All three days of practice at the Reese’s Senior Bowl have come to a conclusion as they now prepare for the actual game on Saturday. As the Cleveland Browns prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft, there are prospects in Mobile, Alabama for them to target. We will discuss here the standouts and other notes from day-three, including the steady performance of Purdue tight end Payne Durham. You can find the coverage from the first two days in the links below.
What stood out the most from the last day of practice as these prospects look to improve their 2023 NFL Draft stock one last time? Let’s dive in to Thursday’s practice.
Purdue TE Payne Durham continues steady week
Durham was a big, big winner this week, and he capped off the practice week with a massive day-three. Consistent and savvy in all of his drills, Durham even reeled in a massive touchdown down the right sideline from quarterback Jake Haener. Moving forward, Durham has boosted his stock in a deep crop of tight ends.
Purdue TE Payne Durham has a bit more wiggle to his game than I thought. Good stem, sudden break, sells with the eyes. Has had a really good week. pic.twitter.com/Jriga1AEDK
— Cory (@realcorykinnan) February 3, 2023
After a senior season with the Boilermakers where he racked up 560 yards and eight touchdowns on 56 catches, Durham could be on the radar as a second tight end. He would make a lovely running mate for David Njoku in Cleveland as the Browns look to get more explosive in their passing attack.
More Payne Durham. Again stems well, and uses the subtle chicken wing at the top of his route to create another cushion of separation. pic.twitter.com/a2Hzyyg5jW
— Cory (@realcorykinnan) February 3, 2023
Adetomiwa Adebawore continues to dominate
After a dominant day-two, Northwestern defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore did not slow up on the last day of practice either. His power profile and unique body type continue to be on full display in Mobile, and nobody felt the impact more than Notre Dame center Jarrett Patterson.
Being just 6-1 with 34 inch arms give Ade Adebawore some extremely unique levers. And man can he get into dude's chests. Devastatingly powerful player. pic.twitter.com/MFPRgWLSBo
— Cory (@realcorykinnan) February 3, 2023
Even outside of 1-on-1s, Adebawore dominated in 11-on-11s as well, beating North Dakota State standout Cody Mauch, drawing a pressure and a holding as well. Outside of the dominant interior offensive linemen, O’Cyrus Torrence and John-Michael Schmitz, it would be hard to find a player with a better week than Adebawore put on display at the Senior Bowl.
Ade Adebawore again! Came into the Senior Bowl with an early 4th on him. Tend to think he's going top-100 now. pic.twitter.com/IxLdKMhuV3
— Cory (@realcorykinnan) February 3, 2023
It's been a quiet week for the safeties
The Browns will likely need a safety as they prepare for life without both Ronnie Harrison and potentially John Johnson III. Harrison is long gone, and the play of Johnson III compared to the value of his contract did not add up through two years. With new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, however, the Browns may opt to give Johnson a third season to earn back his shine. Regardless, at least one safety is needed this offseason.
While the Senior Bowl floated a deep safety roster, including Ohio State’s Ronnie Hickman, Boise State’s JL Skinner, and Florida State’s Jammie Robinson, none of them stood out this week. All three still boast solid tape, and that remains king in their evaluation, but none of them took the opportunity to raise their stock.
Can the Browns find a long-term backup quarterback in Mobile?
The Browns claimed former third rounder Kellen Mond off of waivers after he was released from the Minnesota Vikings after just a season. He remained inactive all season long, but the Browns opted to keep him over Josh Dobbs once Deshaun Watson returned from his suspension. Jacoby Brissett is likely going to command more money than the Browns will pony up, leaving Mond as the only man in the room to fill the role of backup quarterback.
If the Browns look for another signal caller to create competition with Mond late in the draft, could he be found in Mobile? Fresno State’s Jake Haener has been the best quarterback at the Senior Bowl this week, but there is intrigue with Division II quarterback Tyson Bagent as well. Houston’s Clayton Tune has a high floor, but not much upside.
Outside of those three, the quarterback play has not been worth the conversation. However, if Haener or Bagent find their way to Cleveland late in the draft, there will be no arguments here.
QB play has been poor this week, but Jake Haener has been the best. Highest floor of the group and can consistently get his eyes to the right spot.
Purdue TE Payne Durham has also had quite a week. pic.twitter.com/WS7oCmQnDq
— Cory (@realcorykinnan) February 3, 2023
