Players who improved their stock at the 2019 Senior Bowl

Senior Bowl week has come and gone, but before we dive into Combine prep, we have to look into some of the prospects who improved their stock down in Mobile. Prospects like Montez Sweat, Dalton Risner and Deebo Samuel headlined the event and we’ve mentioned players like Ben Powers, Andy Isabella, and Garrett Bradbury, but who else impressed enough in Mobile to elevate their draft stock?

Chris Lindstrom, OL, Boston College

Lindstrom capped off a great practice week down in Mobile with a dominant performance in the game on Saturday. Lindstrom was powerful in the one-on-one sessions and moved very fluidly when it came to run blocking. Lindstrom also looked at home when it came to facing stout competition in Mobile. You could feel his competitive attitude shine in Mobile, he was a true alpha on the field. Lindstron showed off his athleticism throughout the week handling pulling situations and combo blocks with ease. The offensive guard class is pretty light, and Lindstrom’s performance in the Senior Bowl could’ve pushed him to the top of the interior offensive line class for 2019.

Terrill Hanks, LB, New Mexico State

Speaking of weaker position groups in the 2019 class, the linebacker class is similar in that fashion — good thing for Hanks. Hanks was fairly unknown before heading to Mobile, but left as a name to know going forward. Hanks stepped on the scales at weigh-in day looking absolutely shredded, a physical monster, and his play on the field backed it up. In Senior Bowl it’s somewhat frowned upon to lay the big hit, but Hanks clearly didn’t care, dropping a few big hits throughout the week and during the game. Hanks set the tone in Mobile and didn’t look back. All that, and he showed solid coverage ability, something you need to have as a modern day linebacker. The 49ers need a linebacker and Hanks could be a fit in the mid-rounds.

Penny Hart, WR, Georgia State

If you haven’t heard the buzz about Hart yet, I have to wonder if you’ve been paying attention. Hart lit up the Senior Bowl practice just about every time he stepped on the field. Hart’s speed was very real, but his elusive route running set him apart. Hart was must-watch every practice. Hart continually confused defensive backs with his jittery footwork. Hart was a late add to the Senior Bowl roster and used this opportunity to introduce himself to the world. It’ll be interested to monitor how fast Hart runs at the combine. If he breaks the low 4.3 mark he could be hearing his name heard a lot earlier than expected.

Lonnie Johnson Jr., CB, Kentucky

The cornerback group in Mobile was a thin one, not weak in skill, just a small group meaning many reps to go around and Johnson took advantage. He was impressive in one-on-one drills with receivers, a tough task in a drill that’s favored towards the receiver. Johnson had a few splash plays at Kentucky, but it was overshadowed by inconsistent play. His length and athletic traits are everything you want in cornerback, but he’s struggled to put it all together. Johnson’s impressive Senior Bowl week was the first step in showing he’s beginning to put it all together which could improve his draft stock before April.

Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn

It wouldn’t be a Senior Bowl recap without bringing up the quarterback position. That brings us to Stidham, one of the most disappointing players in the 2018 college football season. Stidham started 2018 with high hopes, touted like he was a potential first round quarterback at the start of college football season. His play in 2018 made some question his original invitation to the Senior Bowl. Stidham erased a lot of that with his performance down in Mobile. He was one of the most consistent passers in an underwhelming group. The quarterback class in the 2019 draft is a little murky depending on who you talk to, but if Stidham can pair a good Senior Bowl with a great Combine, he could win back some of his fans from the 2018 offseason.