A good Senior Bowl performance can get a prospect an extra-long look with NFL Scouts. Good showings in the lead-up training sessions can also help. Which prospects improved their chances to be a part of future NFL betting lines? We take a look at them.
The Standouts
Kellen Mond, Texas A&M: It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize the MVP would be the first player we mention. In a game where multiple quarterbacks get a good chunk of playing time, the former Aggies signal-caller made the best of his opportunity. He was 13-of-25 for 173 yards and two touchdowns and didn’t throw an interception.
This is a tough feat in an all-star game setup where a QB only gets a few days to find chemistry with his teammates. Also, you are going against the toughest defensive players in the nation. Mond handled it well and certainly will get a lot of attention this spring from NFL scouts.
Feleipe Franks, Arkansas: After re-establishing himself as a talented quarterback in 2020, Franks also impressed in the all-star game. He threw for 122 yards and a touchdown on 9-of-16 passing. After being replaced by Kyle Trask at Florida, Franks transferred to another SEC program (the Razorbacks) and actually played against the Gators last fall. With his performances last fall and his work at the Senior Bowl, he certainly is on NFL scouts’ radar screen.
Michael Carter, North Carolina: Carter was really the only running back to get any momentum in the Senior Bowl. He nearly doubled the rushing total of the entire American team, rushing for 60 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. The other six RBs combined for only 32 rushing yards.
Dez Fitzpatrick, Louisville: Fitzpatrick led all wide receivers with 90 yards on six receptions. He very nearly hauled in a 50-yard bomb, but Franks missed him. He was a mainstay in the lineup all four years for the Cardinals and opened some eyes this week.
Cameron Sample, Tulane: Sample, a defensive lineman, was named the defensive player of the game after registering seven tackles and half a sack. He was a solid four-year contributor for the Green Wave, and he continued that this week. He could be very special on football lines to come.
Elerson Smith, Northern Iowa: The small-school defensive end put on a show. He harassed the quarterback, saved a touchdown on a tackle, registered a tackle-for-loss by remaining patient, then nailing the opponent. Oh, and that was just in one series. Smith proved he is one FCS prospect who easily could have fit in on a Power Five team’s roster.
Place NFL Wagers At BetMGM
At BetMGM, we have up-to-the-minute NFL odds, lines, and tips to ensure the best pro football betting experience. Don’t miss an opportunity to bet on game lines, futures, and more at BetMGM.
Brian McLaughlin is a writer for BetMGM and co-host of BMac and Herd’s FCS Podcast. He has written for The Sporting News, headed up the PARADE Magazine High School All American teams, covered college football for HERO Sports, and wrote for so many newspapers he lost count. Follow BMac on Twitter @BrianMacWriter.
