MOBILE – Thanks to a strong showing in the Reese’s Senior Bowl Saturday, David Fales, Derek Carr and Dee Ford boosted their draft stock.
Fales, a 6’3 220-pound quarterback out of San Jose State, completed 6-of-7 passes for 104 yards, one touchdown and one interception for the South in a 20-10 win over the North. Currently projected to go in the third-to-fifth rounds, Fales demonstrated good mobility, decent arm and ability to distribute short and quick passes. Depending on how well he does at the NFL Scouting Combine and his pro day, the former Spartan signal-caller could move into the mid-second round to early fourth round range.
Other notable prospects that helped boost their stock down in Mobile were :
- Derek Carr (QB, Fresno State), completed 7-of-12 passes for 45 yards and one touchdown. Showed some flashes of first-round potential, thanks to his strong arm and firm command of the huddle. Appears to be a borderline last first-rounder, early second-round target for quarterback needy teams.
- Dee Ford (DE/LB, Auburn) A man among boys, the former Auburn Tiger, looked unstoppable in registering two sacks, one pass defended, three quarterback pressures en route to being named MVP. Fast, athletic and aggressive, Ford’s impressive display may have helped boost him into Day 2 territory.
- Crockett Gillmore (TE, Colorado State), the former Colorado State Ram looked impressive in displaying a blend of athleticism and good hands. Gillmore caught five passes for 61 yards and one touchdown—a 17-yard pass from Carr. The 6’6 255-pounder led all South receivers in yards and catches.
Below are notable prospects that may have seen their draft stock take a hit thanks to poor performances.
- Tajh Boyd (QB, Clemson) After combining for 505 all-purpose yards against Ohio State in the Orange Bowl, the senior quarterback formerly of Clemson did little to impress prospective NFL scouts in completing 7-of-16 passes for 31 yards and one interception. Boyd would also rush for eight yards on two carries. Originally projected as a high to mid second-round pick in May, Boyd’s lackluster and uninspired performance may have dropped him into the round four to seven range.
- Stephen Morris(QB, Miami) Despite having a good arm, running ability and a knack for making big plays, the former Hurricane looked less than impressive in Mobile by going 10-of-18 for 89 yards and two interceptions. While showing a tendency to complete difficult passes, Morris also showed some inconsistency and spotty accuracy in missing open receivers.