By Alec Nederveld
The Reese’s Senior Bowl has always helped athletes compete in front of scouts and improve their draft stock. 2024 is no different. These five guys turned in a great week and are generating more buzz because of what they have done.
Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
The third-team All-American and All-ACC player had a fantastic game and week in Mobile. His explosiveness off the ball, especially for a 6’3, 295-pounder was very impressive and constantly showed up. He drove his blocker back many times as well. In-game, Braden Fiske had four tackles, 1.5 for loss, and half a sack while switching from the American to National Team the morning of.
Currently seen as a mid-round pick, Fiske will end up being drafted higher than that. He’s shown up in big games before, notably the ACC Championship, and is set to make his presence known.
BRADEN FISKE!!! What power and twitch on display here from the FSU DL. He’ll be a day 2 pick and likely Senior Bowl MVP. pic.twitter.com/SBkLrWioIl
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 3, 2024
Cole Bishop, S, Utah
A very versatile safety, Cole Bishop showed all his strengths in Mobile. He is effective while guarding tight ends in man but is probably best playing underneath in zone. The 6’2, 207-pounder has good size and comes up to make tackles and stop the run. He’s also very intelligent and makes the correct read.
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Bishop especially showed his tackling ability in the Senior Bowl Game. He projects to be a Strong Safety and has a bright future.
Utah’s Cole Bishop with some nice coverage at the Senior Bowl. Stays patient and does a great job being physical to maintain outside leverage against a far larger TE. pic.twitter.com/3gKWROi7Py
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) January 30, 2024
Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina
Cedric Gray emerged as a tackling machine with the Tar Heels. A two-time All-ACC player finished college with 369 tackles, 30 for loss, and 8.5 sacks. He can also play in pass coverage, with five career picks and 18 breakups. The 6’2, 232 backer makes plays across the field and should rise up draft boards.
Cedric Gray has boosted his stock at the Senior Bowl. Nice PBU here pic.twitter.com/r63P7DVlxJ
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 3, 2024
Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon
Checking in at 6’3, 205 pounds, Khyree Jackson has fantastic size and made plenty of plays during the week. He was especially great during red zone periods and displayed exceptional physicality. A former JUCO athlete, Jackson also showed good mobility, especially for his size.
Jackson didn’t practice on Day 2 due to injury and opted out of the game on Saturday. Still, after recording 34 tackles, seven breakups, and three picks, Jackson has put himself in a position to get a nice draft spot. With a solid pro day and especially combine, Jackson could get drafted as high as the late first or second round.
https://twitter.com/GC24_Football/status/1752372375855706541
Chau Smith-Wade, CB, Washington State
Chau Smith-Wade played tight coverage all game. Smith-Wade closed the game with two interceptions in the final two minutes, one nearly being a pick-six. While not the biggest at 5’11, 187, the former Cougar has tremendous instincts and makes plays.
Smith-Wade does have an injury history that’s tough to overcome, but more teams will be interested in taking a chance on him. Expect a mid to late-round pick used on the high-upside DB.
CHAU SMITH-WADE WHAT A PLAY🔥@WSUCougarFB
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 3, 2024
