NFL Analysis
2/1/24
6 min read
2024 Senior Bowl: Stock Up, Stock Down at Day 3 Practices
The final practice for the 2024 Senior Bowl wrapped up Thursday, with both sides working on red zone and goal-line packages. While there weren't as many 1-on-1s to evaluate, there was still a lot to take in from the final practice in Mobile, Alabama. Here are the biggest winners and losers from Day 3 of the Senior Bowl.
>> READ: Day 1 Stock Report | Day 2 Stock Report
Stock Up: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
After a rough practice Wednesday, Bo Nix bounced back in a significant way Thursday. Nix was lights-out during the low red zone period, throwing the ball confidently and accurately. There was a stretch in the red zone period where Nix threw three straight touchdown passes, all with different arm angles. His ability to find creative ways to get rid of the football allowed him to throw through tight windows and into the end zone.
Nix needs to speed up his processor, but things couldn't have been more different today than yesterday. The Senior Bowl is about improving as the week goes on, and that's what Nix did on Day 3. By the end of Thursday’s practice, it was clear that he was still the best quarterback on the field.
His arrow is pointing up after a rough start to the week.
Stock Down: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Coming off a fantastic senior season and a playoff run, Michael Penix Jr. had a lot of buzz going into Mobile. Unfortunately, his practice tape doesn't quite line up with the hype. Penix was inconsistent as a passer all week, and his accuracy was all over the place. As the week progressed, we saw Penix opting to throw the ball underneath to the running backs and tight ends more frequently instead of pushing the ball down the field.
Penix also struggled under center, which he didn't spend much time in at either Indiana or Washington. It's not uncommon for quarterbacks to feel uncomfortable under center in Mobile, but it’s just another knock on Penix coming out of the week.
The good news is he showed a lot of velocity on his throws, and his arm strength isn't an issue. But for those hoping Penix would have a Baker Mayfield– or Justin Herbert–type of rise in Mobile, that didn’t happen.
At this point, Penix feels like someone who will be selected on Day 2, and it wouldn’t even be a surprise if he ended up being selected in the same range as Hendon Hooker (Detroit Lions) was last season.
Stock Up: Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky
This hasn't been the most impressive group of running backs at the Senior Bowl — the class (as a whole) is weak. But there has been one running back who has stood out among the rest: Ray Davis.
Davis has been the best pass-catcher in the group, and it hasn't been particularly close. He had an incredible one-handed catch in 1-on-1 drills on a poorly thrown ball during Wednesday's practice; Davis did a great job contorting his body to make the catch despite the linebacker being right on his hip.
During the red zone work Thursday, Davis made some money on Texas routes against linebackers, showing his route running and ability to make tough catches in the middle of the field.
Davis is a well-traveled back, playing at three schools during his collegiate career. But his 2023 season was his best — he scored 21 touchdowns on 232 touches. His role in the NFL will likely be as a passing-down back, but Davis has also shown the ability to win as an inside runner.
It was a really good week for Davis, one that proved that he should be a top-100 pick who will contribute immediately as a rookie.
Stock Down: Sam Hartman, QB, Notre Dame
Sam Hartman entered Senior Bowl week as one of the most experienced passers on the roster. He's been a college quarterback since 2018 and, in that time, threw nearly 1,900 passes. Unfortunately, his college success didn't translate to the practice field this week.
One of Hartman's most apparent issues is his lack of size, which showed up in Mobile. Several times during the team period, he looked overwhelmed in the pocket, which forced him to chuck the ball downfield without seeing his intended target.
But his lack of size wasn't his only issue.
During the red zone periods, Hartman struggled to get rid of the ball quickly, which resulted in him scrambling during several 7-on-7 sessions. Good quarterbacks should dice up defenses without a pass rush, and unfortunately, Hartman couldn't do that Thursday.
Stock Up: Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri
There might not be a player in Mobile who increased his stock more this week than Darius Robinson. All week, he made plays whenever he was given the opportunity. Robinson has been solid in 1-on-1 drills but has shined in teamwork.
Both units worked on their red zone defense Thursday, and Robinson dominated. He would have had a sack on a play if the contact was live after he beat the right guard off the snap.
Robinson's versatility has also been displayed, playing both edge rusher and defensive tackle. He's been getting compared to Cameron Jordan, and the NFL Network crew even went as far as to mention J.J. Watt.
Robinson isn’t at that level, but he’s had a dominant week of practices. He should be in consideration for a top-40 pick after his performance in Mobile.
Stock Down: Kalen King, CB, Penn State
Kalen King appeared on this list earlier this week as a loser after a rough period in 1-on-1 drills. Unfortunately, his week didn't get any better as it went on. One of the most significant issues King had this week was finding the football. During 1-on-1 drills, he was always late to find the football in the air, resulting in many completions.
King's other issue was a lack of urgency. There was a play in the red zone period where he failed to recognize the quarterback scrambling out of the pocket who beat King to the pylon. King was one of the most picked-on cornerbacks in Mobile and never really made a splash play.
For a cornerback with his hype coming into this week, it's hard not to be disappointed by his performance in practice. He will need a big performance at the NFL Combine to help his stock rebound.
