Eight Players Who Impressed at Senior Bowl: Day 1

With the Pittsburgh Steelers watching close, eight players didn't take long to impress the spectators at day one of the Senior Bowl.
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MOBILE -- The Senior Bowl is officially underway, and after one day of full practices, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coaching staff in attendance, some players are beginning to show why they belong at the top of draft boards. 

With NFL scouts, coaches and executives looking on, here are the players who impressed the most from their first day on the turf in Mobile, Alabama. 

Jerrod Clark, Defensive Tacke, Coastal Carolina

At 6'3.5 and 343 pounds, it's hard to miss Clark, even while he's standing on the sidelines. But Clark made good use of his size, moving single and double teams with his long arms and powerful lower half. I was wary while watching Clark move through individual drills but his work in one-on-one and team drills was enough to quell any concerns I previously held. 

Daiyan Henley, Linebacker, Washington State

Henley was my favorite player to watch during the first day of practice. With some buzz generating about him going as high as the second round, Henley's play fits the billing. He certainly looks the part with a thick frame and long arms and he moved well for a 230-pound player. Henley was constantly in position to make plays in the run game, covered well and used those long arms to shed blocks and get home when pass-rushing. 

Eric Gray, Running Back, Oklahoma

Gray was dynamic, especially coming out of the backfield for the American team. He kept mistakes to a minimum - catchable balls were hauled in, holes were hit hard and blocking assignments were picked up. Gray was solid all day and became the best friend of American team quarterbacks during team drills. 

Dorian Williams, Linebacker, Tulane'

Williams is short but long and physically impressive. He looks stocky but plays fast with good instincts and strong form. Williams was a steady presence during the American team's whole practice in coverage and against the run. He projects as a fast riser during this week if he keeps on this current pace. 

Keion White, Defensive Lineman, Georgia Tech

White recorded the highest top speed of any defensive lineman on the National Team. Among a group loaded with top-end talents like Andre Carter and K.J. Henry, White was one of the more impressive pass rushers during individual drills. He moved around and won in every different spot against tackles and tight ends alike. 

Demarvion Overshown, Linebacker, Texas

Overshown was among the most physically impressive players to take the field at Whitney Hancock Stadium this week. Overshown stands 6'2 and weighs 220 pounds with lanky arms and long legs. His steps looked choppy during individual drills but it was easy to forget some perhaps less-than-perfect reps during that period when he blew right past helpless running backs in practice. He didn't stand out much when during the team drills but I am eager to see how Overshown progresses on Day 2 and on. 

Puka Nacua, Wide Receiver, BYU

There was no ball Nacua couldn't catch during his first practice for the National team. He enjoyed a comfortable connection with former Cougars teammate Jaren Hall. He showcased a range of skills from precise route-running to create separation, impressive body control to attack off-target balls and strong hands to hang on to difficult catches. 

Max Duggan, Quarterback, Texas Christian

It's hard for a quarterback to jump right in with a group of brand new receivers in a system no one is familiar with and still find a way to impress, but Duggan did it. His motion was smooth and he put great touch on the deep passes. With time, I expect many of those long shots that fell just a hair long to end up in the hands of his receivers more often than not. 

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Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper. He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press. During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general.