With poor weather threatening hazardous conditions on the third day of Senior Bowl practices, the event was moved inside in the interest of player safety and comfort.
Unfortunately, the indoor facility was much smaller than Hancock-Whitney stadium and space was limited. Only media partnered with the Senior Bowl were allowed access indoors for in-person viewing as a result. Nevertheless, we were still able to view the television broadcast and watch the post-practice film for a comprehensive insight into how the players performed.
Here are four potential targets for the Chargers at the wide receiver and defensive back positions that stood out from the rest of the competition on Thursday.
WR – Khalil Shakir, Boise State
The shifty Shakir garnered praise throughout the day as the best receiver in the indoor showing. Shakir found himself open on two looks during work in the red zone, converting both touchdowns with strong catches. On the first touchdown, he shook free from extended press contact on a deep route before extending low in the back of the end zone for the ball. His second touchdown displayed toughness through contact, taking a big shot over the middle that sat him down but failed to dislodge the ball.
Khalil Shakir takes a big hit after catching a Desmond Ridder send 👀@seniorbowl pic.twitter.com/rJHbaiQQGE
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) February 3, 2022
The size and length (191 pounds, 29’ arms) may concern some NFL teams, but Shakir has improved every day he has spent in Mobile. Shakir consistently separated off the line with his sharp releases, fast foot-fire, and twitchy lower body. He exercised good burst to pull away from defenders in short areas. A solid outing in the game Saturday would be the perfect way to cap off Shakir’s ascension.
WR – Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama
The Mobile native was a solid performer through the first two days of practice, but Tolbert’s game was on another level on Thursday. Tolbert was crafty as a route runner, constantly winning off the line of scrimmage and finding ways to separate late in his route. He shook defenders out of his breaks and demonstrated exceptional timing when locating the ball. This rep against Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt was a prime example of Tolbert’s ability to pluck the ball at its high point and protect the football on his return to the ground.
Love this rep from Jalen Tolbert.
– Reset the LOS on release; works to back pylon
– Plays through the defender to high point the throw
– Turn and tuck to *give the DB your back* and protect the 🏈.Ball-me-defender relationship 🔑 pic.twitter.com/4lfgfqSDYZ
— Receiver Daily (@ReceiverDaily) February 4, 2022
S – Jalen Pitre, Baylor
A hybrid defender that suited up in a variety of roles at Baylor, Pitre is another prospect who struggled initially during one-on-ones but elevated his play as the week went on. Pitre was aggressive in coverage on day three, blanketing Trey McBride in the red zone on one snap while diving for a pass breakup on Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder on another.
Nice bootleg out from Desmond Ridder here but he has to make this throw. He is lucky Jalen Pitre doesn’t pick this#SeniorBowl #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/L5be44jQLP
— Owain Jones (@Owain_Jones_) February 4, 2022
Pitre spoke to the media after practice on Wednesday and voiced his thoughts on how NFL defenses are evolving into having more positionless roles.
“I think that the game is translating into that,” Pitre said. “There are more guys that are versatile that can cover but also bring the hit. Just help their teammates out as much as possible.”
Pitre went on to explain his role as a “star” defender and how it maximized his range and instincts. Pitre mentioned the pro safeties he models his game after are Tyrann Mathieu of the Kansas City Chiefs and Budda Baker of the Arizona Cardinals. He plays bigger than his size and holds a ton of untapped potential.
CB – Roger McCreary, Auburn
One of my favorite prospects coming into the Senior Bowl, McCreary soured on a few evaluators after posting 29-inch arms on measurement day. The lack of length was surprising considering McCreary’s wealth of production, notching six interceptions and 30 pass breakups in 39 games for Auburn. When asked about his length, McCreary brushed the number off and said it does not faze him.
“It’s not frustrating, it’s just that a lot of people want to talk about my measurements when they didn’t say anything my whole college career,” McCreary told John Crumpler of The Texans Wire. “That’s their opinion, so I really don’t care. I’m just going to play how I play and not let that get to my head because I know what type of player I am.”
McCreary dominated the hip pockets of receivers all week while spending time in both the nickel and outside cornerback spots. He recorded a pass breakup on the goal line covering an out route, flashing his sound instincts. A well-rounded cornerback that traverses the field smoothly with clean footwork, McCreary definitely proved why he’s receiving first-round consideration.
