A2toGVSU

December 18th, 2017 at 3:58 PM ^

I was about to call you out for not understanding what you were saying. In the case of guys who aren't sure fire first round picks, a good performance at a venue like the Senior Bowl could earn them a lot of money (even convincing one team you're a third rounder instead of a fifth rounder is worth a nice chunk of change on that initial contract). There is always a chance for injury. Its part of the game. A chance to show out in front of hundreds of scouts is probably worth the risk for anyone who isn't a bonafide elite prospect. Also, a trip to the Senior Bowl is an all expenses paid trip to a warm climate in January. Who wouldn't want that?

Joined: 09/30/2009

MGoPoints: 4718

Our Man in Havana

December 18th, 2017 at 6:41 PM ^

Not challenging the statement, just wondering.. When I was a kid, and cable was new, the Internet but a glimmer in Ajit Pai's eye, the Senior Bowl provided invaluable exposure. But today, it feels like a fading anachronism. That said, if Cole is going to play Center, it probably makes MORE sense for him to play in the game than if they'd invited him as a Tackle... ...and then there's the trip. Okay, Cole should definitely go, but should other sure-to-be-drafted players?

Joined: 02/11/2017

MGoPoints: 179

Michigan4Life

December 18th, 2017 at 8:20 PM ^

for players to go head to head against top players in college football. It gives the scouts an glimpse of how they fare against equal or better competitiors. Also, it gives the scouts a look at how they interact with people like coaches, players, etc. If you're not a top 15 lock, there are plenty of reasons of why they should go.

Joined: 07/29/2010

MGoPoints: 25403

chatster

December 18th, 2017 at 5:33 PM ^

Senior Bowl Invitation Acceptances

As of now, no Michigan players are among the players who've accepted invitations to the East-West Shrine Game.

Mason Cole, Noah Furbush, Khalid Hill, Maurice Hurst, Ty Isaac, Patrick Kugler, Lawrence Marshall, Mike McCray and Chase Winovich are on the Watch List for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.  Considering that each of them has another year of eligibility, I wouldn’t expect Furbush, Marshall and Winovich to be playing in that game.

Joined: 09/14/2010

MGoPoints: 26987

Michigan4Life

December 18th, 2017 at 5:42 PM ^

he'll be considered to be one of the top IOL in the draft. Most team viewed him as a C which is his future. As of now, Billy Price and Mason Cole are likely to be the first two C off the board.

Joined: 07/29/2010

MGoPoints: 25403

Eng1980

December 18th, 2017 at 8:26 PM ^

NFL coaches pick the teams and provide coaching.  It provides an opportunity for up close evaluationa and feed back.  Break out performances are known to lift draft stock (not that Cole needs a breakout performance.)

Then there is the charity, the warmth, and the sunshine.

Joined: 04/28/2016

MGoPoints: 12004

chatster

December 19th, 2017 at 7:06 AM ^

There probably are lots of college seniors who would love the opportunity to audition for a plum role in an upcoming blockbuster film or a hit Broadway show, or to have a job interview for a high-paying, prestigious job at a Fortune 100 company, but few of them are going to have the opportunity.

While it's true that the best of the best among the 2017 senior class in college football might not be going to the Senior Bowl, the game offers an opportunity for players to make impressions on NFL coaches and scouts through what amounts to an audition or job interview to join the best company in the world for their chosen profession.

Mason Cole, Maurice Hurst and Mike McCray have been given the opportunity. Here's hoping that they can make the best of it.

*  Someone who has the time and interest might want to review the rosters for the 2017 Senior Bowl to learn whether the players who were invited to that game (a) improved their draft status or (b) made enough of an impact on the NFL coaches and scouts who observed the practices and the game to give those players an opportunity to have meaningful playing time this season in the NFL.

Joined: 09/14/2010

MGoPoints: 26987