1st Round: Howard will help immediately
Thirty-one of 32 NFL organizations selected at least one Reese’s Senior Bowl prospect this year with 21 teams choosing three or more players from our game. A total of 85 names were called during the three-day extravaganza in Philadelphia, which was the 3rd highest total for us in the last ten years. To go a step further, from the 2nd through 4th rounds, 64 of the 143 total choices (45%) were prospects that “competed” and “connected” in Mobile.
Here is a breakdown of each round and the number of prospects chosen from the Reese’s Senior Bowl (with percentages for entire draft and Seniors only):
| ROUND | RSB PICKS | RUNNING TOTAL | SENIOR TOTAL |
| 1 | 4 | 4 of 32 (13%) | 4 of 10 (40%) |
| 2 | 12 | 16 of 64 (25%) | 12 of 16 (75%) |
| 3 | 26 | 42 of 107 (39%) | 26 of 32 (81%) |
| 4 | 15 | 57 of 144 (40%) | 15 of 28 (54%) |
| 5 | 14 | 71 of 184 (39%) | 14 of 32 (44%) |
| 6 | 8 | 79 of 218 (36%) | 8 of 28 (29%) |
| 7 | 6 | 85 of 253 (34%) | 6 of 30 (20%) |
1st Round
With 103 underclassmen declaring for the 2017 NFL Draft, only ten total seniors were chosen in the first 32 picks. Of that number, four played in Mobile, while three others accepted invites, but were not 100% healthy to participate back in January.
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“Highest Selection”
Haason Reddick/Temple LB
The “face of the franchise” in 2017, Haason arrived in Mobile as a 230lb defensive end that was projected as a 3rd round pick. Invited as a stand-up linebacker, he thrived during the practices and capped off the week with a 9-tackle performance in the game. The epitome of a speed-toughness-instincts prospect, the Arizona Cardinals chose him #13 overall where he will be expected to start from day one.
“Senior Bowl Bump"
Evan Engram/Ole Miss TE
After a very productive career for the Rebels, Evan was characterized as a pass receiving tight end only and a likely 2nd or 3rd round option for a team. In Mobile, he showed a desire to block as a traditional Y and more than held his own in the 1-on-1 drills, while continuing to be a top-flight route runner and pass catcher. The New York Giants selected him #23 overall and he will add another dimension to their offense with his 4.42 speed.
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“Immediate Help”
O.J. Howard/Alabama TE
O.J. was clearly the best player on the field in Mobile with his prototypical size, speed and athletic ability. Not only did he excel as a receiver, but also as a blocker, too. In going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at pick #19, he will flourish in being paired with QB Jameis Winston. Expect the Bucs to contend for the NFC South with O.J., Mike Evans, Desean Jackson and Cameron Brate forming an impressive nucleus of talented pass catchers.
“Spotlight Choice”
Tre’Davious White/LSU
The Buffalo Bills dropped down from #10 to #27 and picked up a 2018 1st round choice from Kansas City in doing so. By the time they were on the clock, Tre’Davious was an obvious choice for them. A four-year starter, he wore the respected #18 jersey for the Tigers in 2015 and 2016. He brings a ton of versatility to the table as an inside and outside corner, plus has the skillset to return punts. Of course, Tre has some big shoes to fill with Stephon Gilmore leaving the Bills for the Patriots in free agency.