Senior Bowl 2017: Updated NFL Draft Prospects, Invite List and More
January 18, 2017
The Senior Bowl is the premier postseason game for NFL draft prospects, and the 2017 edition is loaded with high-profile names.
Here is a rundown of some of the most notable prospects to accept a spot in the game thus far with a full list available at the game's official website:
Notable 2017 Senior Bowl Accepted Invites | ||
Player | Position | School |
Ben Boulware | ILB | Clemson |
Josh Dobbs | QB | Tennessee |
O.J. Howard | TE | Alabama |
Chad Kelly | QB | Ole Miss |
Desmond King | CB | Iowa |
Takkarist McKinley | OLB | UCLA |
Donnel Pumphrey | RB | San Diego State |
Artavis Scott | WR | Clemson |
Dede Westbrook | WR | Oklahoma |
SeniorBowl.com |
Although the Senior Bowl will boast some top-level talent, several players expected to be taken high in the draft have declined the opportunity to play.
Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson turned down his invitation to play in the 2017 Senior Bowl on Wednesday in favor of focusing on preparations for the NFL Scouting Combine.
Bleacher Report's Matt Miller initially reported Watson's decision Tuesday night, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport provided confirmation from Watson's agent, David Mulugheta.
Miller added that Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams also declined an invitation.
Per Dane Brugler of CBS Sports, Alabama defensive standouts Jonathan Allen and Reuben Foster opted against playing in the game as well.
Watson finished second to Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson in the Heisman Trophy voting last season after coming in third the previous year.
He finished the campaign with 4,593 passing yards, 50 total touchdowns (41 passing and nine rushing) and 17 interceptions.
That made him one of the highest-rated passers in college football, according to Pro Football Focus:
The 21-year-old Georgia native is seemingly in a three-way race with North Carolina's Mitch Trubisky and Notre Dame's DeShone Kizer to be the first signal-caller selected in the 2017 NFL draft.
Miller ranked Watson third among quarterbacks in his Jan. 11 big board behind both Trubisky and Kizer.
Also, in his most recent mock draft on Jan. 2, Miller predicted Watson will be selected 10th overall by the Buffalo Bills.
OBJ's Trade to Cleveland Has the Browns Hyped
Le'Veon's Power Move Pays Off After Signing Massive Deal with Jets
WR Metcalf Looks Ready to Destroy NFL Combine or Take Down Thanos
Friends to Foes, Ex-UGA Teammates Meet in Super Bowl
Cooks Gave a Super Gift to This Rams Employee
Mahomes Loves Ketchup as Much as Torching Defenses
Bears Hoping to Ride Club Dub to the Super Bowl
The Worst Fantasy Football Punishments for Last Place
NFL Players Bring Soccer Traditions to the NFL
JuJu Is a Man of the People
Bills Superfan 'Pancho Billa' Continues to Inspire
Happy 26th Birthday to OBJ 🎉
Mahomes Is 'Showtime' Off the Field Too
Thielen's Ride from Underdog to Record-Breaking WR
Shanahan and His Son Carter Are Hyped for Carter V
Browns Winning Off the Field with Community Service
Conner's Journey from Beating Cancer to Starting RB
Does Donovan McNabb Deserve Your 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Vote?
B/R Fantasy Expert Matt Camp Gives His Picks for Keep or Release After Week 2
Does Hines Ward Deserve Your 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Vote?
With regard to those who have decided to play in the Senior Bowl, however, Oklahoma wide receiver Dede Westbrook is arguably the biggest name.
Westbrook enjoyed a dominant season that saw him finish as a Heisman Trophy finalist, and he has a chance to work his way into the first-round conversation with a strong Senior Bowl.
Also, top-rated tight end O.J. Howard will look to improve his stock even more, while players who were productive in college but overlooked in draft terms, such as San Diego State running back Donnel Pumphrey and Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly, will attempt to make some noise.
Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.
Ranking Landing Spots for Russ
We ranked the most likely trade destinations from Wilson’s reported list 📲