The McShay Show: Senior Bowl, Day 3 Takeaways

Release Date: January 31, 2025

Hosts: Todd McShay and Jim join forces to provide an in-depth analysis of the third day of practices at the Senior Bowl. As the NFL Draft approaches, the duo delves into the performances, standout players, and key insights gleaned from the event, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the prospects poised to make an impact in the upcoming draft.

1. Overview of Senior Bowl Week

The Senior Bowl serves as the unofficial kickoff to the NFL Draft process, with players showcasing their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and front offices. Hosts Todd McShay and Jim discuss the significance of the event:

• Jim Nagy, the Executive Director, emphasizes, “The Senior Bowl is where the NFL draft starts in Mobile.” (02:23)

Throughout the week, players engage in rigorous practices, preparing for Saturday’s game, which will further inform their draft prospects.

2. Quarterback Evaluations

a. Jackson Dart (Ole Miss)

Jackson Dart has garnered attention for his steady improvement and command in the pocket:

• Jim: “I love the way he moves around the pocket. He's accurate and very calm... he drops back in the pocket, steps up, keeps his eyes downfield, rips one right down the middle.” (05:49)

• Todd: Highlights Dart’s evolution, stating, “It's the complete package and the command he has. His size, arm strength, and mobility are all above average.” (06:46)

Dart’s ability to make quick decisions and his improvement under a seasoned coach like Lane Kiffin make him a strong contender for a mid-to-late first-round pick.

b. Jalen Milroe

Jalen Milroe shows promise despite earlier struggles, exhibiting noticeable improvement:

• Jim: “The decisiveness was much better today... he was getting it to receivers quickly.” (15:33)

• Todd: Commends Milroe’s physical improvements, noting, “His arm strength isn't a concern anymore... he has a good arm.” (19:56)

Milroe’s enhanced accuracy and decision-making suggest potential as a backup QB with upside to develop into a starter.

c. Dylan Gabriel & Tyler Shock

• Dylan Gabriel exhibits impressive arm strength, outperforming initial expectations.

• Tyler Shock shows consistent development, making strides even as a third-round prospect.

Both quarterbacks exhibit traits that could see them move up in the draft as teams recognize their growth and potential.

3. Defensive Line Standouts

a. Darius Alexander (Toledo)

Alexander’s versatility as a defensive tackle makes him a focal point:

• Jim: “He can rush between the tackles and come off the edge... his quickness is a real problem for offensive linemen.” (25:45)

Alexander’s ability to disrupt plays and his impressive statistics (63 tackles for loss, 31 sacks over three seasons) position him as a premier defensive prospect.

b. David Walker (Central Arkansas)

Walker showcases explosive talent despite his size:

• Jim: “He’s got a low center of gravity and is relentless in moving guys.” (27:04)

Walker's agility and persistence make him a formidable edge rusher, potentially attracting interest as a later first-round or early second-round pick.

c. Omar Norman Lot (Tennessee)

Norman Lot emerges as a leader on the defensive line:

• Jim: “He sets the tone with his work ethic and leadership in drills.” (28:23)

His combination of strength and quickness, alongside his ability to engage and motivate teammates, makes him a valuable asset for NFL defenses.

4. Speed Metrics and Zebra Technology Insights

The integration of Zebra technology provides quantitative data on player speed and agility during practices:

• Mitch: “The fastest guy on day two was Darian Porter from Iowa State, clocking in at 22.17 mph.” (47:56)

Key Highlights:

• Shemar James (Florida) stands out with a speed of 20.71 mph, closely followed by Jalen Noel (USC) at 20.67 mph.

• Billy Bowman (Oklahoma) impresses with his instinctive play and meticulous preparation, suggesting a potential rise in draft boards as his skills are recognized.

These metrics offer additional layers of evaluation, complementing traditional scouting reports.

5. Tight End Group Analysis

The tight end cohort received considerable attention for their athleticism and versatility:

a. Mason Taylor (LSU)

Taylor is praised for his reliability and athletic prowess:

• Mitch: “He doesn’t have to come off the field. He’s always consistent in catching and getting upfield.” (59:34)

b. Elijah Arroyo (Bowling Green)

Arroyo’s preparation and leadership shine through:

• Jim: “He walks around with a color-coded notebook, showing advanced preparation and leadership.” (21:49)

These tight ends demonstrate a blend of physical skills and football intelligence, making them attractive prospects for teams seeking reliable and versatile receivers.

6. Other Position Highlights

a. Offensive Line Prospects

Several offensive linemen from smaller schools made notable impressions:

• Carson Vincent (Alabama A&M): Recognized for his exceptional wingspan (83¾ inches) and versatility, potentially elevating his draft stock to within the top three rounds.

• Greg Zabel (North Dakota State): Showcased the ability to play both center and guard with elite movement, making him a standout offensive lineman.

b. Wide Receivers and Cornerbacks

• Tez Johnson (Oregon): Demonstrates resilience and quickness, essential traits for a successful NFL receiver despite being lighter at 156 pounds.

• Quincy Riley (Louisville): His speed (20.41 mph) and ball skills make him a promising cornerback, capable of consistent performance in high-pressure situations.

7. Final Takeaways and Closing Remarks

As practices conclude, McShay and Jim underscore the importance of the Senior Bowl in shaping draft narratives:

• McShay: Emphasizes the privilege of participating in the Senior Bowl and the need for professionalism among players and agents. “It's a privilege for the media, it's a privilege for agents, it's a privilege for prospects,” he states. (39:56)

• Jim: Highlights the depth of talent showcased, particularly from smaller schools, and the competitive environment fostered by Jim Nagy’s staff. “Jim Nagy and his staff put together a great roster. It was well-run practices. It was very competitive.” (67:07)

The hosts conclude by looking forward to the upcoming game on Saturday, the draft in April, and continuing their coverage through the combine and draft process.

Notable Quotes

• Jim: “He can mirror guys who are trying to beat him with quickness and side to side moves.” (27:10)

• Mitch: “It's the complete package and the command he has.” (06:46)

• McShay: “Think about it, because when you talk to three different personnel people today, they get it.” (39:56)

Conclusion

"The McShay Show" offers a thorough and insightful analysis of Day 3 at the Senior Bowl, highlighting standout performances, evaluating prospects across key positions, and providing listeners with valuable insights into the upcoming NFL Draft. With a balanced blend of qualitative observations and quantitative data, McShay and Jim deliver a compelling narrative that benefits both casual fans and football enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of draft dynamics.