We know the Indianapolis Colts kept a keen eye on the Senior Bowl throughout the week of practice ahead of the 2024 NFL draft, and there were plenty of standouts who likely caught the team’s attention.
Though the scouting department has been hard at work since the fall, the majority of the front office is just now getting to know this crop of prospects. Over the next few months, the big board will be finalized, and the Senior Bowl will play a major role in that development.
After the week of practice concluded, the game itself takes place Saturday at 1:00 p.m. ET and will air on NFL Network.
Here’s a look at eight standouts from the 2024 Senior Bowl:
1
iOL Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
The Oregon center was among the highest-praised players throughout the week. He showed off a strong anchor and plenty of power on the interior while working at both center and guard, proving he also has versatility.
Here’s what Draft Wire’s Jeff Risdon said about Powers-Johnson:
The big man showed off his big game. “JPJ”, as he’s known in scouting parlance, brought a very impressive combination of short-area strength and outstanding range in run blocking.
Pass protection wasn’t quite as clean of a slate, but Powers-Johnson proved he can anchor well inside. Some quality reps at guard showed off the versatility to start as a rookie at either spot.
The Colts have center Ryan Kelly under contract for another season, but they will need to begin looking for his successor.
2
DL Darius Robinson, Missouri
Arguably the biggest winner of the entire week, Robinson may have solidified himself as a first-round pick thanks to his dominant performance. With size, length and burst, Robinson certainly put himself on the Colts’ radar.
Here’s what Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network said about Robinson’s week:
Darius Robinson came into the Senior Bowl as a fringe first-round prospect for me. And in the wake of his game-wrecking performance — particularly on Day 2 — his name should be in first-round mocks much more often.
Robinson was great all week, but he was legitimately indefensible on Wednesday. He won with quick, heavy-handed swims, brutal power rushes in 1-on-1s, and obliterated gaps in run defense during team drills.
At 6’5″, 286 pounds with near-35″ arms and high-end burst, twitch, and flexibility, Robinson compares favorably to Denico Autry, one of the more under-appreciated alignment-versatile goblins of our time.
3
CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Though the Colts drafted three cornerbacks—two of whom became starters—in 2023, there’s a good chance they go back to the well in the first round. Mitchell has solid length and size, and he impressed in just about every facet of the game.
Here’s what Draft Wire’s Jeff Risdon said about Mitchell’s performance:
Hands down the best player in Mobile. Might be the best cornerback I’ve seen in Senior Bowl practices in the 15 trips I’ve made to the event. Mitchell showed everything a team can want in an outside corner–including a short memory to recover from a rare lost rep.
Mitchell elevated himself into the conversation to be the first CB drafted, perhaps as high as the top 10. He was that exemplary.
Even with JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones lined up as the starters on the boundary right now, the Colts could use more depth and talent at the position.
4
WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
A menace after the catch, Corley is built more like a running back at 5-foot-10 and 215 pounds. He showed off some impressive route running, according to several reports, including one of the top draft analysts throughout the industry.
Here’s what NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said about Corley’s showing at the Senior Bowl:
As you might know by now, I’m a fan of Corley, who was in my top-50 prospects rankings released earlier this week. We’ll get a better chance to see what he can do after the catch in the Senior Bowl game on Saturday. He didn’t get to showcase his YAC ability this week due to the structure of practices — yes, he refers to himself as “The YAC King” on social media — but I thought he ran good routes during drills. He showed his speed and caught the ball well. Based on the conversations I’ve had with NFL teams here in Mobile, a lot of people are excited about him.
Though Michael Pittman Jr. is slated to be a free agent, Corley would be an intriguing addition assuming the former returns.
5
iOL Christian Haynes, Connecticut
At 6-foot-2 and 318 pounds, Haynes measured in with 33 7/8-inch arms. He showed off a number of qualities including a dominant showing in 1-on-1 drills.
Here’s what Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network said:
Past Powers-Johnson, the most consistent interior lineman in Mobile might have been Christian Haynes. The 6’2 1/2″, 318-pound blocker was already known for his ability to explode to the second level and drive through defenders in space. But at the Senior Bowl, he was rock-solid in 1-on-1s and pass protection reps in team sessions, using his steady base, tenacity, and suffocating core strength to nullify rushers with totality.
With Will Fries slated to be back as the starting right guard, finding competition for him will be vital.
6
TE Theo Johnson, Penn State
Johnson seems to have emerged as the top tight end prospect from the Senior Bowl, putting together a combination of impressive size and body control.
Here’s what NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said after Johnson’s impressive showing this week:
I was looking for a tight end to emerge during the week of practices, and Johnson stepped up to the challenge. He was the best player at the position. He has excellent size (6-6, 257) and showed a little more wiggle in person than he did on tape. I was impressed with how he moved on the field.
It will be interesting to see how the Colts address the tight end position this offseason.
7
WR Roman Wilson, Michigan
Wilson’s name was popping throughout the entire week. Though he’s a bit on the lighter side, he makes up for it with easy speed while showing off some extremely impressive body control.
Here’s what Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network said about Wilson’s performance:
There were quite a few solid WR performances in Mobile, but no one was more consistent at separating and catching the football than Roman Wilson. Wilson used his Chris Olave-esque speed and bend to carve past coverage DBs and obliterate looks, and he used his acrobatic catching instincts to consistently convert at the catch point.
Once Wilson runs at the NFL Combine — he’s expected to run in the 4.3s — top-50 draft capital could be a legitimate possibility.
8
DL Gabe Hall, Baylor
Likely one of the biggest risers throughout the week was Hall, who brings some impressive size and length to the interior defensive line.
Here’s what Draft Wire’s Jeff Risdon said about Hall’s week:
Didn’t know a lot about Hall coming into Mobile, but he seized attention right away. His burst off the line showcased both strength and leverage. Moreover, he was one of the few interior rushers who seemed to have a real plan as a pass rusher but also could react and improvise if the initial plan didn’t work.
During Tuesday’s team session, he was largely unblockable and very disruptive. Hall made himself some bigger draft fans in the week.
Hall may be more of a Day 3 option right now, but the Colts could keep an eye on him for depth and upside.
