It was announced earlier this month that the Miami Dolphins, and Brian Flores, will be coaching one of the teams in the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Coaching the Senior Bowl usually benefits a team, but this year could be more beneficial than in the past.
COVID-19’s Impact on the 2021 Draft Process
With the COVID-19 pandemic, it is hard to be certain on whether or not certain events can take place at all. Last year following the NFL Combine, we saw multiple collegiate pro days cancelled because of the virus. That is once again a possibility. With a recent rise in cases and other numbers, it is still unknown whether the Combine or college pro days will be affected.
Another curveball that was thrown by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, was the choice of college players to ‘opt out’ or bypass the entire season to prepare for the draft.
Not all players who are opted out are in the Senior Bowl. It does help, however, that Coach Flores will see some of these players for the first time in months.
Coaching the Mass of Talent
Of course there is talent in the Senior Bowl every year, but this year has a large pool for the Dolphins to look at. The general speculation is that Miami will take an offensive player with the 3rd pick in the 2021 Draft.
Alex Leatherwood and Landon Dickerson are attending the Senior Bowl, both teammates at Alabama and top OL prospects. This past season, Leatherwood won the Outland Trophy and Dickerson won the Rimington Trophy. But sadly for the Dolphins, Penei Sewell won’t be attending the Senior Bowl.
The Heisman himself, Devonta Smith will also be attending. Many advised him not to accept his Senior Bowl invite because he did not need to build his draft stock any more. He decided to accept anyway. This is huge for Miami, as Brian Flores and his staff get to take a good and up close look at their potential draft pick.
Not to mention the possible 2nd and 3rd day talent here. Michigan WR Nico Collins and Florida WR Kadarius Toney are seen to have upside. Collins was also one of the players to opt out of the 2020 season. Ohio State RB Trey Sermon made a name for himself at the end of the season. Meaning he doesn’t have the kind of game film that other players have.
Coach Flores is lucky to be coaching the Senior Bowl this year. Theres a good chance that it will help shape the Dolphins in the next few seasons.