2021 Senior Bowl: 6 players who impressed on day one

Daelin Hayes – defensive end (Notre Dame) – National

The best playmaker for the National squad in Tuesday’s Senior Bowl practice was easily Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive end Daelin Hayes. He is one of several Fighting Irish players in the 2021 Senior Bowl as he is looking to boost his NFL Draft in a heavily packed edge rusher class. In Tuesday’s practice, he was able to separate himself from his fellow National teammates.

As a standup defensive end, Hayes was able to consistently create a significant pass rush against the opposing offense. In team period, Hayes was able to quickly create a sack on Arkansas quarterback Feleipe Franks.

In the next play, Hayes was there to make the tackle for loss on the running back in the backfield. These are just examples of the distributive contributions from Hayes at the edge. His speed, aggressiveness at the edge, and athleticism make him a hard defensive player to stop.

Carlos Basham Jr. – defensive end (Wake Forest) – American

This year’s Senior Bowl has brought several prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft that are considered to have first-round talent or first-round potential. With the talent and potential comes the high expectations of their capabilities on-the-field.

Basham was one of the most impressive and dominating players in Tuesday’s Senior Bowl practice. In the position drills, he showed his natural movement despite his huge size at 281 pounds. Through his natural movements, he is quick but instantly violent in his hits on the bags and the offensive line.

Basham was the most efficient playmaker in practice as he continues to open the eyes of NFL scouts and coaches. He is regarded as a near first-round prospect for the 2021 NFL Draft before the start of the 2021 Senior Bowl. After Tuesday’s practice, he continues to boost his NFL Draft.