The 75th annual Reese’s Senior Bowl took place at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama, concluding a week-long showcase for over 100 prospects for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. The National Team emerged victorious with a 16-7 win over the American Team, providing valuable insights into the capabilities of top senior and select underclassman prospects. Here are five noteworthy takeaways from the game:

1. Rattler Shines as Top QB Performer:
   • Spencer Rattler of South Carolina stole the spotlight, showcasing his skills with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Georgia’s Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint. Rattler’s 4-of-4 passes for 65 yards and the touchdown earned him the MVP title for the game. Despite a pick during the practice week, Rattler stood out as the most consistent quarterback.
2. Defensive Backs Make Impactful Plays:
   • Defensive backs showcased their prowess with two standout interceptions. Oregon’s Evan Williams and Washington State’s Chau Smith-Wade made diving picks, with Smith-Wade’s 83-yard return stealing the show. Louisville’s Jarvis Brownlee Jr. also contributed with an interception, highlighting the defensive prowess on display.
3. Fiske’s Trade and Dominance on Defensive Line:
   • In a Senior Bowl first, Florida State’s Braden Fiske was traded to the National Team, showcasing his disruptive presence on the defensive line. Fiske’s tenacity, reflected in four tackles, 1.5 for losses, and a pressure leading to an incomplete pass, earned him recognition as a standout performer.
4. Undersized Running Backs Impress:
   • Emani Bailey (TCU) and Cody Schrader (Missouri), both undersized running backs, made a significant impact. Bailey displayed power through contact, rushing for 53 yards and adding four receptions for 34 yards. Schrader exhibited contact balance, contributing effectively in both rushing and receiving aspects.
5. McCaffrey and Other Standouts Across Phases:
   • Rice’s Luke McCaffrey, brother of NFL star Christian McCaffrey, showcased versatility with two receptions and a punt return. Offensive linemen Tanor Bortolini (Wisconsin) and Christian Haynes (Connecticut) received praise for their blocking work. Defensive standouts included North Carolina’s Cedric Gray and Kentucky’s Trevin Wallace, while Iowa’s Tory Taylor and Stanford’s Joshua Karty impressed in special teams.

In a game dominated by defensive plays and individual standouts, the Senior Bowl provided a comprehensive evaluation of the talent pool available for the 2024 NFL Draft. As teams gear up for the draft, performances in events like the Senior Bowl play a crucial role in shaping scouting reports and draft strategies. The showcased skills and standout moments from the game will undoubtedly impact the draft landscape in the coming months. Stay tuned for further updates on the 2024 NFL Draft as the scouting process continues.