2011 Senior Bowl: Noel Devine, Jeremy Kerley and the Fastest Players in Mobile
The 2011 Senior Bowl is a time for seniors to shine who may be flying under the radar. It is also a time for players to cement their status if they are looking at a potential first round draft selection. Beyond that, it is a chance for a few players to be drafted by a team period.
One of the big things scouts look at—and perhaps the only thing Al Davis looks at—is speed. How fast these players run a 40-yard dash, how quickly these players can make a big play and the like, will be looked at heavily by scouts.
Can a fast time make a player's case? Maybe, maybe not, but a slow time could definitely hurt it. Who are the fastest players to watch in the Senior Bowl? Find out here.
15. DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
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The workhorse out of Oklahoma has been just that, a workhorse.
Having to carry the ball as often as he has might make him look like a tough back rather than a speedster, but he has the potential to be both. With a 40 time under 4.5, he can make plays with his feet just fine.
Beyond that, he can make plays as a wide receiver and on special teams too, so he is a threat on two fronts.
14. Jeremy Kerley, WR, TCU
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Much like Murray, Jeremy Kerley is a threat on multiple fronts.
He was the 2010 Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year and was a reliable target for Andy Dalton at TCU. He ranked near the top of the conference in return average on both punts and kicks.
While he is a playmaker, his 40-yard dash time is relatively lackluster compared to other names on here, and that could be a problem.
13. Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada
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The only quarterback to make it onto this list, Colin Kaepernick is an athlete that, realistically, will probably not end up quarterbacking at the next level. It's a shame because he has both the tools and the size to do it.
As for his speed, he can run a 4.5 without much difficulty, and I see him continuing to improve his stock by using his speed to his advantage on the field.
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12. Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville
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Johnny Patrick is one of those players who may have fallen under the radar since Louisville only had a .500 record.
He has clearly shown the ability to keep up with wide receivers and was an All-Big East selection. Can he keep up with some of the wideouts on here? We'll find out; he may end up being a first-second round 'tweener pick.
11. DeMarcus Van Dyke, CB, Miami FL
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While Patrick is only under the radar for people who aren't looking past the first round, DeMarcus Van Dyke is under the radar for, well, pretty much everyone. He is ranked pretty far down on the list of cornerbacks this year.
Is this justified? We'll find out, but his speed is certainly not an issue. He is among the fastest cornerbacks and can at least hold his own with wideouts on that front.
10. Ronald Johnson, WR, USC
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USC receivers aren't getting quite the love that they used to, but Ronald Johnson will nonetheless try to solidify his position on draft day by going in the first couple rounds. There is no question that he has the speed, though he is a bit on the short side.
His unofficial 40 time is 4.46, which is quite good. He may end up in more of a special teams/kick return role when he's drafted.
9. Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego State
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Vincent Brown has been rising up draft boards thanks to both his speed and playing ability, as well he should.
He's projected around the third or fourth round, and a good performance here could launch him higher. His 40 time isn't that great, but when watching him run on the field, he knows when to use his speed to break away from the defender, making him appear even faster.
8. Da'Rel Scott, RB, Maryland
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We didn't get to see much of his breakaway speed as he had a lackluster season in Maryland this past year. As a result, he's a very late draft pick. Nonetheless, his unofficial 40-yard time at 4.42 is among the best for running backs in this draft.
Da'Rel Scott does have breakaway speed when it counts, and while he doesn't have a huge build, it works for him. He needs to show his speed big time in Mobile if he wants to be drafted at all.
7. Edmund Gates, WR, Abilene Christian
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The fastest guy in Division II, Edmund Gates is hoping to catch the eye of a few scouts in the Senior Bowl. Unofficial 40-yard time is 4.43, which is one of the best times for any wideout I found.
Can he compete with Division I guys and outrun them? I don't see any reason he couldn't, so keep an eye on him this weekend.
6. Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
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Despite Texas' struggles this season, some stars emerged from the rubble, with one of the biggest being cornerback Curtis Brown.
He has one of the fastest 40 times in the Senior Bowl, and has shown great speed in his years at Texas. He was only an Honorable Mention All-Big 12, but he did have to compete with Prince Amukamara for that honor.
5. Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
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Everyone talks about Kendall Hunter's blazing speed, and he certainly has that, no question about it. Anyone's who's seen the man play knows he has amazing speed.
Is it because he's that fast, or is it because Oklahoma State's passing attack was helping to make lanes for him? I would say the former, but there are a couple backs even faster than him.
4. Rashad Carmichael, CB, Virginia Tech
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Put this guy's name into your memory bank.
Rashad Carmichael had blistering speed on the Virginia Tech team during his time there and was one of the strongest defensive pieces for the Hokies.
I'm surprised he isn't getting more coverage. If you don't believe me about his speed, watch him on Saturday.
3. Titus Young, WR, Boise State
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Easily the flashiest senior in the bowl in terms of speed, Titus Young can get open almost at will, making great plays with his feet and hands.
He has some weaknesses though, such as concentration and size, that will keep him from getting in the top 50 picks, but someone will definitely take a chance on that speed sometime in the first half of the draft.
2. Derrick Locke, RB, Kentucky
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As fast as Kendall Hunter and others are, it's hard to beat the blistering speed of Derrick Locke of Kentucky.
He badly wants to play in the NFL and has said he may be able to hit a 4.2 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. With some of the speed he's shown at college games, I believe that. The guy is a machine.
1. Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia
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Unfortunately for Noel Devine, a weak senior year combined with the smallest frame in the draft will lead to many teams passing on him.
It's a shame because he might be the fastest guy going into the draft, right up there with Locke. If Darren Sproles can get himself an NFL career though, Devine and Locke can too. Expect his blistering speed to be all over the map on Saturday.
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