The Senior Bowl is a yearly event hosted in Mobile, Alabama. During the Senior Bowl, the country’s top seniors in the upcoming NFL Draft are invited to participate in multiple days of practice that culminate in a game. These prospects are able to showcase their skills and personalities on the field and in the film room to every front office in the NFL.
Multiple current and future Hall of Famers such as Dan Marino, Terrell Owens, Reggie Wayne, Tory Holt, Joe Staley, DeMarcus Ware, Brian Urlacher, Richard Sherman, and Brian Dawkins have participated in the Senior Bowl. Today’s NFL stars like Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, Deebo Samuel, Devonta Smith, Puka Nacua, Terry McLaurin, Creed Humphrey, and Aaron Donald all played in the Senior Bowl. Current Bears’ players Montez Sweat and Tyrique Stevenson have also played in the Senior Bowl.
This year, the Senior Bowl will be different. The NFL has given underclassmen who have been out of high school for at least three years the chance to participate in any college all-star game (Senior Bowl, East-West Shrine Game, or the HBCU Legacy Bowl). This year’s Senior Bowl practices will be held from January 30th to February 2nd, and the 75th Senior Bowl will be played on February 3rd.
Most of these players on this list won’t end up on the Bears, but they will make the Senior Bowl more interesting for NFL fans.
Michael Penix Jr
Position: Quarterback
Draft Projection: 1st round
Michael Penix Jr stunned the country during Washington’s victory over Texas in the College Football Playoff, but his career is more than just one game. Before finishing runner-up for the 2023 Heisman Trophy, Penix played at Indiana University for four years. His time as a Hoosier was very disappointing because he suffered season-ending injuries in all four years (two torn ACLs and two shoulder injuries). He transferred to Washington in 2022 and took the PAC-12 by storm. Penix best compares to Tua Tagovailoa because of his arm strength, incredible accuracy, and the fact that they are both left-handed. The Bears should avoid Penix due to his lengthy injury history. Penix will be an enticing prospect for teams drafting in the early teens, such as the Vikings, Broncos, Raiders, or Seahawks.
Bo Nix
Position: Quarterback
Draft Projection: 1st round
Bo Nix is another quarterback with over five years of collegiate experience. Nix was Auburn’s starting quarterback as a true freshman in 2019. In 2022, Nix transferred to the University of Oregon. He has plenty of experience playing against the best teams in college football. Nix’s completion percentage at Auburn was substandard at 59.5%, but it skyrocketed to 74.6% at Oregon. Nix’s arm talent and scrambling ability helped him combine for 152 total touchdowns in an NCAA-record 61 games. The Bears should stay away from Nix because of his inability to perform in big games and clutch situations.
Jaylen Wright
Position: Running back
Draft Projection: 3rd round
Jaylen Wright spent three years at the University of Tennessee. Wright ran all over the top defenses in the SEC with electrifying speed. In his first two years as a Volunteer, Weight racked up 1,284 rushing yards on 231 carries. This past season, Wright took over as the starter, demoting his fellow running mate, Jabari Small, to a backup role. He racked up 1,013 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 137 carries. The longest run of Wright’s career was a 75-yard touchdown against Georgia. Wright’s biggest question mark is his ability as a pass catcher. He only has 30 career receptions, but that’s probably because of Tennessee’s offensive scheme. The forty-yard dash could end up determining Wright’s draft position.
Johnny Wilson
Position: Wide Reciever
Draft Projection: 2nd or 3rd round
Johnny Wilson is a physical specimen. He is six-foot-seven and weighs 237 pounds. His height and length give him an enormous catch radius, and his impressive speed makes him a good route runner. He’ll be a mismatch for any defensive back that goes up against him. Wilson is an excellent option for any team looking for a number two receiver.
Troy Fautanu
Position: Offensive Guard
Draft Projection: 1st round
Troy Fautanu is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in this year’s draft. He played left tackle for two years at the University of Washington, but his position at the next level will likely change. Teams might view Fautanu as a guard due to his height and underwhelming arm length.
Jackson Powers-Johnson
Position: Center
Draft Projection: 1st or 2nd round
Jackson Powers-Johnson is the best center in this year’s draft. He also played right guard during his sophomore year. Powers-Johnson played in 22 games at the University of Oregon. He excels in pass-blocking, and his strength and mobility give him an edge in the run game. Unfortunately for the Bears, Powers-Johnson won’t be available by the time they pick on the draft’s second day.
Zach Frazier
Position: Center
Draft Projection: 3rd round
Zach Frazier is the second-best center in this year’s draft. At the University of West Virginia, he made 38 starts at center and nine starts at left guard. Unfortunately for Frazier, his season ended with a leg injury. Frazier looks to showcase his talent and health down in Mobile. Frazier would be an excellent fit for Chicago because a center is one of their biggest needs.
Chris Braswell
Position: Edge rusher
Draft Projection: 2nd round
Chris Braswell spent three years at Alabama, but was only a starter for one. Braswell had to sit behind Will Anderson Jr and Dallas Turner, but still contributed at the SEC level. He racked up 76 tackles, 11 sacks, four forced fumbles, and an interception. Braswell uses his speed to get around opposing offensive tackles and has enough strength to perform a bull rush. Braswell could be an option for the Bears if they recoup a second-round pick in a trade involving Justin Fields.
