The Senior Bowl is underway and a large contingent of the NFL has rained down on Mobile, Alabama for the week in what is the official/unofficial winter football convention.

The headliners of the North roster are the quarterbacks but the wide receivers really shined all day despite the rainy forecast.

STOLE THE SHOW

WR Andy Isabella, Massachusetts – Andy Isabella was easily the star of day one from both practices. While he was already a Top-100 grade at this website, Isabella backed that up and then some today. He was razor sharp today with his cuts, he set up his breaks so well and seeing him live only backs up the belief that he might just run a sub-4.30 forty. Now he is just 5’8″⅞ 186 pounds but that kind of speed trumps any size concerns. In a league that thrives off of mismatches and speed receivers, he’s a valuable commodity with the after the catch threat he brings coupled with his ability to separate from defenders naturally. He is the early favorite for MVP of the week after a strong day one.

IMPRESSIVE

WR Terry McLaurin, Ohio State – McLaurin put it all out on the field on day one and showed why the Ohio State coaches said he’s one of the hardest workers on the team. He ran swift, cut quick and adjusted to the ball so well. To be fare he didn’t catch everything thrown his way and he made a couple of body catches, there were honestly a number of targets thrown behind him or above his head. He locates the ball, he plucks it out of the air and has the speed to make a play after the catch. The guy was chirping out there, communicating with his teammates and bringing energy on every rep which has to be a real feather in his cap when he’s going so hard out there.

CB Corey Ballentine, Washburn – It’s become obvious why Ballentine is the first Washburn player to ever accept an invite to the Senior Bowl. He showed up looking the part at the weigh in as well as in the practice and then he started showing off his ability shadow receivers. Ballentine really flashed some legit closing speed, as he broke up a pass underneath on a crossing route to Jaylen Smith with great anticipation. He put a solid day one in the books and if he builds on that, there’s no doubt Ballentine will experience a round bump when April rolls around.

SHOW ME MORE

QB Drew Lock, Missouri – I didn’t think Drew looked comfortable all day. He honestly looked stiff in the bag drills, his feet just appear to be heavy and there were a number of adjustments the wide receivers had to make on his passes. In fairness, the conditions were not ideal but I have a feeling that he was attempting to force some throws to show off his rocket arm. I don’t blame him one bit! You have to show your strengths and he has a quick release to go along with a lot of torque and power in his throwing motion. Don’t get me wrong, Lock has a nice skill set and profiles as a starter but he didn’t exactly have an ideal day to start the week in Mobile.

SO YOU HAD A BAD DAY

QB Trace McSorley, Penn State – He honestly shouldn’t be here but the off season comes at you quick and he’s been a productive quarterback. He’s just not going to be an NFL starter and he showed why today. I will say it made for some behind the back attempts and highlight catch opportunities for the receivers to make a play on his balls but it cost some of the wide outs. The guy is accomplished at making plays and he’s got a ton of experience, but there’s just a few too many rough edges to work around here.

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