The last day of practices at the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl ended on Thursday.
While media access was limited to NFL teams, digital staff, local and broadcast media, I was still able to watch the film afterward and spot some players who made themselves some money in the trenches.
Here are four interior defensive linemen and edge defenders that stood out:
EDGE DeAngelo Malone, Western Kentucky
After flashing on Days 1 and 2, Malone continued his momentum into the final day. Not only did he display a quick first step, lower-body twitch, and looseness in his rushes, but he showed some power on a rep against Braxton Jones to bully him into the backfield. Keep in mind that Malone is only 234 pounds, making this even more impressive. With the explosiveness and length, Malone is the ideal mid-round edge defender that Brandon Staley should covet.
Western Kentucky EDGE/LB DeAngelo Malone wins soundly here against a Power 5 offensive lineman. His speed and bend around the arc allows him to quickly corner here. #GoTops pic.twitter.com/OIpcrZNNdy
— Nick Price (@PriceCheck3) February 4, 2022
EDGE Kingsley Enagbare, South Carolina
After posting four sacks, 45 pressures, 16 quarterback hits, and the highest pass-rush win rate among SEC defensive linemen (25.8%) in 2021, Enagbare flashed that type of dominance on the practice field. In college, he won primarily with his length (35-inch arms) and power, but Enagbare dug into the toolbox to show more variety with his rushes. Most notably, Enagbare beat Max Mitchell with a well-executed cross-chop. He is a player who possesses the ability to play inside and outside.
Kingsley Enagbare with the near hand chop to beat Max Mitchell. Great job getting his hips and feet pointed to the pocket pic.twitter.com/spQfSkGuEZ
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) February 4, 2022
DT Neil Farrell Jr., LSU
Overshadowed by other SEC interior defensive linemen, Farrell did not get as much buzz throughout the season. However, his efforts were always noticed. Farrell finished with the fifth-most run stops (24) and the second-highest run-stop percentage (11.4), per Pro Football Focus. On almost every rep, Farrell was either controlling the point of attack to allow second-level defenders to roam freely or he was in the backfield, winning with the quickness to invade gaps, leverage in the team session or brute strength & powerful limbs to push blockers back and heavy hands to swat jab attempts in one-on-ones. Farrell is a strong candidate for a Day 3 selection.
Neil Farrell Jr. continuing his great Day 2 form into Day 3 – great hand fight to shake off initial OL punch pic.twitter.com/wfW9qnCkiS
— Luke Carr (TD4LC) (@LukeCarrNFL) February 4, 2022
DT Eric Johnson, Missouri State
Johnson’s dominance from the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl was recognized by scouts, so they requested him to be sent to Mobile. After making the leap, Johnson showed that he belongs here with the cream of the crop. Boasting an NFL frame with great length, Johnson used that coupled with explosiveness to extend and lockout. From there, it was pure power to jolt guys back. Further, he flashed impressive agility and balance through contact.
Eric Johnson with some more callouts. pic.twitter.com/JmDGc6Ybqk
— Billy Jansen (@PilotBillyJ) February 3, 2022
