After a week of practices in Mobile, Alabama, the 76th Senior Bowl will kick off Feb. 1 at 2:30 ET. Here are a few players to watch during the all-star game.
R.J. Harvey, running back, UCF
Harvey had a turning point in his college career in 2023. After rushing for just 799 yards in his first two seasons, he had the sixth most rushing touchdown in 2023 and had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
Harvey was a workhorse for the Golden Knights with 458 carries in 2023 and 2024 combined. He's patient, knows how to follow his blockers and has quickness to avoid defenders. He doesn't possess the top speed other running backs possess, but he makes up for it with a high level of shiftiness.
His vision alone should make him an intriguing prospect at the NFL level.
Jalen Royals, wide receiver, Utah State
Royals has unique size for his position. He's 6-foot and 205 pounds and used his frame to bully defensive backs in one-on-one drills this week.
Royals doesn't have a high level of explosiveness or speed, but he's a physical route runner and knows how to beat zone coverage. He was also an exceptional scoring target for the Aggies over the last two seasons, as he had 21 receiving touchdowns in that span.
Royals will need to work on his explosiveness at the professional level. He'll need to be surrounded by a quality coaching staff to maximize his skill set. But his feel for the game and body control should allow him to compete while he figures out other parts to add to his game.
Marcus Mbow, offensive line, Purdue
It seems like Mbow will add his name to the long list of college offensive tackles who make the switch to guard. He played inside for most of his time during Senior Bowl practices this week and even took a few snaps at center.
Regardless of where he plays, Mbow is a fine athlete who can thrive at any position on the offensive line. He has strong hands and quick feet, which allow him to hold his own against any defender. He's a strong pull-blocker in the run game and constantly moves his feet when digging players out of running lanes.
Although his future is bright, it might take some time for him to become an NFL starter. He'll need to put on some weight and fine-tune his technique to keep up with NFL defensive linemen. With the proper tutelage, though, he could become a key piece of a professional lineup.
Jared Ivey, defensive end, Mississippi
Ivey started his college career at Georgia Tech before transferring to Ole Miss in 2022. He was an instant contributor for the Rebels, finishing ninth in school history with 16 sacks, five pass breakups and three forced fumbles.
At 6-foot-5 and 283 pounds, Ivey is the ideal size for an NFL defensive end. He has long arms that he uses to create separation with offensive linemen and possesses a strong arsenal of pass-rush moves to get in the backfield.
Ivey might be a Day 2 prospect, but he could still be a solid contributor as a rookie.
Darien Porter, cornerback, Iowa State
Porter is older than most of the cornerbacks entering the draft this year. He'll be 25 before the end of his rookie season, and some teams could view his development while in his physical peak as a detriment.
Still, there's no denying that Porter has all the physical tools to be a quality NFL cornerback. He's 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds -- a rare build for his position -- and has good ball skills despite having just three interceptions in his career.
Porter's size will make him an intriguing player for some teams. His NFL career might end up being shorter because of his age, but it could also be a successful one in the right system.
