MOBILE, Alabama -- The final full-pads practice of Senior Bowl week is now complete. The South took the field this afternoon for one last day of full contact before the game kicks off on Saturday. It was a final chance for NFL hopefuls to impress potential employers as the majority of the general managers, coaches and scouts that had been on hand at the Senior Bowl will make their way home. So who took the opportunity to impress with that one last chance? Here's a look.
Risers
Melvin Ingram/DE-OLB/South Carolina: Ingram was a big play defender for the Gamecocks and showed a lot of next-level skill during practice this week but really stood out on Wednesday. He's short and really does not pass the eyeball test yet Ingram is powerful, explosive and very quick. He was constantly knocking offensive linemen off the ball with violent hand punch or beating them off the ball with his terrific first step. Ingram has a burst of speed up the field and also shows the ability to quickly change direction and pursue down the line. There's a concern as to what position Ingram will play in the NFL; defensive end? Outside linebacker? Three technique tackle? Then again a creative defensive coordinator won't be concerned with this, but rather use it to his advantage and move Ingram around the field where he'll consistently create havoc.
Nigel Bradham/OLB/Florida State: Bradham displayed exceptional athleticism all week and his play stood out on Wednesday. He's a prototypical weak side linebacker who has the ability to run with backs or tight ends down the field and Bradham covers an incredible amount of area on the field. He really presented himself as a three-down linebacker.
Zach Brown/OLB/North Carolina: Brown is another who stood out with his ability to cover acreage on the field and defend both the run and pass. He too is a three-down defender and Brown will be rated as the top linebacker in the draft. What Brown showed today, which surprised scouts, was power and strength, especially during pass rush drills. It's just another element scouts saw from the most complete linebacker in the draft.
Vick Ballard/RB/Mississippi State: Ballard is a tough running back who displayed a large degree of versatility in his game this afternoon. He's a powerful ball carrier who's known to grind it out on the inside, and Ballard broke tackles all afternoon. He also showed the ability to sidestep defenders and avoid piles to create yardage that seemingly was not available to him. That last element, which he was not known for, improves Ballard's grade in the eyes of NFL decision makers.
LaDarius Green/TE/Louisiana Lafayette: Green is a natural pass catcher who looks like a large possession receiver running down the seam to grab the ball. He's able to outmatch defenders with his frame, which measures just a tick under 6-6. Green does not have the build to block, though to his credit he gives effort in that area. The faster he runs at the combine, the earlier Green will be drafted.
Sliders
Zebrie Sanders/T/Florida State: Sanders is considered in some circles as a potential first round pick. Today Sanders played more like a last day choice. He showed nothing in the way of blocking balance, he was constantly spun around by defenders and all too often had to peel himself off the turf. Sanders was beaten early and often Wednesday and scouts leave the Senior Bowl with that thought in their head.
