Chris Rodriguez Jr., Keidron Smith measurements are in at Senior Bowl

We have officially reached draft season. The calendar turns to February on Wednesday and biggest non-combine event of the cycle started today down in Mobile at the University of South Alabama. The Senior Bowl is up and running and that means measurement season.

Will Levis has decided to withdraw from the event but both tailback Chris Rodriguez Jr. and cornerback Keidron Smith are among the players participating in the event. Before the first practice on Tuesday, measurements came in and both players passed the first test.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. brings power to the table

In five seasons at Kentucky, Chris Rodriguez Jr. rushed for 3,643 yards and 33 touchdowns using excellent vision and power at the point of attack. The Georgia native is a good zone runner that does a very good job getting north/south with his shoulders square to move piles and create efficient runs. There aren’t a ton of explosive plays on tape, but Rodriguez will keep offenses ahead of the chains.

As expected that size will be valuable at the next level.

Official Senior Bowl Measurements #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/b0LmbapCLx

— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 31, 2023

At 224 pounds, Rodriguez has very good size for a tailback at the next level and that is what will make him a promising prospect for NFL franchises. The redshirt senior is likely going to a Day 3 selection in April in the fourth round, but there will be home for Rodriguez in pro football due to his ability to gain tough yards and keep the chains moving on offense.

Keidron Smith’s stock is growing

At the NFLPA Bowl last week, former Ole Miss transfer Keidron Smith had an outstanding performance. The super senior played full-time cornerback for Kentucky in 2022 and had an outstanding senior season. That earned the South Florida native an invitation to the Senior Bowl.

Smith seems best suited to play in a zone-heavy scheme at the next level and NFL franchises are starting to take notice of his ability. The defensive back has reportedly heard from the Bills, Chiefs, Commanders, Eagles, Falcons, and Steelers. His size immediately jumps out.

Official Senior Bowl Measurements #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/oTOCfjCDS4

— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 31, 2023

At 6-foot-1 and some change and 200-plus pounds, Smith has excellent size for a cornerback at the next level. His work at the NFLPA Bowl and the Senior Bowl could lock in a late pick on Day 3 for Smith. Good testing at the NFL Scouting Combine and Kentucky’s Pro Day next month could allow the veteran to climb draft boards.

Of all the Kentucky draft prospects in this cycle, Keidron Smith has the most to gain over the next two months.