Senior Bowl practice, Day 2: Michigan WR Roman Wilson the talk of the town, Jaylen Harrell pops
Michigan football wideout Roman Wilson continues to stand out at Reese’s Senior Bowl practices, one of six Wolverines competing this week in Mobile, Ala. EDGEs Braiden McGregor and Jaylen Harrell, offensive linemen Trevor Keegan and LaDarius Henderson and tight end AJ Barner are the other Michigan draft hopefuls in attendance. All six are on the National Team.
Wilson was labeled “a big winner” on Day 1 of practice Tuesday, and he continued to generate buzz Wednesday. A comparison that NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah has thrown around is former Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed, who had a big week in Mobile last year before being picked No. 50 overall in the second round by the Green Bay Packers. He had an impact rookie season with 64 catches for 793 yards (sixth among first-year players) and 8 touchdowns.
Fellow analyst Charles Davis explained why he likes the comparison during the broadcast of Wednesday’s practice.
“I watched Jayden Reed and, in my opinion, he got better throughout the season, and by the end of the season he was one of the top slots that you’re going to find,” Davis said. “I just think that Roman Wilson is going to be another one of those players that offensive coordinators, when they’re designing stuff up, you got a Roman Wilson package, that you’re gonna hand it to him on jet sweeps, that you’re going to get it to him in the slot, that you’re going to do a bunch of things with him.”
“And that speed plays,” Jeremiah chimed in. “You saw it yesterday on the crossers, which was excellent, but then also a little double move where he was able to stutter, get the DB to settle and then just exploded. Big-time speed, big-time day from him.”
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Wilson popped with the play of the day during post-practice competitive period. He brought a ball thrown by Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in with one hand, while getting his knee down in bounds. He was working on Toledo defensive back Quinyon Mitchell, the No. 5 cornerback on ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s big board.
According to SB Nation, Mitchell called out Wilson, before he stumbled on the play that concluded with the Michigan receiver’s dazzling catch.
Following Wednesday’s practice, Sports Illustrated’s Denver Broncos fan site named Wilson one of the top risers at the Senior Bowl.
“Roman Wilson has been the best receiver for both teams,” Erick Trickel wrote. “His route running is clean and nuanced, and he has reigned in some great catches from bad throws.”
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Harrell also popped after having a quiet first day of practice. During team passing period, the Michigan standout made a nice speed move on the outside to beat the left tackle and pressured Penix, who faded away as he overthrew his receiver on a short route to his right.
“That was Harrell coming off the edge, getting in his face and making him get rid of it quickly,” Davis said. “Never doubt why they won the whole thing. Every time you turn around, at every position, at every level, they’ve got players.”
“There’s another win for Michigan coming off the edge there,” Jeremiah added.
Harrell led Michigan with 6.5 sacks and 9 tackles for loss last season.
Harrell also could’ve been credited with a sack on another play.
Roster Watch’s Cody Carpentier named both Harrell and Wilson ‘winners’ from the National Team’s practice.
Here’s a look at how the rest of Michigan players performed during Wednesday’s practice:
EDGE Braiden McGregor
McGregor didn’t create much buzz Wednesday, but here is a video of a strong rep that was posted later in the day Tuesday:
OL LaDarius Henderson
The former Michigan left tackle has struggled against power moves in both practices.
“That has been an issue for LaDarius Henderson two days running. He just hasn’t had any breaks to be able to settle down against power,” Jeremiah said.
Henderson did have some positive reps at left guard, though, including this one on a run play.
TE AJ Barner
The Michigan tight end made some nice plays, but Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal also tweeted that Barner had some dropped passes.
OL Trevor Keegan
The former Michigan left guard sat out Wednesday’s practice after standing out on Day 1.
