2021 Senior Bowl: 6 players who impressed on day two
Two days into the 2021 Senior Bowl and there is a huge difference in the amount of success that some of these prospects are pulling in.
Just like the day before in the first Senior Bowl practice of both the National Team and the American Team, several players are standing out more than other prospects.
In Tuesday’s practice, there were three players from the National and American squad that stood out as the best participants. In Wednesday’s practice, there are six more participants that had tremendous practices.
These are players that had significant performances during the team period sessions and the individual position drill stations.
Some of these players had their NFL draft stock boosted as a result of their fantastic performances.
Cade Johnson – wide receiver (South Dakota State) – National
On the first day of practices for the Senior Bowl, the wide receivers on both teams dominated. Today, there was more pressure on the receivers to make plays due to the performance from the day before. While some receivers played well, no one was more consistent and electrifying than South Dakota State’s Cade Johnson.
While smaller than his fellow wideouts, Johnson was still able to more aggressive against the defensive backs in team periods and 7-on-7’s. Johnson displayed his tremendous speed, ability to make sharp turns, and his dynamic route runner. It was more significant than he was able to make unbelievable and freakish catches while being highly contested by the opposing defensive back.
Whether the catches were one-handed while held or over the shoulder, Johnson was the receiver that put on the biggest show on-the-field. He is an NFL prospect whose draft stock will climb significantly due to his consistent performance against Power-5 defensive backs.
Quincy Roche – defensive end (Miami) – American
This 2021 NFL draft is loaded with high-caliber edge rushers including the Miami Hurricanes star defensive Gregory Rousseau. There is another Hurricanes edge rusher in this draft class that has a chance to get selected high in late April. Miami senior defensive Quincy Roche is looking to establish himself in the 2021 Senior Bowl so he could potentially join Rousseau in the first round.
On Wednesday, Roche was one of the aggressive and efficient defensive linemen for either team. Roche consistently found his way into the opposing offense’s backfield with speed and quick, athleticism. During team periods and one-on-ones, Roche was consistently matched up against Leatherwood.
Roche often had to contain the edge where he was highly efficient in pushing the offensive linemen to close the running lanes. He was also quick to get to the ballcarrier in the backfield and took proper pursuit angles.