Today featured the first practice of the week at the 2009 Senior Bowl. A number of quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers performed well and raised their draft stock. Here are my notes from today's practice:
1. QB Rhett Bomar from Sam Houston State is a player to keep an eye on. He's a former transfer from Oklahoma. Bomar has a rocket for an arm with a very quick release. He is ahead of Texas Tech's Graham Harrell as the top senior quarterback in this year's draft and should be taken in the 3rd or 4th Round.
2. Penn State wide receiver Derrick Williams played well today. He showed great explosiveness and quickness along with reliable hands in the passing game. He was also working as a kick returner. Williams could be 2009's Eddie Royal as a shorter, quicker receiver who makes an immediate impact both on offense and in the return game.
3. Cal Poly receiver Ramses Barden is a huge target a 6-6, 227 lbs. He has a long stride and does the small things well. Barden could see his stock rise as we get closer to the draft.
4. QB Graham Harrell showed inconsistencies today. It's clear that it will him some time to adjust from Texas Tech's spread offense to a pro-style system.
5. Purdue RB Kory Sheets stood out today and could be a nice third-down back for the team that drafts him. Among the seniors, there isn't a player who I think is a must-have. Rashad Jennings from Liberty is a player to keep an eye on.
6. Washington State WR Brandon Gibson and North Carolina WR Brooks Foster both played well today and could see their stock rise.
7. Brandon Pettigrew of Oklahoma State is expected to be the first tight end taken this year. He is a complete tight end and could be a nice player to target as a sleeper in fantasy drafts next season.