• Louisville Cardinals continue to impress on Day 3: WR Jamari Thrash and CB Jarvis Brownlee make their second appearance as Senior Bowl standouts this week.
• Best QB in Mobile: Michael Penix Jr. has separated himself from his peers during the Senior Bowl practices.
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Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
Though there were a few standout performers who didn't practice on Day 3, it just meant the other players had more time to shine.
Here were our top performers from Day 3 of Senior Bowl practices.
QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Penix and McCaffrey connect in the back of the end zone pic.twitter.com/KPFQ1UFuoM
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 1, 2024
We haven’t had a quarterback update yet this week, but Penix deserves a shoutout for his performance this week, as he felt like the most impressive quarterback in Mobile. His arm talent was evident from the jump due to the NFL-caliber velocity on his throws, and though his wasn't always accurate, most of his throws were well-placed, and some, like the one above, were absolute beauties.
WR Jamari Thrash, Louisville
Jamari Thrash continues to thrive at the Senior Bowl👀@LouisvilleFB
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 1, 2024
Thrash makes his second appearance as a standout player this week, as he also impressed during Tuesday’s practice. He isn’t the fastest or the quickest, but he's good enough in both areas while also showing really nice hands and a reliable skill for making deep catches over the shoulder. On Tuesday, he showcased his vertical abilities, and on Thursday, he showed he could win in the red zone, too. He was one of the most impressive receivers in attendance this week.
CB Khyree Jackson, Oregon
Underthrown ball from Bo Nix to the back corner, but nice coverage from CB Khyree Jackson to stay in phase and get his head around for the PBU pic.twitter.com/s0Fc6vBvu9
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) February 1, 2024
Jackson has been making plays all week, but they didn't come as frequently during the first two practices. He was one of the outside cornerbacks who was shutting receivers down. His length at 6-foot-3 was really put to good use today in the red zone period. He made it hard for receivers to get off the line of scrimmage in press coverage and was able to get his arms up for jump balls in the back of the end zone. It was a great day to highlight some of what he does best.
CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. Louisville
Louisville’s Jarvis Brownlee Jr. stays in phase and disrupts the catch point. He’s had an incredible Senior Bowl week. pic.twitter.com/DpNQHhcTD3
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) February 1, 2024
Brownlee has had a very good week in Mobile. In fact, he might be the biggest riser of any player at any position. Brownlee started 11 games at Florida State before transferring to Louisville for 2023 to be the Cardinals' starting outside corner. This past year was his best in terms of PFF coverage grade, earning a 78.1 mark. He is a very competitive player. His may only be 5-foot-10, but his 31.75-inch arms were the longest arms of any cornerback on the American team. Throughout the week, he used those long arms in press coverage and at the catch point. He should be rising up the ranks of big boards and mock drafts.
CB Max Melton, Rutgers
I really liked this rep from @RFootball CB Max Melton. Watch the feet; he’s on his toes, light, and was ready to mirror/change direction. 492 snaps outside compared to just 63 in the slot this season, but I think his traits translate well inside. Saw that success here pic.twitter.com/bBrGujgDIq
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) February 1, 2024
Melton has been solid throughout the week, but he really flashed toward the end of the week. Red zone drills from the slot give a heavy advantage to the offense and wide receiver, as it takes a quick, poised and talented defensive back to be able to mirror wide receivers with limited space and help. Despite that, Melton was excellent. He spent most of his time out wide this past season, but his skillset lends itself to a successful slot transition.
CB Javon Bullard, Georgia
Hell of a run fit rep from @GeorgiaFootball DB Javon Bullard. Some like him best at safety, but it’s easy to want him close to the LOS more from the slot bc of reps like this. Popped the WR and immediately got to the RB at the line pic.twitter.com/Om66Dscz8X
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) February 1, 2024
Bullard is a fan favorite for a lot of evaluators this year. First off, he’s versatile, playing 751 snaps in the slot, 421 at free safety and 174 in the box in his college career. He was also talented enough to get on the field as an underclassman for some incredible Georgia defenses over the last two years. The snap above says a lot about why he should be a second- or third-round pick. He is such a strong and fundamentally sound run defender, even at just 5-foot-10 and sub-200 pounds. He also had a play later in practice where he was able to defend Florida State tight end Jaheim Bell one-on-one in red zone drills with a nice pass breakup. Whether you see him more as a slot or as a true safety, he’s the kind of football player every NFL team wants, and he;s the kind of run-defending defensive back you can count on near the line of scrimmage.
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