MOBILE, Ala. – Day 2 of Senior Bowl practices is in the books. Here is a fresh batch of observations from the North Team and South Team Wednesday practices:
Real deal: Cooper Kupp (6-1, 198) is the most prolific pass catcher in Football Championship Subdivision history, setting all-time records in total receptions (428), receiving yards (6,464) and receiving touchdowns (73) while at Eastern Washington. Did that translate this week against tougher competition? It has. He's stood out the first two days of practices. He has great hands and good speed, and has caught just about everything that's been thrown his way so far.
Zebras enter the fray: Officials were added to Wednesday's practices, and they weren't shy about throwing their flags. One of the hardest transitions for defensive backs from the college to pro game is the rule limiting contact in the passing game at the NFL level. I saw at least seven flags for defensive holding or pass interference during one-one-drills at the North practice.
Talented tight ends: This group of tight ends at the Senior Bowl has been very impressive. O.J. Howard (Alabama), Jonnu Smith (Florida International), Evan Engram (Mississippi), Michael Roberts (Toledo) and Gerald Everett (South Alabama) have all shown terrific ability to make plays down the field, and also have run-after-catch ability. This is a very deep group of tight ends in this draft when you add the underclassman. Teams are going to be able to find playmakers into Day 3 of the draft.
Unimpressive passers: Carson Wentz came to the Senior Bowl last year and saw his stock skyrocket after showing off his athleticism, arm strength and accuracy. This year has been a different story for signal callers. This isn't a particularly strong crop of quarterbacks at this year's event. A lot of inaccurate throws and balls hitting the ground. No quarterback here is considered in the top 5 at the position entering the draft.
BIG rusher: Villanova defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon checked in at nearly 6-foot-7 and 280 pounds at the Senior Bowl weigh-in. He also has long arms (34 7/8 inches) and a huge wingspan (84 1/2 inches). That's elite size, and he's put it to good use in pass-rushing drills. He continues to stand out, not only because of his size, but he's also shown terrific quickness to go along with that size. He had 21.0 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks this past season. He's been good the first two days.
Good year: Western Michigan offensive lineman Taylor Moton is still riding the high of the Broncos' terrific season. Western Michigan went undefeated in the regular season and played in the Cotton Bowl, where they ultimately suffered their first loss to Wisconsin. "It was the experience of my life," Moton said. Moton's been playing tackle the first couple days of practice, and he's been playing pretty well.
Full package: A lot of the projected top running backs in this class are underclassman, but Toledo's Kareem Hunt (5-10, 208) has stood out among the seniors here in Mobile. Toledo's all-time leading rusher has shown nice patience and vision running between the tackles, and a burst to reach the edge. He's really excelled as a receiver out of the backfield. He's made some big plays as a pass catcher these first two days.
Notable injury: One injury of note is the high ankle sprain suffered by Western Kentucky offensive lineman Forrest Lamp. Considered one of the top interior lineman prospects in this draft, Lamp sat out Wednesday's practice, and his status for Saturday's game is in doubt.
