2017 Senior Bowl: Top 10 winners from practice week

With a week of practice complete, most NFL scouts and coaches are leaving Mobile, Ala., with new perspective on several senior prospects. The following 10 Senior Bowl participants particularly stood out this week as players who helped themselves in the eyes of NFL teams.

--Tarell Basham, DE, Ohio (6-4, 259)

Talking to scouts throughout the season, Basham was viewed as a possible top-100 draft pick. After his strong finish to the season and impressive week in Mobile, the better question is whether or not he belongs in the top 50. Basham was routinely dominant in one-on-one drills, using his combination of initial burst and power to penetrate the pocket.

--Dion Dawkins, OG, Temple (6-4, 317)

A college left tackle, Dawkins lined up almost exclusively at left guard during the week and performed very well. There are definitely some mechanical issues he needs to clean up, but rushers were simply unable to get past him due to foot quickness, power and a nasty edge. Dawkins looked very comfortable at the new position this week.

--O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama (6-6, 250)

Howard entered the week as the No. 1 prospect at tight end and leaves with the same designation so no one should be surprised by his positive practices. Despite a few drops, he created separation during drills and made several head-turning grabs, moving at a different speed than others on the field. Howard cemented his status as a possible top-20 draft pick.

--John Johnson, FS, Boston College (6-1, 205)

A long-striding athlete who can cover, Johnson showed off his versatile skill set for teams this week. He needs to improve his route recognition, but won't make many mistakes and has the movement skills to be trusted as the last line of defense. The NFL is looking for heady players who can cover ground and Johnson fits that mold.

--Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington (6-1 1/2, 198)

The most prolific pass-catcher in FCS history, Kupp is another player who won't be a huge riser because he played as well during practice as his tape suggested he would. However, he did so against top-tier competition, using his savvy to create spacing in his routes and routinely stand out. Kupp is a better football player than athlete, but that's not a negative comment.

--Obi Melifonwu, SS, Connecticut (6-4, 219)

Melifonwu had a strong week from start to finish, starting with his impressive physique during weigh-ins. On the field, he wasn't perfect, but he had more positive reps than most expected. Melifonwu sees the field well and covers a lot of ground with his impressive speed at that size. He should continue and create buzz at the Scouting Combine.

--Haason Reddick, LB, Temple (6-1 1/2, 237)

After debuting at No. 38 on my initial top-50 draft board, I received plenty of questions from those wanting to know more about Reddick. But after his standout week in Mobile, the former Owls defender isn't a secret anymore. An edge rusher in college, Reddick showed during practice that he can stand up and hold up just fine in coverage.

--Duke Riley, LB, LSU (6-1, 231)

It didn't take long into the first practice that I went scrambling to my roster to find out who was wearing No. 0 on their jersey because Riley was consistently standing out in a positive way. His accurate first step and closing speed were obvious on several plays, as was is blitzing ability. It isn't easy for linebackers to stand out in this type of setting, but Riley absolutely did.

--Jonnu Smith, TE, Florida International (6-3, 245)

While he won't stand out for his size, Smith definitely stood out this week with his athleticism. He has an easy release off the line with sharp footwork in and out of his breaks to maintain spacing in his routes from linebackers and safeties. In a loaded tight end crop this year, Smith had the Senior Bowl practices needed to create buzz.

--Chad Williams, WR, Grambling State (6-1, 204)

One of the more pleasant surprises this week was Williams, who immediately looked like he belonged against FBS-level cornerbacks. He lacks nuance in his routes to create easy separation on athleticism alone, but Williams has the strong hands to secure 50-50 balls, snatching away from his body and tracking well over his shoulder.

Just missed this list (alpha order): Tyus Bowser (Houston); WR Amara Darboh (Michigan); CB Rasul Douglas (West Virginia); WR Evan Engram (Ole Miss); OG Dan Feeney (Indiana); RB Kareem Hunt (Toledo); DE Tanoh Kpassagnon (Villanova); CB Jourdan Lewis (Michigan); OT Taylor Moton (Western Michigan); DT Larry Ogunjobi (Charlotte); QB Nathan Peterman (Pittsburgh); OG/OC Ethan Pocic (LSU); LB Derek Rivers (Youngstown State); DT Dalvin Tomlinson (Alabama); RB Jamaal Williams (BYU); CB Tre'Davious White (LSU); DL Chris Wormley (Michigan)

--Dane Brugler is senior draft analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, published and distributed by The Sports Xchange in cooperation with CBSSports.com.