This is probably a little late now, but better late then never. In Part I of the Senior Bowl Wrap-Up, I looked at some of the North team's players and what the "experts" were saying about them. Now, this time I will look at what is being said about the South team's players. You never know if one of these player's or more even could be a future Lion's draft pick, so this will hopefully give you an idea of what each player looked at is like. Also, there is a look at when each of the players will likely be drafted.
Without further ado, here is Part II of the Senior Bowl Wrap-Up.
Patrick Willis (LB, Mississippi):
General disappointment with the play of Willis, and he was not graded as a first-round choice.
Mel Kiper Jr.:
All over the field. Works through traffic. Tackling machine. (Round 2)
Justin Blalock (OL, Texas):
Failed to meet expectations and there is real doubt he can handle the tackle abilities at the next level.
Mel Kiper Jr.:
Texas offensive lineman Justin Blalock does a good job exploding into the defensive tackle and gets some movement. He has done a good job in one-on-one pass drills and in run blocking.
Buster Davis (LB, Florida State):
Size concerns will push him into the second day.
Mel Kiper Jr.:
Very productive. Small, but rock solid. Great run defender. (late-Day 1)
Aaron Ross (DB, Texas):
Scouts were incredibly impressed with Ross after seeing him this week. The feeling is his upside is tremendous.
Mel Kiper Jr.:
Tough. Instinctive. Great tackler in run support. (mid- to late-Round 1)
Ryan Kalil (OL, USC):
While all agree Kalil had a terrific week, there is concern about his lack of size and ability to handle large defenders in the middle of the line. As a result he is a mid-second round choice.
Mel Kiper Jr.:
Not big, but technically sound and strong. (late-Round 1 or early-Round 2)
Quentin Moses (DE, Georgia):
By most accounts, those we spoke with do not grade Moses as a first rounder.
Mel Kiper Jr.:
Georgia DE Quentin Moses shows some outside pass rush ability. However, offensive linemen have had success against him when they get their hands on him.
Joe Staley (OL, Central Michigan):
While we don't agree with this, several scouts left Mobile stamping a first-round grade on Staley.
Mel Kiper Jr.:
Joe Staley, an offensive tackle from Central Michigan, needs another solid year in the weight room to improve his overall strength quotient. However, his good feet, balance and athletic ability are evident.
Draft coverage here at Pride of Detroit will begin to get in full swing as we get into late-February to early-March.