NFL Draft: Standout defensive players from the 2017 Senior Bowl

Ralph’s Standout Edge Rushers

Vince Biegel, Wisconsin: The fiery 3-4 pass rusher continually went to his trademark spin move during pass rush drills and was successful doing so in beating Julie’n Davenport and Dion Dawkins.

Biegel saved his best for Saturday by forcing a fumble in the first quarter by ramming Matt Dayes from behind.

He continued to impress in the second quarter by using his quick and violent hands to strike his blocker in the chest and turn him sideways. Although, the play resulted in a completed pass, Beigel’s effort was remarkable nevertheless.

The 242-pound linebacker victimized Davenport with yet another spin move in the third quarter forcing Webb to throw his incomplete pass earlier than he planned.

Two plays later, Biegel disengaged from his blocker and occupied Jamaal Williams’ running lane which forced the running back to redirect on a carry that went for no gain.

The two-time all-conference pick lacks elite burst, but has the moves and hand usage to beat bigger blockers off the edge.

But hands and technique with no power may limit him to being a special-teams player in the NFL.

Biegel in this writer’s opinion has more to offer at the next level than simply being a special-teams grunt. His ability to read plays and shoot the gaps can make him a force versus the run.

The former Badger has the heart and passion to maximize his physical tools and it remains to be seen what type of player he can become once he puts on a few pounds of good weight.

Extra size will surely help his ability to gain leverage on big tackles, which he already does now with technique.

Derek Rivers, Youngstown: The man with the big “Y” on his helmet had a lot to prove given the small-school status of Youngstown State, but the 250-pound rush end created quite a buzz during Senior Bowl week.

One concern he addressed was his ability to support the run by showing enough range and power to set the edge.

On game day, Rivers turned up the intensity starting at about the 3-minute mark of the first quarter by applying pressure on Josh Dobbs. Two plays later, he beat tackle Justin Senior with a power move that allowed the edge rusher to hit the quarterback and thus forcing him to uncork a bad pass that went for an interception.

Senior overset too far upfield that gave Rivers the opportunity to knock his man off balance using his explosive burst.

The disruptive force was at it again in the third quarter when he was able to get the outside shoulder of 6-foot-8 tackle Conor McDermott, who underset and gave the defender enough room to fly around him for the sack.

Rivers also demonstrated effort and range in tracking down Artavis Scott on a short pass in which the linebacker chased down the receiver inside out.

In addition to his natural power and burst, the rising prospect features the ability to bend and flatten once he penetrates the backfield.

Don’t be surprised to hear his name called on Day Two this April.

Tarrell Basham, Ohio: The MAC conference MVP delivered a scintillating three days of practice by continually winning his one-on-one battles against some of the biggest athletes on the college stage, such as USC’s Zach Banner, who checks in at 6-foot-8, 361 pounds.

During Day 2 practices, Basham skillfully beat Banner inside by working his way underneath the larger-than-life bookend.

The 259-pound disruptor was also seen getting by blockers with his exhilarating get-off which was unmatched among his fellow edge defenders.

But the other quality that makes Basham a potentially special player in the pros is the devastating power generated by his hands while engaging his blockers. He was, in fact, pushing bigger linemen back throughout the week.

What scouts also like about the University of Ohio product is his all-out effort. The game means something to him which may sound like a cliché, but it’s an important trait that often separates the ones that make it from the prospects that quickly fizzle out.

Dan’s Standout Edge Rushers

Jordan Willis, Kansas St: Willis had an impressive showing on Saturday, recording two sacks, two forced fumbles, four hurries, and a pass breakup. Willis possesses good first step quickness, which helps him win on the edge, and this was well on display all week.

In the middle of the second quarter Willis beat USC tackle Zach Banner around the edge to hit North quarterback C.J. Beathard and record his first strip-sack. On the final play of the first half, Willis sacked Beathard again, forcing a second fumble. This time it came against left tackle Adam Bisnowaty.

Willis possess good burst off the edge, and his long 6-foot-4, 255-pound frame helps him disengage from offensive lineman. He does need to develop more counter moves, but the physical tools are there to be a good edge defender in the NFL.

It will be interesting to see how he tests at the Combine next month. It’s still unclear at this point whether or not he can make the transformation to 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL and drop in coverage.

Carroll Phillips, Illinois: Similarly, Phillips is another college defensive end that may have to make the transition to outside linebacker in the NFL. At 6-foot-3 and 237 pounds, Phillips will certainly have to adjust to playing in space at the next level.

Despite leading Illinois with nine sacks, many viewed his teammate Dewuane Smoot as the better edge rusher prospect coming into this week.

However, Phillips made a strong case for himself with his performance down in Mobile. According to Pauline, “Phillips showed terrific speed, quickness and athleticism. He fired up the field rushing the passer, easily changed direction and was fast pursuing the action laterally. He also did a solid job dropping off the line of scrimmage in coverage drills and covered a lot of area.”

After a strong week of practice, Phillips flashed in the Senior Bowl game. He beat highly-tauted UCLA tackle Connor McDermott around the corner to sack South quarterback Antonio Pipkin for an eight yard loss. The play highlighted how explosive Phillips is out of his stance. It also demonstrated his ability to create pressure from a the outside linebacker position.

Phillips certainly helped his draft stock this past week. His ability as a pass rusher is already well documented with his game tape, but the fact he showed he can move well in space and hold up in pass coverage will make him a draft day target for 3-4 teams.