These players make up for rough week with Senior Bowl success

MOBILE, Ala. -- Utah outside linebacker Koa Misi and Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount, two of the most impressive players in the week of practice leading up to Saturday's Senior Bowl, continued their strong performances in the game itself, a 31-13 North victory over the South.

Michigan's Brandon Graham claimed MVP honors. The defensive end was arguably the most unstoppable player in practice. The LaMarr Woodley/Elvis Dumervil clone is a potential Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher. He could slip out of the first round (as both Woodley and Dumervil did) only because scouts are hesitant to invest such a high pick in a 6-1 pass rusher. His MVP performance (five tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble) hardly came as a surprise. Other players who didn't make positive impressions before the Senior Bowl were able to leave Mobile on a high note with strong showings in the game.

DT Geno Atkins, Georgia: Atkins' burst off the snap disrupted offensive linemen throughout the week of practice. Some observers projected a tough Saturday for Atkins based on his matchup with Idaho offensive guard Mike Iupati, the top-ranked guard in Mobile this week. Atkins' burst and agility was too much for Iupati. Atkins recorded a sack of Oregon State quarterback Sean Canfield in the second quarter.

WR Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati: Gilyard was the Senior Bowl's best receiver, catching five passes for 103 yards and a score. It won't erase his erratic showing earlier in the week, when he dropped too many passes. His 32-yard touchdown reception of a beautifully thrown deep ball from Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour was the best offensive play of the game. Gilyard's agility and speed made him a threat each time he touched the ball as a returner, and he posted 77 yards on two kickoff returns (53 yards) and two punt returns (24).

Mardy Gilyard proves himself to be a threat whenever he touches the ball. (US Presswire)

OLB Dekoda Watson, Florida State: The NFL loves speedy linebackers -- and Watson showed plenty of speed Saturday. He displayed better agility and instincts in coverage than he had earlier in the week. His most impressive play came early in the third quarter when the game was still tight. Playing his customary strong-side position on third-and-1, Watson fought off a block by tight end Garrett Graham (Wisconsin) and beat Fresno State running back Lonyae Miller to the sideline. Miller projects to run the 40-yard dash in the 4.4 range. Watson showed tremendous closing speed and strong hands to make the pull-down tackle and force a punt.

DT Dan Williams, Tennessee: Williams (6-2, 330) had stuffed the interior rushing lanes during the South practices all week long. That part of his game wasn't questioned by scouts. Where he helped himself was in showing better instincts in the passing game than most had expected. Williams sniffed out a screen early in the game, latching on to Miller to ruin the play. Williams also knocked down a pass from 6-6 Cincinnati quarterback Tony Pike pass moments later.

WR Jeremy Williams, Tulane: Gilyard made the flashy reception, but no one caught more passes Saturday than Williams, who finished with six grabs for 82 yards and had the longest run of the game. His 27-yard jaunt on a reverse could have gone for more had LSU left tackle Ciron Black not essentially made the tackle of his own teammate by cutting off his angle and forcing him out of bounds. Williams (6-0, 205) used his prototype frame to gain position on slants and deep outs, providing the South quarterbacks with a safe target.

Rob Rang is a Senior Analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange.