If you've been too focused on all the changes happening at Rams Park this week, then you might have missed out on some 2012 NFL Draft business happening in Mobile, AL, this week. Practices for the Senior Bowl are happening this week. It's the first major event of the draft season, featuring a pretty solid group of seniors this season. Many of these players will be on the St. Louis Rams' radar when the draft rolls around in April.
Some highlights from the first two days of Senior Bowl action after the jump.
Wide Receivers
Marvin Jones, Cal - Early returns on Jones were very positive from Monday's practice. He's not the biggest guy on the field, under 6'2" and about 200 lbs, but that hasn't stopped him. According to Rob Rang, Jones showed explosiveness off the line, burst and speed to get by defensive backs. And he caught the ball consistently. Explosiveness off the line is something the Rams really lack at the position. Austin Pettis is fairly limited in what he can do as a possession receiver because he is beaten at the line so easily.
Juron Criner, Arizona - A player who many consider on the bubble between the first two rounds, Criner has played well in Mobile. Tony Pauline at SI.com said this: "He's incredibly athletic and made several acrobatic receptions over defenders. Criner lacks downfield speed, but quickly gets off the line and shows the ability to get separation in underneath coverage."
Brian Quick, Appalachian State - A big man at 6'3" 222 lbs, he proved his name lacks irony with his on-field work. Wes Bunting at the National Football Post said one NFL scout he talked to was impressed with Quick.
Dwight Jones, North Carolina - Wes Bunting noted that Jones, a potential first-round pick, had major problems in press coverage.
Offensive Line
Cordy Glenn, Georgia - He's been most effective at guard, but has played well on the outside.
Mike Adams, Ohio State - One seen as the top offensive tackle in the nation, his stock fell recently at OSU. He's changing that in Mobile. There's lots of talk that he's a top 15 pick.
Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State - Another first-round pick who has not disappointed this week.
Others making a good impression this week were Jeff Allen from Illinois, Philip Blake from Baylor and Kevin Zeitler from Wisconsin, who some have described as the best pure guard among the seniors this year.
Defensive Tackle
No two defensive tackles have played to the rave reviews that Mike Martin of Michigan and Kendall Reyes of UConn have earned. Pauline noted that both were "impossible to stop" and consistently getting behind the line of scrimmage. Rob Rang wrote lots more on both players here.
Cornerbacks
Janoris Jenkins is back, according to Tony Pauline who said that the former Florida corner should still be in first-round consideration based on his ball skills shown this week alone. Wes Bunting noted Georgia's Brandon Boykin's play, saying he has the makings for a very good slot guy at the next level.
Running Backs
Boise State's Doug Martin looks like an early winner on the week. From weigh-in through practice everyone is pretty high on him based on what he's shown so far. Here's Bunting on Martin:
...showcased a good first step; natural forward lean and can quickly decipher information at the line of scrimmage and change directions. He's a fluid kid with a thick build and his initial quickness really stood out for a back his size. Looks like a future starting caliber running back at the next level.
Tons more analysis and a list of team scouts and the players they're talking to from Big Cat Country.