Senior Bowl practice standouts: DL Keion White, DB Tyrique Stevenson could be options for Eagles in draft

MOBILE, Ala. — On a warm, humid Tuesday at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama, defense ruled the day in practices for the Senior Bowl.

The first of three practices this week, with the National team up first, were headlined by a tenacious defensive line that got into the backfield and after the quarterbacks often.

One of those players showed up in the NFL Network’s top 10 players in the NFL draft, and he certainly did not disappoint.

Georgia Tech defensive lineman Keion White was the buzz of the day after appearing at No. 8 in the NFL Network rankings, and his play on Day 1 of practices backed it up. Early on, it was clear he would be a nuisance for the National team’s offensive line, using his strong hands to disengage blocks and quick first step to get into the backfield. He blew up a run play during the nine-on-seven run period, and his impactful day continued from there.

Meanwhile, in the American practice, Iowa State’s Will McDonald, who was mentioned as a player for the Eagles to keep a close eye on this week, had several eye-popping reps. One included dropping in coverage as an outside linebacker, something he did not do much with the Cyclones, along with winning on the outside shoulder against highly touted Tennessee right tackle Darnell Wright.

After practice, McDonald said he expects to be used in a variety of ways, and sees this week as an opportunity to showcase his skill set.

“I was expecting that, going into the NFL, that’s what teams are probably going to use me to do, two-point stance, coming off the edge, dropping in [coverage] a little bit and rushing the passer,” McDonald explained.

“Kind of like Micah Parsons ... Maxx Crosby, I kind of replicate my game off of them, Von Miller too.”

» READ MORE: Eagles draft: A deep 2023 Senior Bowl defensive class could help bolster the Birds’ roster

Boasting an impressive 7-foot-6 wingspan, Ohio State offensive tackle Dawand Jones showcased his ability to be light on his feet and handle the different styles that the National team’s pass rushers brought to Mobile. He was able to use his 6-8, 375-pound frame to overwhelm defenders in the running game at practice, but his pass- protection reps were even more impressive at his size.

One in particular was against Notre Dame’s Isaiah Foskey, as he completely erased and finished him after gaining control of Foskey’s leverage. He was dominant all day and no one could get past him, not even White.

After practice, Jones mentioned how he has changed his body since his final regular-season game against Georgia at the end of December.

“I’m down to 24 percent body fat — that’s a lot down from what it was during the season, about 3 percent — so I pride myself on that, honestly,” Jones said.

» READ MORE: Eagles draft: Ohio State’s Paris Johnson, Dawand Jones are alluring options to be Lane Johnson’s heir apparent

Houston wide receiver Tank Dell created separation all day long, but he was challenged by two defensive backs in American workouts: Kansas State’s Julius Brents and Miami’s Tyrique Stevenson.

Stevenson was physical at the line of scrimmage with wide receivers in both the press-release drill and wide receiver-defensive back one-on-one sessions. Changing direction smoothly, Stevenson consistently stayed hip-to-hip with wideouts, and even undercut a couple of routes. Even when receivers caught the ball, Stevenson was nearby to contest and challenge at the catch point to make timing difficult for quarterbacks to deliver the ball on time and on target.

Meanwhile, Brents, who stands 6-3, 202 pounds with an 82⅞-inch wingspan, showed polish in his game, mixing up his techniques in different coverages, running stride for stride with receivers down the sideline.

His most impressive reps came against Virginia’s Dontayvion Wicks and South Alabama’s Jalen Wayne, moving laterally and staying on top of each route, even catching an interception when matched up with Wicks after he cut off a curl route. Brents utilized his ranginess to stay within arm’s reach of each wideout, often staying connected on deeper routes.

In addition to matching the physicality and speed of the wide receivers he faces, Brents also recognizes the importance of developing his coverage techniques, something he prides himself on as an early-round prospect.

“A lot of guys think I’ll always get hands on them at the line to press them immediately, but I can switch it up,” Brents told The Inquirer after practice. “I’ve got a lot of tools in the toolbox, motor techniques — sometimes they expect me to jam them and I’m playing a little bit off.

“It’s a mindset: You have to attack every play.”

» READ MORE: Eagles draft: 2023 Senior Bowl offensive prospects the Birds could pick to fill roster needs

Georgia running back Kenny McIntosh suffered a lower body injury and left American practice early but reportedly suffered only a bad cramp. Speaking of running backs, Roschon Johnson of Texas had the best day of all eight in Mobile, showcasing his decisive running style and ability to win in one-on-one reps in the passing game.

Wisconsin nose tackle Keeanu Benton was largely unblockable all day, including an impressive one-on-one rep against offensive lineman Asim Richards (North Carolina) in which he blew right past him. Boise State safety JL Skinner made some nice plays coming downhill in the running game, showing every bit of his size and physicality.