The nation’s preeminent all-star game over the past few seasons, the Senior Bowl always produces copious amounts of NFL talent. With the 2023 edition in the books, the next generation of stars await.
Which players caught the eyes of the Chargers (and everyone else)?
Let’s check out the offense. For defensive standouts, click here.
WR Jayden Reed, Michigan State
The National team’s WR of the week as voted on by the DBs they went up against in practice, Reed separated himself from a strong group of receivers in Mobile. Finally fully healthy after a litany of minor injuries limited him during the season, there was a suddenness to Reed’s game that was missing on his tape. With kick return upside, 4.4 speed, and fluid route running, he could be an option for the Chargers on Day 2 if DeAndre Carter is not retained as the primary returner.
WR Michael Wilson, Stanford
Limited to just 14 games over the last three seasons due to multiple season-ending injuries, Wilson came into the week as one of the event’s most underrated receivers. By the time the final buzzer sounded on Saturday, he had turned every head in Mobile. With 4 catches for 76 yards and a touchdown in Saturday’s game, along with a dominant week of practice, Wilson likely put himself in Day 2 territory if his medicals come back clean. A bigger receiver who wins with savvy and size rather than speed, Wilson fits the Chargers’ usual archetype at the position.
TE Payne Durham, Purdue
Durham had the best week of any tight end in Mobile, showcasing receiving and blocking ability while also playing a bit of fullback and special teams. The Purdue tight end played on the punt, punt return, and field goal units, and likely would have made an appearance on kickoff and kickoff return if the Senior Bowl format included kickoffs. That core special teams ability will add value to his NFL projection, but Durham also made himself a good bit of money as a reliable tight end. He excelled in the red zone, where his size made him a near-unguardable threat on corner routes. With rumors about Gerald Everett being cut swirling, the Chargers could elect to stitch together his replacement with Durham and a cheaper free agency addition.
TE Cameron Latu, Alabama
Latu was the best tight end on the American side, a surprising outcome with Oregon State’s Luke Musgrave on the roster. Musgrave had been billed as a potential first round pick, but it was Latu who looked the most consistent and reliable during the week of practices in Mobile. With natural hands and blocking ability, Latu is another early Day 3 option for the Chargers if they move on from Everett or decline to re-sign Donald Parham Jr. Like Durham, Latu has extensive experience on special teams, logging over 250 snaps in his career at Alabama.
OL Cody Mauch, North Dakota State
After playing left tackle for the majority of his career, Mauch got reps at all five offensive line spots during his week in Mobile. Working primarily at guard, you could tell that it was an adjustment for the sixth-year senior, but by the end of the week, he had acquitted himself well against some of the top defensive line talent in the draft. Mauch also practiced at center for the first time before moving back to tackle for Saturday’s game because of shortages along the offensive line for the National team. Mauch is a better fit on the inside because of his 32 ⅛” arms, short for the perimeter.
The Chargers have shown a fondness for versatile linemen at the Senior Bowl as recently as last year, when they selected Zion Johnson in the first round after he spent time at guard and center in Mobile despite his collegiate experience at tackle.
