What was once known as an under-the-radar postseason all-star game has now developed into one of the most prestigious events to an up-and-coming prospect. The week led by former Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage has become a stepping stone for players lucky enough to be invited. As general managers, scouts and coaches from not just the NFL but the Arena, European and Canadian Football Leagues stand in attendance and scour over every player’s movements on and off the field.
It goes without saying a player can drastically help his stock during the week-long event and, vice versa, damage it. However, for the players that fail to keep up with their peers and other top-tier competition, it’s likely safe to say they wouldn’t have been able to develop in the NFL either.
One of Savage’s most helpful ideas to assist talent developers on hand is pulling small school guys into the national spotlight, giving them their first real chance at showcasing their unique skill set. Savage also likes to bring in former top recruits out of high school that may have been riddled with injury during their collegiate career or may have been stuck in the wrong system.
The week includes three full-padded practices followed by the game itself, in which time you can dissect a player enough to get a feel for their true strengths and weaknesses, especially when watching 1-on-1 player drills.
Before that, however, is the weigh-in — an hour of Underwear Olympics as grown men stand in front of hundreds of other grown men in their skivvies. If they’re lucky, they will here ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs.’ Every young boy’s dream growing up.
Here are five players that will have a lot at stake during Tuesday’s weigh-in.
Zach Banner, Offensive Tackle, USC
This Trojan is a monster of a man, too much so for many coaches. Unlike most of his peers, Banner is looking to prove he can keep off the weight. The former 400 pounder blew up in weight after multiple surgeries to his lower body, specifically both hips. Banner was forced to quit basketball during the aftermath and watched his weight skyrocket. We know Banner holds the height and girth to be a cornerstone right tackle, but can he keep his weight steady and his feet light for a long period of time? If Banner can weigh in less than 350, scouts may start to give him a more serious look. Otherwise his lethargic work ethic and heavy feet may be in question.
Forrest Lamp, Offensive Guard, Western Kentucky
It’s already been said that Lamp will be this year’s Zack Martin, proving his first-round worth during the week of practice. Lamp was PFF’s No. 3 lineman in the nation last season, just behind big names like Erik Armstead and Joey Bosa. Much like Martin, Lamp will look to show off his versatility being able to play both inside and outside on the line. However, he may not have the luxury in the NFL depending on his size alone. Lamp is said to have been around 6-4 during his playing days at Western Kentucky, but if he measures in at anything less he could pigeonhole himself as an interior player only and watch his first-round buzz quickly disappear.
Tanoh Kpassagnon, Defensive End, Villanova
I’ll make it my sole mission of the trip to personally track down Phil Savage and thank him for bringing in this kid as the small school hero will finally get the spotlight he deserves. Kpassagnon is freaky with a rare blend of length, strength and quickness. Listen closely and you can already hear the scouts drool over his supposed 6-7 height and 290-pound frame. The CAA defensive player of the year finally exploded his senior season, posting 21.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and a few blocked kicks. What’s more impressive is his ability to soak up the playbook and high football IQ, stemming from his placement on the All-Academic team three years in a row. Kpassagnon is a walking lottery ticket with the ability to skyrocket his draft stock with a good week of practice. But first, he must live up to the measuring-stick hype and show off his long arms and muscular size.
Mike Roberts, Tight End, Toledo
One of the real winners of last week’s Shrine Game, Roberts has now carried his momentum all the way to Mobile. When watching Toledo running back Kareem Hunt, it was nearly impossible not to shift your attention to the tight end at one point or another. Roberts is 6-5 and is rumored to play close to 270. If that’s true, then Roberts should turn a lot of heads for the second week in a row with movement and athletic skills rare for a tight end that big. Roberts led all FBS tight ends with 16 touchdowns and heads into the draft as one of the better all around blocking tight ends.
Damonte Kazee, Cornerback, San Diego St.
Kazee brings a solid reputation with him into Mobile as he tied for second in the nation in interceptions with eight two seasons ago. However, Kazee brings a whole lot more than cover skills to the table. He is outstanding in open space and plays with an aggressive nature while tackling, proving by his team-leading 58 solo tackles, a rare feat for a cornerback.
In coverage, Kazee seems to play more naturally as a zone defender, being able to keep his eyes and hips on the quarterback and use his savvy football awareness to explode to the ball. What I am curious to see is if Kazee shows off a size and frame with room to grow. If he has the body type to add weight and strength, then he may be able to double his worth as a potential press-cover cornerback — something only the weigh-in can show off.
