to play multiple positions and contribute on special teams. That is how you stick.
That is what Sione Vaki is trying to display. The Pac-12 defender played more than 1,000 snaps on defense over the last two seasons and has draftable grades as a box safety. But his claim to fame is his ability to play on both sides of the ball. Due to injuries, Vaki was asked to play running back in multiple games this season and did not disappoint. In back-to-back weeks against USC and California, Vaki totaled 370 yards and scored four touchdowns on 30 touches.
At the Senior Bowl, Vaki got extensive safety and running back work. His best spot in the NFL will likely come on defense, but the fact that he can help out on offense in a pinch will make him even more valuable. Vaki stood out in running back drills, showing off his quickness. Here is hoping Vaki gets some running back reps during Saturday’s game.
STOCK DOWN: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Bo Nix didn’t have an awful day, but there were a lot of mistakes that added up. In team drills, Nix fumbled a snap, leading to the play being aborted. On the next snap, he missed an easy check-down throw to the running back in the flat. He also missed a tight end on a short comeback and bounced the ball at his feet. On the next throw, he threw the ball way behind his receiver on a pass that wasn’t even close.
Some nice throws were mixed in, especially during the 1-on-1 periods, but the consistency wasn’t there. There were even some struggles with Nix communicating the play call in the huddle, something he didn’t have to do at Oregon. He just wasn't processing things quickly, resulting in an abysmal day.
Nix is widely believed to be a first-round prospect and someone who could be selected inside the top 20. But after a solid day on Tuesday, his Wednesday practice was a bit disappointing. It will be fascinating to see if he can bounce back on Thursday.
STOCK UP: Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State
One of the biggest winners was WR Johnny Wilson. It’s not hard to spot Wilson on the field as he measured over 6-foot-6 and 237 pounds. But Wilson isn't a plodding receiver who only wins in contested areas. He did a great job sinking his hips and getting in and out of his breaks during practice.
WR Johnny Wilson from @FSUFootball has moved well at the #SeniorBowl. An intriguing WR prospect at 6'6" pic.twitter.com/tdbl3TqBcI
— B.J. Monacelli (@bjmonacelli) January 31, 2024
Wilson made a lot of plays during the 1-on-1 period and flashed some of his upside as a big slot receiver or potentially the ability to move to tight end. There are many similarities between him and Darren Waller coming out of school, so it won’t be a surprise if he eventually gets moved to tight end.
The best part about Wilson’s game is that he plays big. He knows how to use his massive catch radius and has no problem extending his arms and snatching passes. He'll need to be in the right offense with the right quarterback to succeed in the NFL, but Wilson had a strong showing on Day 2.
STOCK DOWN: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
After a solid performance on Tuesday, Tyler Guyton struggled a bit in drills on Wednesday. A few defenders were able to cross his chest and get to the quarterback, which was an issue for him in college.
Guyton might be the best player in Mobile, but he is not without faults. One of the reasons he is so highly thought of is his insane measurables. But he is still a project, likely to struggle as a rookie.
It is worth noting that the coaching staff moved him around on Wednesday, playing him at both tackle spots. Guyton was primarily a right tackle at Oklahoma, so it’s unfair to expect him to look as good on the left side during a single practice. Still, his play was up and down, and it was a good reminder that he is an unfinished product. Whatever team selects him in Round 1 must exercise patience because his rookie season could be rough.
