By McKenna Middlebrook / Billswire.usatoday.com
A week of practice for more than 100 college seniors from across the nation culminated on Saturday with the 2020 Senior Bowl, where the North had a dominating 34-17 victory over the South team. The North won the game with a strong run game, and a great front-four that was rotated throughout the game.
Could the Bills be interested in any standouts from the game?
Let’s look at who stood out during the Senior Bowl and helped their draft stock before the NFL combine:
EDGE Alton Robinson, Syracuse
This is the beginning of the edge rushers that will be discussed because the North created consistent pressure with just four men. Not many people outside of Central New York saw Alton Robinson play during his time at Cuse but he had 19.5 sacks in his career, who has a variety of moves and a great motor.
During the Senior Bowl he had two sacks, the first was against the elusive Jalen Hurts where Robinson bullied his matchup and dragged Hurts down. His second was against Steven Montez where Montez escaped the initial pressure but, Robinson tracked him down and finish the sack.
The Buffalo Bills need more players who can pressure the quarterback, and Robinson is projected as a Day 3 pick, so he should be on the radar of Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott.
EDGE Bradlee Anae, Utah
The edge rusher trend continues with Bradlee Anae who had three sacks on the day, and was in the backfield most of the afternoon. Anae has had a prolific career at Utah with 30 sacks in four seasons. His one goal when he’s on the field is to reach the quarterback, and Anae has a variety of speed moves to reach his target.
During the Senior Bowl sacked Jalen Hurts and Steven Montez. Anae also forced an interception from Hurts with pressure down the middle, forcing the ball to leave his hands early.
Like Robinson, Anae has been projected to be a Day 3 pick, with the lack of pass rushers on Buffalo’s roster, Anae could be a viable option later in the draft.
RB Joshua Kelley, UCLA
Moving onto the offensive side of the ball, Joshua Kelley was impressive managing the load for the North. The UCLA product had 2,303 rushing yards during his collegiate career, and 24 rushing touchdowns. On Saturday, Kelley had 15 carries for 105 yards.
Kelley benefited from some decent offensive line play, but when he hit the holes that were created he was tough to bring down. He was most polished running back at the Senior Bowl, with an excellent balance of speed and power.
The Bills have likes of Devin Singletary, Frank Gore (for now), and T.J. Yeldon under contract, but adding another dynamic running back is never a bad idea. Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott also said at his end of season press conference that he believes the NFL is a two-back league. With question marks behind Singletary and nine draft picks the Bills are in contention to selection a running back at some point at the 2020 NFL draft.
QB Justin Herbert, Oregon
Justin Herbert was the biggest name to participate at this year’s Senior Bowl after leading his Oregon team to a dramatic Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin. He started the game for the South, and gave his side a seven-point lead. The former Duck showcased his arm talent, and athletic ability in just one quarter.
Herbert finished his afternoon completing nine of his 12 passes for 83 yards, one touchdown and a 19-yard run. He was the most polished and pro ready quarterback that featured during the Senior Bowl, showing that he’s a top-10 talent.
The Bills won’t have a chance to draft Herbert unless GM Brandon Beane moves up into the top 10, but you have to respect the talent that was on display. That… and Josh Allen.
CB Troy Pride Jr., Notre Dame
Throughout the week Troy Pride Jr., was impressing coaches at the Senior Bowl practices, and on Saturday he had a great performance. Pride locked down his matchup, and intercepted Montez and took the ball back to the 10-yard line.
In one-on-one drills during practice Pride displayed great speed, and physicality and displayed those same skills on Saturday. He demonstrated that he can be an shutdown corner at the next level, and was clearly the best defensive back on the field.
The Bills will have a chance to draft Pride during Day 2 of the draft, and would be a welcome addition alongside the one of league’s best cornerback Tre’Davious White.