Iowa DT Christian Ballard could make a strong impression today on Rams Scouts — and on South team quarterbacks.The Senior Bowl kicks off at 3:00 central time, and promises to be a lot more fun to watch than the NFL’s Pro Bowl. Why? Because unlike their well-paid counterparts in Hawaii, these Seniors have something to prove. Here’s a roundup of players to watch on the North roster, with a highlight on those who could pique the interest of the Rams:
North team: Defense
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DE – 97 Cameron Jordan (Cal): All eyes will be on Jordan, who may be the best player on the field and has done more to raise his draft stock than anyone else this week. Simply unblockable, and a terror in the backfield. Most likely will be taken before the Rams select at #14. If the Rams are looking at a mid-round DE, #91 Ryan Kerrigan could be an attractive target.
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DT – 46 Christian Ballard (Iowa) Was overshadowed by Iowa linemate Adrian Clayborn during the season, and may be overshadowed again by Jordan in today’s game, but deserves his own recognition as perhaps the best DT here. At 6’4″ 288 lbs, Ballard has nice size for the position, and could step in nicely to fill Cliff Ryan’s shoes.
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DT – 94 Terrell McClain (South Florida): The Rams have already shown interest in McClain, who was a late addition to the Senior Bowl roster. McClain is probably a third-day pick, but one who could be watched closely by Rams scouts.
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S – 20 Quinton Carter (Oklahoma): Was neck and neck with the South Team’s Ahmad Black in safety play; Carter is more of a traditional safety, where Black has the feet and playmaking ability to be a mini-Atogwe.
East Carolina’s Dwayne Harris could be another small-school guy on the Rams roster.
North team: Offense
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QB – 10 Colin Kaepernick (Nevada): Pegged by some as the best quarterback here in Mobile, the big-armed Kaepernick will have a chance to outshine teammates Jake Locker (Washington) and Ricky Stanzi (Iowa), and possibly elevate himself into the first round.
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WR – 2 Titus Young (Boise State): The DeSean Jackson clone has already been mentioned as a player to watch as a potential 2nd round Rams pick, and with a strong game could cement that status — or exceed it. Teammate Austin Pettis has not has as good a week, but could showcase solid possession receiver skills and end his week on a strong note.
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WR – 17 Dwayne Harris (East Carolina): Harris is already a potential target of Rams scouts, and has been getting praise for his gritty play. Like Dom Curry, Harris could contribute in a number of ways.
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RB – 7 Demarco Murray (Oklahoma): There are questions about whether Murray — or any of these backs — can become a #1 workhorse, but Murray’s ability catching the ball out of the backfield could showcase him as a LeSean McCoy type starter.
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RB – 24 Kendall Hunter (Oklahoma State): Showed “the quickest feet in Mobile” according to Erik at Optimum Scouting, and can showcase a Maurice Jones-Drew skillset.
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RB – 33 Da’Rel Scott (Maryland): Pegged early this week as a player to watch, Scott still has an uphill road to climb. He may have only a few series with which to impress today, and will have to make the most of them.
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G – 70 John Moffit (Wisconsin): Moffit and Danny Watkins (South team) may be the two best Guard prospects in Mobile this week.
