Day One Report (Tuesday Practice)

South Team

WR James Washington (Oklahoma State)

He was the top player for the South team during Tuesday’s practice.  He checked in at 5’10 7/8, 210 pounds, 9 5/8 hand size and 33 7/8 arm length.  He made consistent plays throughout the afternoon.  He displayed very good hands, body control and stretched the field vertically, just as he did at Oklahoma State. He does a tremendous job locating the ball downfield.  He finishes at the catch point. 

QB Kurt Benkert (Virginia)

He was the most consistent signal caller during day one.  Benkert struggled with accuracy and ball placement early in practice, but he turned it up during the scrimmage portion.  He worked through his progressions, showed good touch and accuracy on the deep ball.  He made good decisions with the ball.

CB M.J. Stewart (North Carolina)

Stewart is a tough, physical corner.  He was able to get his hands on receivers at the line of scrimmage, and it made him effective as a press corner in the one on one’s. 

CB Siran Neal (Jacksonville State)

Another corner that had himself a good day on Tuesday.  He has good size and is very versatile.  He displayed fluid hips and moved well laterally.  He also made plays against the run during the scrimmage portion.

North Team

QB Josh Allen (Wyoming)

I understand why Allen is getting the buzz.  He has outstanding physical tools (6’4 7/8, 237 and 10 1/8 hand size). He has a great arm, mobility and he can complete passes into tight windows.  However, he was inconsistent on Tuesday, just like he has been when you study his film.  He struggles with his accuracy and decision-making.  I hope we will see him get better as the week progresses. 

QB Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma)

He didn’t attend the weigh-in this morning due to a personal matter.  He arrived at practice this afternoon and was pressing early.  He was too anxious to make plays.  He struggled with his snaps and fumbled the ball a few times.  His footwork needs to improve and he tends to lock onto his primary target.  But he bounced back and made plays as practice continued.  He threw the ball with anticipation, showed a quick release and displayed accuracy.  He looked the best on day one out of the North QB’s. 

WR Cedrick Wilson (Boise State)

I thought that Wilson was an underrated WR coming into this week.  He can line up outside or inside.  He displayed good hands, speed and created separation by running crisp routes.  However, he needs to do a better job finishing at the catch point, which was a problem for him especially in the one on one’s.  He was a standout performer on Tuesday. 

DT Nathan Shepherd (Fort Hays State)

Fort Hays State product dominated in the one on one’s.  He has good size and showed good athleticism.  He displayed a quick first step and great anticipation off the snap.  Excited to see what he can do tomorrow with the full pads on.

S Armani Watts (Texas A&M)      

He was physical against TE’s in the one on one’s.  He showed quick feet and good recognition skills.  He broke on the ball and intercepted the pass in the middle of the field during the scrimmage portion.  He also had tight coverage on the deep ball the play before.