2024 Senior Bowl: Top observations from Day 2 as the defensive linemen apply pressure

MOBILE, Ala. — The one on ones are always a fan favorite at the Reese’s Senior Bowl every year.

When Oregon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson lined up against Ohio State defensive lineman Michael Hall, the two showcased just what kind of talent is sharing the field at Hancock Whitney Stadium.

Hall got Powers-Johnson with a good initial pop that knocked the offensive lineman back, and then 6-foot-2, 280-pound defensive lineman went to a spin move to get by the 6-foot-3, 334-pound O-lineman. But Powers-Johnson regathered himself and stayed with the rush to prevent Hall from winning the rep.

Both players showed high-level skill and technique on the play — which is one of the things that makes the Senior Bowl a valuable asset to NFL teams as they are beginning the search to find talent to add to their respective organizations.

Plenty of other players displayed their skills on Day 2 of the Reese’s Senior Bowl practices.

Here are some of the top takeaways.

Pass rushers galore

• Hall made other plays throughout the practice. In the team period, he got a sack on a third down play. The Ohio State Buckeye beat the center quickly and was right in the face of Michael Penix Jr. Later in the practice, Hall tipped a pass at the line of scrimmage.

• UCLA’s Laiatu Latu is an absolute technician with his hands. The 6-foot-4, 261-pound edge defender has a variety of moves to get to the quarterback. In the team period, he lined up with his hand in the dirt and also in a two-point stance. He would’ve had two sacks with one off a stunt and the other by chasing the quarterback from the backside.

• Michigan’s Jaylen Harrell had himself a day. The 6-foot-3, 251-pound edge defender had himself a day rushing against opposing left tackles. He was able to get the quarterback with his quick get off and bend around the edge in one on ones and in the team period.

Big Ten Offensive Linemen

• The offensive linemen also displayed some good reps throughout the practice. Illinois guard Isaiah Adams blocked well during the team period of practice. There were a few instances when he pulled and got to his landmark in good position. After the whistle on some reps, he would give an additional shove to a defensive lineman. Adams was consistent on Wednesday, and that is always a good thing for an offensive lineman.

• Wisconsin center Tanor Bortolini had some flashes on Wednesday. In the one-on-one period, he did get beat on one of his early reps, but he rebounded well. On the snaps that he has success, he’s mirroring the defensive lineman and staying in contact. The rep below showcases that.

Other Observations

• South Carolina receiver Xavier Legette made a few catches down the stretch to end the National team practice. The 6-foot-1, 223-pound receiver did a nice job of coming back to the football on one of his receptions, and he also got open on a corner route to give his quarterback an opportunity to complete the pass. He also made this one in one on ones.

• Texas A&M receiver Ainias Smith made a few receptions over the middle of the field in 7 on 7s. Two of the catches that he made came in tight coverage, but the 5-foot-9, 207-pound receiver was able to secure the tough grab and get some yards after the catch.

• One more wide receiver who has made some plays through the first two practices is Tulane’s Jha’Quan Jackson. The 5-foot-9, 190-pound receiver runs fluid routes and knows how to get open against man coverage.

USC players on Caleb Williams

Running back MarShawn Lloyd and wide receiver Brenden Rice are the two USC Trojans participating in the Senior Bowl. I spoke with both of them about their former quarterback Caleb Williams.

Here is what the two had to say.

Lloyd also described Williams as “down to earth, really good character. One you know him, you know him. … Great person, great person to be around. Great leader. You will never be as successful as he is without being a good person.”

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