The Reese's Senior Bowl continues to be the ultimate proving ground for college prospects looking to make their NFL dreams a reality.
During practice week, much of the hype revolved around the quarterbacks, which many have considered one of the deepest classes in years. As it turned out, the linemen stole the show, proving the quality of depth at that position is the best it has been in a long time.
Though many opted not to play, this year's Senior Bowl game was still as eventful and competitive as their practice week. From this, here are the players we believe made the biggest noise in this game.
Quarterback Spencer Rattler - American Team
Among the quarterbacks that performed this week, Rattler was arguably the best of the whole group, which included top names such as Michael Penix Jr. and Box Nix. In this game, he did not waste any time, as he engineered an impressive drive in which he went 4-for-4 and ended in a touchdown pass to Georgia receiver Marcus Rosemy- Jacksaint. Rattler came into this Senior Bowl week as an afterthought to many. After what he showed this week, this year's Senior Bowl MVP likely grew his draft stock in a big way.
Defensive tackle Braden Fiske - National -> American Team
Fiske made news, becoming the first player in the Senior Bowl to be traded to the opposing team. This aside, he made some serious noise on the field as he proved to be nearly unblockable. Fiske would finish the game with 4 tackles, 1.5 tackles for
loss and half a sack. What he showed in this game was what he showed in practice: a defensive lineman with a unique combination of raw power and finesse, making him the type of player that any NFL team would want.
Running back Cody Schrader - American Team
Schrader is more than just a great story of perseverance; he can flat-out play. Whether it is catching passes, making moves in open field, or running over defenders, there are very few things that Schrader cannot do on the field. In this game, he displayed the physicality and agility that made him one the top backs in the nation this past season. He is a special player who has the potential of doing great things at the next level.
Linebacker Cedric Gray - National Team
This year's game was a great exhibition of inside linebackers. Gray, in this case, emerged as the most productive and versatile, as he was ubiquitous on the field. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Gray is his ability to cover in open space; this was on display in this game, where he high-pointed a pass deflection. Assuming he will be participating in this year's Combine, Gray has a chance of becoming the premier player in his position.