We are seven weeks away from the first Senior Bowl practice opening in Mobile, Alabama. Jim Nagy and his crew have been on fire with the early commitments. The #1 All-Star game currently has seen invite acceptances from 106 prospects.
However, that doesn’t mean the work is done. We expect the total roster size to end up around 130. And there are plenty of top players left to choose from.
Today, I look at ten 2023 NFL Draft prospects the Senior Bowl could feasibly add over the next few weeks.
*Note* Every player listed is presumed eligible. Although we don’t know 100% for sure.
Ten Best Prospects Not Currently Committed to the Senior Bowl
BRYCE YOUNG, QB, ALABAMA
I know what you are thinking. Bryce Young isn’t eligible for the Senior Bowl. I would have never thought it either. However, I heard the words come out of Jim Nagy’s mouth both on local radio and in print. In an article written by AL.com’s Mark Inabinett, the Senior Bowl director said he had spoken with Young’s family about why the 3rd-year passer should play in this year’s game. It remains to be seen if the potential number-one pick will play in the contest. He could feasibly use the week to separate himself from CJ Stroud (Ohio State) and whoever the third-best QB is in this draft class.
Crimson Tide edge rusher Will Anderson is also eligible as a 3rd-year player. However, with the knowledge that he doesn’t need the boost, the SB crew isn’t going to waste the Fed Ex postage on that invitation.
WILL LEVIS, QB, KENTUCKY
Speaking of the third-best QB in this draft class, I present to you, Will Levis. Thanks to an unfortunate injury to Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker, the UK passer is almost here by default. Levis has the prototype size and arm strength for an NFL passer. His mechanics are dicey, to put it bluntly. Levis, who has an invitation in hand, needs a huge week in Mobile. A big week of practice could generate millions of dollars for himself.
ZACH CHARBONNET, RB, UCLA
The running back group for the Senior Bowl is already rock solid. But we can always use another. After transferring to UCLA from Michigan last year, Charbonnet has put together two great seasons in Chip Kelly’s offense.
JARED VERSE, EDGE, FLORIDA STATE
Last year, the Senior Bowl had an edge rusher from Florida State (Jermaine Johnson) who transferred in. This year, the Seminoles are back with another transfer pass rusher. Coming over from FCS-Albany, Jared Verse has 7.5 sacks this season for FSU. Could a week in Mobile tormenting offensive tackles in 1-on-1 drills catapult him into the first round?
NOLAN SMITH, EDGE, GEORGIA
Nolan Smith started the season as the #2 pass rusher behind Will Anderson in this class. Smith then suffered a torn pectoral muscle in late October. My guess is that Smith will receive an invite to this year’s game but likely won’t play.
LAIATU LATU, EDGE, UCLA
The former Washington product burst onto the scene for the Bruins in 2022. Latu has a nice size (6’4” 265) and a nice array of pass-rush moves. The UCLA product has 9.5 sacks this year. Does he return to school? That may be the reason he doesn’t have an invite yet.
HENRY TO’O TO’O, LB, ALABAMA
The Crimson Tide already has seven players committed to their home-state All-Star game. Another would give them their most since 1987 (H/T Creg Stephenson). To’o To’o would get a chance to cement himself into round two if he can show off his cover skills during the week of practice. I know the Alabama linebacker has athleticism.
JACK CAMPBELL, LB, IOWA
Campbell is one of the most productive linebackers in college football. Campbell has totaled 255 tackles over the last two seasons. He also has four interceptions. Can Campbell match up with running backs and tight ends? I want to see it during Senior Bowl practice.
JOEY PORTER JR., CB, PENN STATE
Porter has been a lockdown corner for the Nittany Lions this year. He has 11 passes defended in 2022. Porter is likely a 1st round pick already and does not feel he needs the game. However, if he does play in this year’s Senior Bowl, he will join his father as an alumnus of the game. Joey Porter, Sr played in the 1999 Senior Bowl.
CAM SMITH, CB, SOUTH CAROLINA
Speaking of lockdown corners, that brings us to Cam Smith. Smith, like Porter, has already declared for the draft. Like JPJ, both are 4th-year prospects who should be first-round picks. Both also may not be eligible. I have no idea if they have fulfilled the proper eligibility requirements.
Draft Countdown will have you covered for everything related to the 2023 Reese’s Senior Bowl. This includes before the practices start, every day of practice, and the game itself.