Opinion: The Senior Bowl is Great, so there should be one for Underclassman

Written by Christian Lysek

The room is so quiet, a pin drop on the astroturf field would sound like Bryce Harper hitting a gong. Over 300 players are standing around nervously in matching Under Armor compressions. The scene is similar to a track meet, only the consequences of failure are far greater. Here, failure to perform could mean the difference from being a first round lock to a player fighting for a roster spot. We are at the NFL combine, one of the most important steps in the draft process. It puts every prospect under the same microscope as scouts evaluate their athleticism and personalities. Unfortunately, though, some senior prospects have a distinct advantage going into the combine that underclassmen do not have access to: they went to the Senior Bowl. They spent an entire week in pads practicing, scrimmaging, and playing in the all-star game while the underclassmen were at home preparing for the underwear Olympics. They are missing out on the best opportunity to raise their draft stock, which is a crime, because many of these underclassmen need it.

Underclassmen need an opportunity like the Senior Bowl

The number of underclassmen declaring for the draft has skyrocketed. Just this year, 104 players declared early for the draft in hopes of getting picked. If every underclassman who declared were to be drafted, they would make up 41% of the picks in the draft. While standouts like Solomon Thomas and Malik Hooker do not necessarily need another performance in pads, there are always those underclassmen who declare early that leave us scratching our heads who could use an all-star game. Just look at Virginia Tech quarterback Jerod Evans. To most evaluators, he is seen as raw and inexperienced, so having an all-star game where he could work with professional coaches could benefit his draft stock.

Jerod Evans, Virgina Tech QB

While there are plenty of came out too early for no reason like Jerod Evans, some were more than justified in their declaration. The best example is running back Peyton Barber. He was an undrafted rookie last year for the Buccaneers, but before that, he was a low rated prospect from Auburn. He declared not because of his production, but because his mother was homeless and needed some of the money Barber would make. Fortunately, Barber did make it into the league, but imagine how much better off he would be if he had an all-star game to showcase his skills at. He would be able to show off the talent he possesses that allowed him to average 4.1 YPC during his rookie year. Being drafted would mean more roster security and a better contract for him and his family.

Peyton Barber, former Auburn RB

The declared underclassmen need their own bowl. Keep the Senior Bowl as it is, but give the underclassmen a copycat of the game the seniors play. Organize them together, get some NFL assistants to coach them, puts pads on the players, and let them get on the field and make money for themselves. Every underclassman has a flaw, scheme questions, or both, so put them on the field and give them the opportunity to prove themselves to the league.