Senior Bowl 2011: Players' Stock Rise and Fall in the End

Senior Bowl 2011 week was a whirlwind of activity this past week, and after careful review and analysis, here is a look back at some of the week's top stories and the players whose stock went up or down here in Mobile.  

While the game is almost anti-climactic from an evaluation perspective, it is also the most visible representation of the event for fans watching at home and we include notes from the game at the end to wrap up NFLDraft101.com's first Senior Bowl experience. 

Following Up on the Week's Top Stories (answering questions presented in Senior Bowl Preview)

1. No player has been under the microscope this week more than QB Jake Locker, who looked to assert himself as the top quarterback in the draft. 

Locker, unfortunately, had an up-and-down performance this week. Fundamentally and physically he was easily the top quarterback in Mobile, but he failed to answer questions about his accuracy and appeared tentative in team sessions as if he was trying to avoid mistakes. 

The national media is hyping his performance as a backbreaker, but ultimately, if you liked Locker entering the week you are still in his camp and if you were skeptical entering the week you are still skeptical. 

In the end, due to the lack of a collective bargaining agreement and the number of teams with quarterback needs, Locker (and two other flawed quarterbacks) will likely be first-round picks with franchise expectations that will be difficult to live up to.

2. The biggest position battle of the week was in the trenches where four of the top five offensive tackles waged a battle to be the first at the position selected.

Derek Sherrod had the strongest week showing the most complete package of athleticism, run-blocking and pass-protection skills. 

Anthony Castonzo and Gabe Carimi were not far behind with each showing NFL starter quality talent. For Castonzo this meant showing solid fundamentals including great footwork and the ability to set up quickly in pass protection. His lack of strength remains a concern however. 

Carimi is not the most athletic tackle here, but is a tremendous drive blocker who handled speed rushers better than expected making the case he could stay on the left side in the a power running system. 

Nate Solder had the toughest week struggling when asked to play on the right side where speed rushers beat him with ease. More concerning however, were, his struggles with power and swim moves on the inside (note: struggles going to his right side).  Despite showing raw technique, though, Solder was able to display the athleticism that has led to the "highest upside" tackle label.

3. The standout performance of the week was put up by DE Cameron Jordan. 

He was nearly unblockable throughout the week, displaying a wide array of pass-rush moves, excellent fundamentals and burst off the ball. His tremendous performance likely vaulted him into being one of the top 10 picks in the 2011 draft. 

Jordan was not the only defensive lineman to emerge as DT Phil Taylor exceeded expectations on the South squad, displaying an ability to dominate at the point-of- attack while flashing surprising athleticism for a 337-pounder. He may have moved himself into Day 2 of the draft with his performance.

4. Ben Ijalana's decision to pull out of the Senior Bow, combined with Edmund Gates' day-one injury left the small-school prospects in short supply this week. 

Of the three remaining non-FBS performers, C Brandon Fusco had the strongest week.  While a limited athlete, he set up quickly and anchored well, outperforming the more highly regarded Kristopher O'Dowd this week. On the flipside, WR Courtney Smith flashed good physical tools but a bad case of the dropsies plagued him throughout the week.

5. On the skill position front, the breakout player of the week was tight end Luke Stocker.

He showed he was a complete tight end who can catch and block, play on the line or out wide. He was also the owner of the most amazing play of the practice week making a leaping grab on an overthrown pass over the middle despite a hellacious hit by S Marcus Gilchrist. 

Another breakout performer was late addition Vincent Brown. While not the biggest (5'11" 184 lbs) or fastest (estimate 4.5 40), he impressed with excellent route running and the best hands of any receiver in Mobile this week. 

6. At inside linebacker, top-rated Greg Jones struggled much of the week as his limited range and coverage skills were exposed in one-on-one drills.  Of the inside linebackers, Nate Irving had the strongest week, showing the best combination of pass coverage and run-stopping ability.

Stock Up:

OG Danny Watkins: Made a natural transition to the guard position this week after playing left tackle at Baylor. He stays low and anchors well in pass protection and displayed good power off the line as a run blocker.

RB Kendell Hunter: Undersized at 5'7" 192 lbs," Hunter showed good burst and vision to the hole, natural hands out of the backfield and better than expected pass blocking.  Overall, he outshined the more highly regarded DeMarco Murray.

OLB Lawrence Wilson: If Wilson was and inch or two taller and 10-15 pounds heavier he would be a first or second-round pick. He was by far the best linebacker in coverage and flashed his athleticism and motor all week long.

QB Greg McElroy: The biggest surprise of the week. He entered as a fringe seventh-round pick, who might look out of place, yet held his own all week long. He has an average arm and athleticism but plays within himself and has the look of a developmental backup QB. Great makeup and intangibles.

CB Kendric Burney: Undersized and a tad slow but Burney displayed good instincts and ball skills all week long highlighted by a three-interception day on Thursday.

S Deandre McDaniel: Didn't make a lot of big plays, but impressed with his ability to step up and play some nickel corner when injuries depleted the South secondary and ran well with the receivers. Best all-around safety in Mobile.

RB Bilal Powell: Most underrated running back here this week, Powell showed better than expected speed, vision, hands and blocking ability. Lacks a second gear but shows enough balance and power to run between the tackles.

DE Brooks Reed: Showed good athleticism and looked better than the linebacker when given an opportunity to drop into coverage.

Previously mentioned: DE Cameron Jordan, TE Luke Stocker, WR Vincent Brown, DT Phil Taylor, OT Derek Sherrod, C Brandon Fusco

Stock Down:

RB Noel Devine: Weighed in 20 pounds less than expected and failed to show a great deal of energy all week. Failed to display the elite speed and playmaking ability he needed to overcome his lack of size. Additionally, he sat out the blocking drills further limiting his versatility.

DE Jeremy Beal: Struggled to shed and did not display elite pass-rushing ability going against the strong tackles on the North squad.

DE Sam Acho: Like Beal he struggled to shed and win battles in the pass-rush drills and looked out of place when dropping into coverage.

OT DeMarcus Love: Struggled with balance and displayed slow feet, failing to close the gap between him and the tackles ranked above him.

OT Lee Ziemba: Heavy-legged waist bender who showed below-average athleticism and range as a blocker. Will need to move inside and likely play in a scheme that allows him to play in a phone booth.

QB Ricky Stanzi: Inconsistent throughout the week and really struggled when throwing to the left side of the field. 

Previously mentioned: ILB Greg Jones, OT Nate Solder, WR Courtney Smith

Game Notes: 

The Senior Bowl Game was almost an anti-climactic event after spending an entire week evaluating players up close and personal. The All-Start Game format is not conducive to a definitive evaluation due to the limits to scheme; limits such as no blitzing. Here are some quick assessments of what transpired on the field.

Quarterback Christian Ponder quietly had a solid week and showcased his accuracy and moxie in the game earning MVP honors while leading the South team to 17 points and the victory. My bold prediction of the week is Ponder ending up with the 49ers where he would be an great fit in Jim Harbaugh's West Coast offense.

Leonard Hankerson was the go-to guy for the South, catching five passes for 100 yards and a touchdown, earning Offensive Player of the Game honors. Hands were a little shaky but still effective.

Hard to tell whether the constant picking on CB Kendric Burney was a lack of respect or a sign of the South's chemistry and faith in WR Leonard Hankerson.

After watching QB Jake Locker play on tontonight, I must concur with the NFL Network's Mike Mayock's observation regarding Locker's pocket struggles versus on-the-move excellence. One has to wonder if the beating he took behind bad protection during his Husky career has left some scars on his ability to process in the pocket. 

I still like the talent and upside, but a year on the sidelines and a good mentor could do wonders for his long-term future

QB Colin Kaepernick was a hot name during the practices in some circles but watching him play was a reminder of both his talent and the large amount of work he has ahead of him if he hopes to be an NFL quarterback. Anything earlier than a Day 3 pick is too soon.

The Bengals coaches apparently did not notice QB Ricky Stanzi can't throw to his left side calling multiple plays to that side of the field.

WR Vincent Brown flashed his skills but had a poor read which led to a third down incompletion and a chewing out on the sidelines by WR coach Mike Sheppard immediately after.

Both Andy Dalton (ankle) and Greg McElroy (hand) were injured during the game forcing Christian Ponder into extended action in the fourth quarter. In addition, OT James Brewer left the game early in the first half with an apparent foot injury.

DE Ryan Kerrigan owned OT DeMarcus Love getting two sacks when they matched up against each another.

OG Danny Watkins dominated the interior of the South line blowing open rushing lanes for the running backs.

OT Anthony Castonzo did not have a great performance. As a matter of fact, the North offensive line as a unit was manhandled throughout the first half of the game.

DT/DE tweener Christian Ballard stood out in drills much of the week but reverted back to form during game action as he became invisible against the run. He's a hard guy to project at the next level. Not strong enough to play inside but his speed-rushing ability is neutralized outside. 

OT Derek Sherrod won his one-on one-matchups vs. Cameron Jordan. 

WR Niles Paul had a devastating hit as a gunner on punt coverage in the 2nd half.

OLB Von Miller had a strong performance coming up with two tackles for loss while playing as a 4-3 linebacker, earning Defensive Player of the Game honors. That said, if he gets drafted into a 4-3 scheme it will be a waste of his pass-rushing talent.

One of the stark observations was the difference in how the Bills and Bengals coaching staffs ran their practices.  

The Bengals' North practices were regimented and drill focused (excellent for player evaluation) while the Bills' South practices were very laissez-faire affairs with an almost walk-through atmosphere for the first 30 minutes each day (not as easy to evaluate).  

Neither is necessarily right or wrong but the South's strong start and better execution may have been in part due to the additional time spent on game preparation each day.  Not really a draft comment but an observation I noticed while watching the game unfold. Thanks to @PigskinPaul for sparking this train of thought.

Visit NFLDraft101's Senior Bowl Coverage including practice reports from each day.

Chris Maier is senior editor for NFLDraft101.com. He can be contacted at [e-mail]. Follow Chris on twitter: nfldraft101