MOBILE, Ala. — A total of 110 players have been invited to the shore of Mobile Bay for what Reese's Senior Bowl Executive Director Phil Savage wants to be an "excellent bridge" for draft eligible prospects as they begin their pro careers.
"I'm excited about the roster. I think this is a good group of players," Savage said Monday during an opening press conference for the 68th annual all-star game.
Savage and his staff try to design a positive experience for the players as they present themselves to representatives from all 32 teams, and a helpful one to the pro organizations. Savage, who previously worked as an NFL coach, scout and personnel executive, said he considers the Senior Bowl "one-third all-star game, and two-thirds NFL evaluation."
The Senior Bowl staff takes pride and places emphasis on building rosters for the North and South teams similarly to the way a team would build its 53-man roster. The North will be coached by John Fox and his Chicago Bears staff, and the South will be coached by Hue Jackson and his Cleveland Browns staff.
A total of 116 players suited up and practiced or played in last year's game, and Savage said, "107 drew a paycheck" from spending at least part or all of 2016 with a pro team.
Those numbers included Vikings 2016 draft picks Kentrell Brothers and Willie Beavers.
This year, Savage said Senior Bowl staff members built a watch list of more than 350 players, and nearly 300 were evaluated in person.
"I saw 43 teams in person and took players from 33 or 34 of the schools that I saw," Savage said.
More than 500 media members and 900 NFL staff members will be on-hand this week.
Also at the podium
A pair of prospects — Pittsburgh quarterback Nate Peterman and Alabama tight end O.J. Howard — also participated in media sessions on Monday.
Peterman ranked eighth in the FBS in passer rating (163.4) and fourth in yards per completion (15.4) in 2016. He completed 398 of 663 passes (60 percent) for 5,236 yards with 47 touchdowns against 17 interceptions in 37 games for the Panthers. Peterman added 525 rushing yards and five scores on 172 carries.
Savage said Peterman has a "golden opportunity to really showcase what he can do."
"He's got timing in his feet and arm," Savage added. "He's got a good head on his shoulders in terms of anticipation and timing."
Peterman said he considers this week "the opportunity of a lifetime to get around the coaches and get a feel for them and play real football."
Howard totaled 114 catches for 1,726 yards and seven touchdowns in 57 games for the Crimson Tide.
Savage, who also works as the color analyst on radio broadcasts of Alabama's football games said Howard's potential impact exceeds the "surface statistics" production because of the way the Crimson Tide's offense attacked teams this season.
"Doing color for Alabama, I've gotten the chance to watch every one of his games over his career," Savage said. "There's no disputing or debating the size, speed and athleticism. For those that are just looking at the surface statistics, why not utilized as much. True freshman quarterback, outside numbers. I think he's going to elevate himself."
Howard, who is listed at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds on the roster, will join other prospects for a weigh-in to start Tuesday morning.
He said he's looking forward to making the most of matchups during practices and the game.
Bowling for non-seniors
There are two draft-eligible juniors who have graduated that are here for the Senior Bowl.
Savage said Clemson receiver Artavis Scott will be the first-ever third-year junior to play in the Senior Bowl. The other junior is Florida linebacker Alex Anzalone.
Savage said the Senior Bowl usually submits a list of 10 to 12 potential participants to the NFL office in December.
"They vet the candidates with the schools," Savage said. "I do not want to put our organization between a player and his school or an agent and his school in terms of whether a player should come out or not, but we're interested in attracting players that graduate and put themselves in position to be part of the game here.
"I think last year we had five," Savage added. "I don't know that this will be a trend where we end up with 10 or 15 or 20 one day, but I do think it gives players that are going in as a mid-year enrollee as a high school senior, it gives those players an opportunity to be here, so I think it's been a good move for us."
On his way
Savage said only one player, Air Force receiver Jalen Robinette is the only player yet to arrive. Robinette, who participated in the East-West Shrine Game on Saturday, had a school commitment early this week.
What else is on tap?
The players will receive media training from Gerry Matalon, attend financial planning information for players and families and participate in community service events under the direction of Athletes for Hope.
Matalon worked at ESPN for more than 25 years, assisting on-air talent such as Scott Van Pelt, Suzy Kolber and the late Stuart Scott.
"We think again that the opportunity is so great, not only on the field, but off the field to connect with 32 potential employers, and then with the elements we've added off the field as it pertains to media, money and the community, this gives these players a real head start for their future. We want to be an excellent bridge for them as they begin their pro careers, and hopefully this will be a very positive experience for them."
Analytics site Pro Football Focus is back again this year, and Savage said Catapult Sports will provide tracking and monitoring during practices and on game day.
NFL Network will have daily coverage of practices. The South team is scheduled to practice from 1:15 to 3 p.m. (CT) on Tuesday, and the North is scheduled to practice from 3:30 to 5:15 p.m.
