2022 Senior Bowl: Day 1 Recap

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Posted on: 2/1/2022.

Northern Iowa left tackle Trevor Penning was my top graded player heading into this years 2022 Senior Bowl. Penning did not disappoint as he headlined the National Team. Penning continued to validate why he was my top overall prospect in the 2022 Reese's Senior Bowl with his dominant performance.

Central Michigan left tackle Bernard Raimann struggled against Ohio State defensive end Tyreke Smith. Raimann rebounded with a win in one-on-ones against Arnold Ebiketie.

One more offensive lineman that stood out for the National Team was Boston College left guard Zion Johnson. Johnson showcased the versatility to play offensive tackle, guard, or center. This wasn't something I saw from Johnson on film and I was a huge fan of Zion Johnson before this. Zion Johnson may move into day 1 if he continues to ball out the next two days.

Carson Strong was easily the best quarterback on the National Team. Kenny Pickett threw a touchdown pass, but he was gunshy today. Pickett didn't throw the ball deep enough. Desmond Ridder was the worst of the three quarterbacks on the National Team.

Myjai Sanders was the best pass rusher for the National Team. He constantly won one-on-ones in the first day of Senior Bowl practice. Sanders just had his way with Minnesota right tackle Daniel Faalele. Faalele rebounded by winning a left tackle rep against Arnold Ebiketie.

Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Darrian Beavers dominated today. He sacked Desmond Ridder. He attacked gaps and holes making plays by stopping the run. He can drop back into coverage too. Darian Beavers cemented his day 2 status today. He could go higher if he can build off of his success in Mobile.

Wide receivers Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs stood out in the first day of the 2022 Senior Bowl. Pierce and Doubs were the two fastest. Another receiver that did well was Christian Watkins out of North Dakota State.

Trey McBride dominated the first day of Senior Bowl practice at tight end. The Colorado State tight end stood out.

The running back that impressed me the most on the National Team was Missouri running back Tyler Badie. Badie had the only first down run during the National Team practice on Tuesday from the limited tweets I saw.

Florida State defensive end Jermaine Johnson II showed the versatility to play both 4-3 right end and 4-3 left end. His day was nearly perfect outside of a one-on-one that Kentucky right tackle Darrian Kinnard won post practice.

Maiik Willis threw two touchdowns in one-on-one drills. He struggled in 7-on-7's and 11-on-11's. Sam Howell had the best practice among the American Team quarterbacks, but everyone on the American Team looked rusty the first day. Bailey Zappe was a target for Jermaine Johnson II throughout the day.

Isaiah Likely was the one bright spot for the American Team offense. Coastal Carolina's tight end looked sharp.

Jalen Tolbert was one receiver that stood out for the American Team. The other wide receiver that stood out for the American Team was Memphis wide receiver Calvin Austin. The first day for these two receivers wasn't as good as the National Team receivers, but he's the only target that Willis and Howell can depend on.

Alabama defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis interviewed well in his press conference after Kenny Pickett spoke earlier today. Mathis is the one defensive tackle that stood out for the American Team.

Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary really stood out today. He outperformed Georgia cornerback Derion Kendrick on day 1 of the 2022 Reese's Senior Bowl. Both cornerbacks did good for the South Team.

South Carolina defensive end Kingsley Enagbare got a little too physical on a few plays. He had two dirty plays in Senior Bowl practice which is the most I've seen from a defensive end.

One more player on the American team that sotod out was Devonte Wyatt. I have a third round grade on Wyatt, but he could move into day 1 if he dominates like he did today the rest of the week.

There were a lot of players that had good plays on day 1 of the 2022 Senior bowl practice. The only player that I thought had a perfect day was Trevor Penning out of Northern Iowa. Daniel Jeremiah is hyping the f out of Kenny Pickett.