Draft expert weighs in on Lynn Bowden, Logan Stenberg ahead of NFL Combine
Two University of Kentucky football players — wide receiver Lynn Bowden and offensive guard Logan Stenberg — will participate in this year’s NFL Combine, scheduled to begin Monday in Indianapolis.
It’s a far cry from the school-record eight Wildcats who attended last year’s event, but it matches the totals from 2016 and 2017 and is the fifth time in six years that UK has had participants (UK also had players invited in 2018). As Kentucky’s development on the field has improved, so has its ability to produce talent, at least in the eyes of NFL types.
“The program has really made strides under Mark Stoops,” Jordan Reid, senior draft analyst for The Draft Network, wrote in an email to the Herald-Leader. “… The most impressive part is how the program has remained consistent despite not having the yearly influx of talent as their conference counterparts. That’s a huge credit for the eye of talent on the coaching staff, but also their ability to develop it once it arrives on campus.”
Here are three things to keep an eye on as prospects from around the country are paraded around Indy for drills and interviews.
Bowden’s ceiling
Bowden entered his junior season at UK intent on proving himself as a capable receiver at the next level. If you followed Kentucky football at any point after September, you know very well that was the last thing he was able to do.
His highlight reels aren’t stocked to the ceiling with well-timed routes and jaw-dropping catches, but Bowden demonstrated abilities as a playmaker in space that should translate well as scouts assess his film.
Versatility will be a staple of any argument in favor of taking Bowden, but it might not be enough to set him apart to be drafted high in what’s considered a deep class of pass catchers; ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper during a conference call last week predicted that 25 receivers will be chosen through the first three rounds.
A lights-out performance at the combine would go a long way toward solidifying Bowden as a player in that mix of 25 guys. Reid expects Bowden will test and interview well.
“It’s a credit to his character because there are some players who would’ve been a bit hesitant with it, but he accepted the challenge and managed to thrive in his new role,” Reid said of Bowden’s midseason switch to quarterback at Kentucky. “His lack of playing a distinct position may have hurt his development because of not playing in one spot, but that will be an area that teams see as a plus because of the extra hats that he’s worn and roles that he can fulfill in the future, not only on offense, but special teams as well.”
Top-150 prospect
Stenberg is the only Wildcat mentioned on Reid’s latest top-150 list of best NFL draftees: he had him ranked 108th overall and a top-10 inside lineman. Stenberg’s rated 18th among all offensive linemen and as the No. 87 overall prospect by CBS Sports. Bowden is the most exciting Wildcat available in this year’s draft, but Stenberg might be the one who most favorably projects as capable of quickly contributing.
Don’t look for Stenberg to set the world on fire at the combine — his athleticism isn’t up there with the likes of some of the draft’s more highly-touted linemen, but his play-to-the-whistle motor should help offset that.
“Even though that type of mentality can get him in trouble with pre- and post-snap penalties, evaluators love to see an offensive lineman that consistently plays with that type of attitude,” Reid said. “… He’d rather collect victories with his bruising mindset, effort, and finishing abilities, which is something that can’t be measured with a stopwatch.”
Jedrick Wills
He didn’t follow Lafayette High School teammate Landon Young to UK — the Wildcats were among his many suitors — but Alabama standout Jedrick Wills is one of the hottest names entering the combine. Over the last week or so he’s jumped ahead of Georgia star Andrew Thomas as the highest-rated offensive tackle available in the 2020 class.
Trades could shake up the first round considerably, and most teams will select based on need more than “best guy available,” but unless Wills just falls off a cliff during his team interviews and combine drills, he seems like a lock to be one of this year’s highest selections.
“What sets him apart is his functional strength, enormous frame, versatility as a blocker, and he also has the attitude to back it all up with his play demeanor,” Reid said. “Testing well is one area that will help him, but if he’s able to interview positively, there isn’t a reason why he shouldn’t be cemented as a top-10 pick in April, especially with plenty of teams needing offensive tackle help located in that range.”
NFL Combine
When: Sunday through March 2
Where: Indianapolis
On-field workouts (televised on NFL Network): Tight ends, quarterbacks and wide receivers, 4-11 p.m. Thursday; kickers, special teams, offensive linemen and running backs, 4-11 p.m. Friday; defensive linemen and linebackers, 4-11 p.m. Saturday; defensive backs, 2-7 p.m. Sunday, March 1
