2024 Senior Bowl Takeaways: Bo Nix's Struggles Could Cause His Draft Stock to Plummet
At its core, the Senior Bowl is a job interview. Over 100 of college football's best players descend upon Mobile, Alabama, with the intent of impressing NFL decision-makers and earning their way into being a draft pick. One of the primary ways to do so is by improving each day during the event's weekly practices.
Continual growth in a pro-style, albeit limited, system while receiving top-level coaching and adjusting to less-than-ideal conditions thanks to all new teammates and surroundings shows how some of these young men will adapt once they're professionals.
Oregon's Bo Nix has bombed his interview so far, at least the on-field portion.
Earlier this week, Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz reported that Nix could become a "cemented Day 1 pick" depending on his performance at the all-star event. The concerns about long-term accuracy that Schultz mentioned have been an issue through two Senior Bowl practices. Derrik Klassen will delve further into the disappointment of Nix's performance, and he'll evaluate many of the performances from skill-position players.
For transparency's sake, the B/R Scouting Department did not grade Nix as a first-round talent coming into this week. His scouting report can be found here.
Fellow scouts Brandon Thorn, Matt Holder and Cory Giddings are still on site to break down the performances from their position groups as well. Quite a few players are making names for themselves and improving their draft standing.
Finally, Wednesday's spotlight interview is with Rice's Luke McCaffrey. The discussion encompasses his improvement at wide receiver, how his three-time Super Bowl champion father helps in his development and the excitement of his brother playing in Super Bowl LVIII.
Skill Positions
The quarterbacks haven't exactly shined, although a lesser-known prospect is turning heads.
That's OK, because other skill-position performers are elevating the overall talent level found in Mobile.
QB Bo Nix, Oregon
With no other way to put it, Nix was bad during the second day of Senior Bowl practices.
The FBS season record-holder for completion percentage missed a number of throws, both in team drills and in one-on-ones. Nix's underthrown wheel route to USC running back Marshawn Lloyd already made its rounds on social media. But he also missed plenty of others, including short-hopping underneath routes and simply looking off throughout the session.
As further examples, the Heisman Trophy finalist was late on one throw to the sideline in one-on-ones. During team drills, Nix threw a spot route too low and then tossed a seam route low and behind his target.
Nix is not normally this inaccurate on film, but it's not surprising to see him late to trigger and generally a little anxious as a thrower. Both of those traits track with what he put on film, and both have cranked up in an unfamiliar environment.
If there was a competition for the best quarterback in Mobile, Nix wouldn't be first, second and probably not even third.
QB Carter Bradley, South Alabama
Bradley isn't just a nice story about a local product competing against the nation's best talent. He might have had the best day of any quarterback during Wednesday's session.
The second-team All-Sun Belt performer doesn't wow anyone with arm strength, but he throws a pretty spiral and plays with good rhythm. Bradley was unafraid to let it rip down the field with good timing in certain moments while also showing the ability to cycle through his options and hit the checkdown in time.
Bradley really excelled in team passing drills and 11-on-11 sessions. He underthrew one route outside the numbers, but he was generally impressive all day.
QB Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
Rattler figured things out as Wednesday progressed. While he did have some moments in one-on-ones, Rattler shined in 11-on-11 at the end of the day.
Rattler cycled through his reads on one rep to hit a back-side curl route on time. Later in the series, Rattler found teammate Xavier Legette on a corner route to finish out practice.
WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina
Speaking of Legette, he looked so much better during Day 2. He had a better sense of urgency and confidence in his route-running after a lethargic first day.
Legette snapped off a clean out-breaking route as the highlight of his day.
He was getting open all over the field, both during one-on-ones and team drills. Legette even finished out team drills at the end of practice with a nice catch on a corner route.
WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida
Pearsall pieced together another nice day. The speed is obvious, but other traits round out his skill set.
He's a quick, controlled mover who showed some ability to win underneath during one-on-ones. Pearsall also had a sick contested catch down the right side of the sidelines, thus showing he's more than just a thin, speed type.
WR Jamari Thrash, Louisville
Thrash's Wednesday performance prove to be a mixed bag, but the good part was so enticing.
Thrash knows how to get open. Whether it was quick routes underneath, stop routes outside the numbers or vertical routes, Thrash created separation and gave the quarterback an easy target to hit. There's a case to be made that nobody was open as consistently during Day 2.
However, Thrash missed a few opportunities to reel in throws just outside of his frame. They weren't automatic catches by any means, but they were ones you'd like to see him snag.
WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia
Though largely still one of the best performing wide receivers at the event, McConkey badly lost a rep versus press coverage in one-on-ones versus Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips. The defensive back got hands on the receiver early, and McConkey was never able to recover or generate enough power to work through the contact.
Beating press coverage is a question McConkey must answer as a 187-pounder, so it's a little disappointing he got worked on that rep. Still, he's a very good prospect and is having an impressive week.
WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina
Quite simply, Walker is losing money in Mobile.
Walker dropped a number of passes on Day 2. Some of those targets hit him right in the hands, while others were through a little bit of traffic. Even so, Walker couldn't seem to bring the ball in with any consistency.
Walker also again struggled with getting off press coverage and beating some of the more physical corners.
TE Theo Johnson, Penn State
Johnson takes the cake among all of the tight ends in attendance. While not the flashiest prospect, he so clearly moves like an NFL tight end at 6'6" and 257 pounds.
Johnson's fluidity and adequate speed showed up all day. Best of all, he consistently finished at the catch point in a way few other pass-catchers did.
TE A.J. Barner, Michigan
Barner has the movement skills of a serious NFL tight end. He carries 251 pounds quite well and did not have any issues keeping himself clean against physical coverage.
At the same time, Barner struggled to find throws outside his frame and did not finish on mildly contested catches the way teams prefer. A strong third practice day will go a long way.
RB Ray Davis, Kentucky
Davis established himself as the best running back at this year's Senior Bowl. It's not particularly close, either.
It's not just the size (220 lbs) or conviction Davis runs with, but it's also his utility in the passing game. The 24-year-old prospect made a sweet catch down the field during pass drills, which is something most of the other running backs have struggled to achieve.
That same ability to win down the field occasionally showed up on Davis' film, so it's no surprise it came to light in Mobile.
RB MarShawn Lloyd, USC
A defender jarred the ball loose against Lloyd during team drills. One mistake can normally be overlooked as an aberration, but ball security has been a consistent issue with Lloyd on film.
He carries the ball low and loose too often, similar to LeSean McCoy. It's a risky way for a running back to live.
— Klassen
Offensive Linemen
The offensive line remains the most talented group in Mobile, though Wednesday's performance wasn't the same dominant outing as seen Tuesday. Unfortunately, that may be the case for the rest of the week, with the event's top-rated prospect leaving during the morning practice and not returning.
IOL Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
Powers-Johnson wound up leaving practice after one-on-ones Wednesday due to a reported hamstring injury that he actually hurt during training. That means he came into the week less than 100 percent, which makes his performance on Tuesday even more impressive.
Powers-Johnson dominated one-on-ones again, including decisive wins against arguably the best interior rusher here in Ohio State's Michael Hall Jr. Powers-Johnson played left guard as well after only repping at center and right guard during Day 1.
The most "special" trait I saw over the last two days of practice was his ability to get out of compromising positions to secure blocks and win reps using a rare blend of quickness, balance and strength.
OT/IOL Dominick Puni, Kansas
Puni experienced an up-and-down day Tuesday but bridged the gap Wednesday with more consistent play, particularly from the center spot that he got to play more once Powers-Johnson left practice.
Puni used multiple jump sets in one-on-ones to maximize his size, get on rushers quickly and end reps near the line of scrimmage.
He also created major vertical displacement as the point man on a double-team during the team portion at left guard. He still had a few wonky pass sets inside, though.
Overall, he put together a nice, solid rebound practice compared to the first practice.
OT Jordan Morgan, Arizona
Morgan had a tough day with pass protection, particularly during the team portion. He was blown up in his anchor, once from Kansas edge-rusher Austin Booker using a long-arm stab technique and another by Michigan edge-rusher Jaylen Harrell.
Coming into the week, Morgan had concerns about handling speed off the edge, specifically being able to anchor against speed-to-power moves. This week hasn't done anything to make those go away.
IOL Christian Haynes, Connecticut
Haynes has had a few up-and-down reps at center this week during one-on-ones, but he has spent the bulk of his time at both guard spots, where he has been outstanding. Haynes' core and grip strength have been borderline dominant this week, as he's ended reps very quickly once latched with a stout anchor to handle power.
Haynes has been the most consistent blocker on the American team through two days of practice.
IOL Beaux Limmer, Arkansas
Limmer's lack of girth (301 lbs) and size hurt him Wednesday in one-on-ones, including getting trampled once by Texas nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat, resulting in a few more clean losses than during the first day of practice.
He still had some nice moments where he was able to get inside of defenders and drive them off their spot. But his narrow, lean frame and build make him a more streaky player who can be taken advantage of in certain isolated matchups against some of the bigger, longer and stronger nose tackles.
OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
Guyton was also more up-and-down in today's practice. He lost a few reps as a right tackle, primarily to Missouri edge-rusher Darius Robinson, and his first rep at left tackle was a clean loss across his face.
Guyton still glides around the field and has a naturally strong anchor, but the inconsistent leverage and technique from his film showed up more Wednesday.
OT Javon Foster, Missouri
Foster had a solid day of practice Wednesday, utilizing his impressive blend of size, strength and length to get into defenders quickly on base blocks to jolt and displace them while anchoring on command against the bull rush.
His footwork got disjointed against counter-moves, including multiple during the team portion of practice. But he has clear strengths that offer a nice foundation to enter the NFL with as a depth piece who has starting potential down the road.
OT Brandon Coleman, TCU
Coleman has been a little bit of a disappointment through two days of practice despite having some nice flashes here and there. He has gotten reps at both tackle spots and left guard, with uneven results at each spot.
Coleman's main issue has been struggling to land his strikes in time to prevent rushers from getting into his frame, getting him on his heels and walking him back in his anchor. His strike timing and hand placement have also led to some quick losses from being off on his target.
A more consistent Day 3 will go a long way toward helping Coleman's perception this week.
OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
Fuaga has more of an up-and-down Wednesday as well, losing cleanly multiple times to Western Michigan edge-rusher Marshawn Kneeland. Once was on a beautiful forklift technique that Kneeland used to lift Fuaga's hands before he slipped cleanly around the corner, and another was a late inside spin at the top of the quarterback's drop.
Fuaga did have two very nice jump sets, one in the team competition drill and another during regular team drills, but some of his questions with range and ability to play on an island at tackle showed up Wednesday in a way that they didn't as often Tuesday.
— Thorn
Defensive Front Seven
Day 2 in Mobile was a much better performance from the defensive front seven as a whole. After primarily concentrating on the defensive line during Tuesday's practice, attention shifted to the linebackers, and the National team had a few standouts from the morning session.
However, the defensive linemen stole the show in the afternoon when the American squad hit the field.
EDGE Darius Robinson, Missouri
Robinson had a handful of impressive reps on Day 1 and stands out with his size and frame, measuring in at 6'5" and 286 pounds with nearly 35-inch arms.
Wednesday's performance was downright dominant at times, as he logged several wins during the one-on-one pass-rush drills and did so from multiple alignments, even winning from nose tackle for one rep.
That level of play carried over to the team period where he had a couple of "sacks."
The Missouri product's grade will undoubtedly be receiving a significant boost on B/R's next big board.
LB Marist Liufau, Notre Dame
Practice started off strong for Liufau, as he had at least three wins as a pass-rusher against running backs and then completed a couple of nice reps in coverage versus the backs.
He also has a good frame at 6'2" and 239 pounds and carries it well with little-to-no bad weight, making the former Golden Domer an intriguing developmental prospect.
LB Payton Wilson, NC State
Wilson had an up-and-down second day. While widely considered one of the top linebackers in Mobile, the Butkus Award winner struggled to win during his one-on-one opportunities as a pass-rusher and got beaten early in coverage drills.
Then, Wilson ended the session with a nice rep using his hands in coverage and had a pass breakup during the full team period. However, he ended the day getting picked on by giving up a deep pass off a wheel route out of the backfield.
Overall, it's a little disappointing for someone of his pedigree.
LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington
Ulofoshio showed off his coverage skills with a couple of nice reps during the one-on-ones against option routes. He had tight coverage on a few and showed off some closing speed on another to keep a completion to a short gain.
The former Husky has impressive movement skills and can be a good coverage 'backer, but he does need to show up and stand out more against the run.
DL Tyler Davis, Clemson
After a quiet day on Tuesday, Davis posted a strong showing Wednesday.
He logged several wins during the one-on-one pass rushes and made a couple of nice plays against the run during the team session, recording at least one tackle for loss and another near the line of scrimmage.
Edge Laiatu Latu, UCLA
Latu looked more like a high first-round pick Wednesday. He had a few wins in one-on-ones, including a strong spin against Oregon State standout Taliese Fuaga.
He also logged a few pressures during the team session, including one "sack."
NT T'Vondre Sweat, Texas
Sweat also stepped up with a good bull rush and a win with a swim move. Compared to the previous day, his motor and drive reached completely different levels.
The Outland Trophy winner was much quicker off the snap, and his power was too much to handle on multiple occasions.
NT McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M
Jackson had a nice bounce-back performance after a lethargic Tuesday, where he didn't play nearly as well as the point of attack as film previously indicated.
He used his quickness to win as a pass-rusher and was much more stout against the run.
— Holder
Secondary
Trends start to build as the individuals stack practices. This became readily evident based on how the defensive backs are currently playing, with a level of consistency not typically seen in this type of setting.
Multiple players balled out during the first two days of Senior Bowl practices, starting with the MAC's top import.
CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Mitchell has already solidified his stock as the best cornerback at the Senior Bowl. No matter who he's faced, he's gotten into each receiver's hip pocket, showing off his agility and burst out of breaks.
During one-on-one drills, the two-time All-MAC performer showed off his ball skills by recording an interception. More importantly, he displayed plenty of speed to run with all receivers he faced throughout the day.
One of the few reps Mitchell didn't win came in a good-on-good matchup against Michigan's Roman Wilson, who has been outstanding in his own right. The cornerback slipped at the line of scrimmage and Wilson made an incredible one-handed catch.
CB Chau Smith-Wade, Washington State
Smith-Wade continues to impress. The 5'10", 187-pound defensive back displays top-notch foot quickness and movement skills.
Smith-Wade has excelled as a slot defender because he's patient at the line of scrimmage with the short-area quickness to explode out of breaks. His lack of size may initially relegate him to a slot defender role, but he has the type the skill set to add depth as an outside cornerback.
S Kitan Oladapo, Oregon State
The 6'2", 219-pound Oladapo is consistent. He has the length and functional strength to be a force in the run game, combined with the movement skills to play in space.
As a pass defender, Oladapo is more than capable of defending an attached tight end, and he has the agility and straight-line speed to cover slot receivers. He does a great job of using his long arms to control tight ends, especially when rolled down and playing catch technique from the box.
CB Cam Hart, Notre Dame
Size may not matter in some cases, but it clearly does with Hart. The 6'3", 204-pounder is a physical cornerback who looks to get his hands on receivers at the line of scrimmage.
He uses his excellent length to ride receivers off the line and shows the ability to drop his hips and transition out of breaks. During Wednesday's practice, he ran the route for the receiver multiple times.
His physical nature is the baseline, but he boasts impressive size and movement skills, which have been on full display during the first two days at the Senior Bowl.
S Kamren Kinchens, Miami
Kinchens' versatility is so good, and it's on display so often that everyone knows about it.
Whether the first-team All-American is aligned as a deep defender or spread out over the slot in man coverage, he shows off his smooth backpedal and quick feet to transition. He plays with a high motor that takes him all over the field.
Although Wednesday's practice wasn't full-go, Kinchens flew downhill against the run and even put himself in position to deliver big hits on passes if they were to be live reps.
CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Louisville
Brownlee is the type of prospect whom everyone should love. Why? Because he's forcing people to take notice.
While in coverage during the one-on-one period, he routinely showed off his ability to quickly get out of breaks and undercut routes, where he forced quarterbacks to not even attempt throws. He has a great feel for routes, combined with fancy footwork to mirror routes and anticipate plays on the ball.
S Jaylin Simpson, Auburn
Simpson's scouting report is interesting because he's a versatile defender whom Auburn asked to play all over the field at just 178 pounds. With that said, his slight build doesn't necessarily show up in his game.
During Wednesday's practice, Simpson aligned at both deep safety and slot corner. He has a smooth and controlled backpedal through a quick transition, where he explodes out of breaks.
His fit will be fascinating based on how NFL coaches project him based on his size—or lack thereof.
— Giddings
Senior Bowl Interview: WR Luke McCaffrey, Rice
Certain surnames carry a lot of weight. For Rice's Luke McCaffrey, he has plenty to live up to considering his family's rich NFL history.
All of it has helped make him better, even when he chose to change positions after his third year in college.
McCaffrey's father, Ed, played 13 seasons in the NFL, sports three Super Bowl rings and earned one Pro Bowl nod. His oldest sibling, Max, played four seasons in the NFL and currently serves as an offensive assistant for the Miami Dolphins. One of his other brothers, Christian, happens to be an MVP candidate and is Super Bowl-bound.
Meanwhile, Luke McCaffrey is finding his way, which took him from the Nebraska Cornhuskers program to the Rice Owls. He made the switch from quarterback to wide receiver at Rice.
Bleacher Report spoke with the first-team All-AAC performer about how everything is coming along and the current excitement for his family.
Bleacher Report: You made the decision to transfer from Nebraska to Rice while subsequently asking to convert to wide receiver after one season with the Owls. What went behind those decisions to lead you where you are now?
Luke McCaffrey: When I was transferring, I wanted to go to a school where I wanted to develop and grow. A big part of that was going to a pro-style offense and West Coast system that Coach [Mike] Bloomgren and Coach [Marques Tuiasosopo] built at Rice.
It was so special to be part of that process. Every play you have the play you call, the kill, an alert, you have an answer for zero or whatever the blitz of the week may be. To be able to ID everything from the front to the back of the coverage, it was special for the development of my mind for football. Plus, you build that cohesiveness with other smart kids on the football field who are as equally as talented.
B/R: Your collegiate career began at quarterback and evolved to wide receiver, where you experienced a breakthrough campaign this season with 992 receiving yards and 13 touchdown grabs. What was done to make that transition easier to reach the point where you're at the Senior Bowl at wide receiver?
LK: I think a lot of that is experience. But it's experience through coaches. Our head coach, OC and wide receivers coach did such an awesome job of letting me learn through experience.
In the beginning, it was so focused on fundamentals, whether it was releases, getting out of our breaks or being able see things from a different lens.
This past year, I felt like I could start putting it together and plan around. They did such a great job, and I'm so thankful for just the opportunity they provided.
B/R: How did your father factor into that experience?
LK: He's awesome. He's so hands-off, until we tell him. He wants us to be free. But naturally, I ask him probably 100 questions per week because I get curious and he did it at such a high level.
I watched him so much growing up that you learn some things just by watching. But it's special when you have someone like him in your life. I'm the luckiest kid in the world because I have those resources. I grew up with that. There's no better blessing in the world.
B/R: Which leads us to your brother, who's preparing to play in Super Bowl LVIII. How has his success and getting to be around him growing up shaped the way you look at the game?
LM: It's so special. It's so rewarding for somebody who loves and cares for him. I don't think anyone deserves it more. I see how frickin' hard he works. He probably works harder than any player in the league.
When you see that hard work pay off, with so many intangibles and high level of skill, it plays out together and you know these opportunities will come. It's why you play the game. It's the reward factor.
I think he's the best player of all time.