The Senior Bowl is the preeminent pre-draft event leading up to the Combine, featuring a greater collection of future NFL talent than any other collegiate game of the year. Nearly half of the players selected in the first round last April played in the 2007 Senior Bowl, and only a dramatic influx of underclass running backs may keep the number from rising again this year.
A strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl can push a mid-round prospect into first-round consideration. But week-long struggles can drop a player just as dramatically.
This week's Risers & Fallers takes a look at those who helped -- and hurt -- themselves the most in Mobile.
1. Chad Henne, QB, Michigan - Stock Current Rating: 2008 Draft Scout #3 QB, Overall #38, Compiled Projected Round(s): 1-2
Despite his North team losing the Senior Bowl, Henne emerged as one of the real winners of the event. Blessed with a rocket arm and downfield accuracy as precise as any passer in the draft, Henne has always shown the physical attributes scouts are looking for in first-round quarterbacks, but he has struggled throughout his career with poise. Throughout the week of practice in Mobile, however, Henne took command of the huddle and appeared unfazed by the pressure. In the game, itself, Henne threw for the North's only two touchdowns.
Coming from a tiny program, Rodgers-Cromartie needed a strong performance at the Senior Bowl to prove he could handle the jump in competition. Following a strong week of practice, "DRC" enjoyed arguably the best game of any defensive back in Mobile, intercepting a pass, deflecting another and registering secure open-field tackles when opportunities came his way -- an area scouts thought could be a problem considering his lanky 6-foot-2, 183-pound frame.
He certainly looks the part at 6-8, 271 pounds, but after missing nearly his entire senior season due to an injured wrist Cottam needed to show scouts his ability. Showing a rare combination of soft hands, lateral quickness and smooth acceleration in the open field, Cottam emerged as one of the Senior Bowl's most pleasant surprises. Not many tight ends catch five passes their senior season and wind up as Top 100 selections, but Cottam could prove the exception.
4. Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California Current Rating: 2008 Draft Scout #17 WR, Overall #126, Compiled Projected Round(s): 4
Hawkins is used to playing in the shadows, but just as he did at Berkeley opposite potential top 10 pick DeSean Jackson, Hawkins proved up to the challenge at the Senior Bowl. Despite most of the media attention focusing on LSU's Early Doucet, Texas' Limas Sweed and Florida's Andre Caldwell, Hawkins was the week's most consistent big-play specialist. Blessed with good speed and leaping ability and terrific hand-eye coordination, Hawkins was a continual highlight reel throughout the week of practice and carried over his production with a touchdown reception in the game.
With Notre Dame's struggles this season, scouts could be excused for not paying much attention to Laws. His quick first step and impressive use of hands throughout the week of practice, however, led to scouts quietly boosting his stock. After posting six tackles, including a sack, tackle for loss and fumble recovery, scouts weren't so quiet in their appreciation of Laws' ability. At only 6-1, Laws lacks the preferred height for the position, but he plays the game with good technique and a nonstop motor.
01/30/08 - Rob Rang, Senior Analyst, NFLDraftScout.com
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