The 2024 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Michigan defensive end Jaylen Harrell plans on taking full advantage. Harrell recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Harrell also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, winning a National Championship, writing his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Harrell better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: How does it feel to win a National Championship? Has the feeling worn off yet?
Jaylen Harrell: It's worn off a little bit (laughs). It was fun and all, but it's time to go compete in Mobile.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Jaylen Harrell: I was actually in the middle of a workout. I was pumped. Getting an invite to the Senior Bowl has been a goal of mine. I was definitely pumped and excited.
JM: What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s invite?
Jaylen Harrell: Accepting the invite was a no-brainer. The Senior Bowl is like the NFL Scouting Combine. You spend all season hoping to get an invite. It's an honor. I've always watched the Senior Bowl.
It's another opportunity to show what I'm all about. I've been playing on big stages all year long. I'm ready to do it again at the Senior Bowl against the best of the best. It's going to be a lot of fun.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Jaylen Harrell: I just want NFL personnel to see that I'm an interchangeable talent. I bring the same consistency no matter the environment. I'm a talented player and a great teammate. I also want them to see my technique and how I've developed my pass-rushing skill set. I can set the edge. I have great hand usage. I can finish plays.
JM: How would you describe your skill set in your own words? Write your own scouting report for me.
Jaylen Harrell: I'm a relentless and explosive player. I'm a team-first guy with a lot of big-game experience under my belt. I'm versatile. I can set the edge and get after the quarterback. I'm also comfortable dropping into my coverage. My motor never stops running hot.
JM: We love that. If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL defensive lineman, who would you choose and why?
Jaylen Harrell: I would probably say Alex Highsmith from the Pittsburgh Steelers. I love watching his tape. He has a great first step. I like the way he sets up his moves. I appreciate the way he plays the game in general.
JM: You exploded for a career-high 7.5 sacks this season. What changed for you that led to that uptick in production?
Jaylen Harrell: I had a great offseason. A lot of film study went into that. My teammates and I worked so hard throughout the season. We dove right in by putting a lot of work in behind the scenes.
I had a great coaching staff at Michigan. They put me in really good positions to succeed.
JM: How would you describe your pass-rush arsenal? What are some of your go-to moves and counters?
Jaylen Harrell: I'm still working to expand my arsenal. I can always get better. I'm always working on new moves. Defining your technique is so important. I can always play better with my hands. You're always working to refine your toolset.
JM: What’s on Jaylen Harrell’s pre-game playlist?
Jaylen Harrell: I like to mix it up a little bit. I listen to some gospel music, some rap. I also listen to some throwback R&B. I like to calm it down right before I exit the tunnel. I'm usually listening to gospel music at that point.
JM: At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Jaylen Harrell?
Jaylen Harrell: A successful Senior Bowl means I showed out throughout the week. I'm going to be rushing the passer against some of the best offensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft.
It also means I did a great job networking down there. I'm going to learn from NFL representatives and coaches. That's the biggest thing. I want to have a great week. I want to show out by rushing against the best of the best.
I'm going to be a sponge when I'm around NFL scouts and coaches. Even when I'm around other players in my class and position room, we can all learn from each other. I'm going to soak the experience up. I want to come away knowing I had a great week.