Senior Bowl Watchlist: 5 CFB Players To Monitor Week 9

As the pre-draft process kicks into high gear, names across the college football landscape become ‘must watch’ each weekend. For the Senior Bowl, the premier showcase in the pre-draft process, the fall is a critical proving ground for players to boost their NFL draft stock, and ultimately, earn an invite to Mobile. 

Below, we’ll dive into five prospects whose matchups and individual skill sets will draw a hefty spotlight in Week 9.

Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

A transfer from New Mexico State by way of Texas A&M, Stowers has more than found his footing inside the Commodores’ offense. Primarily aligned as the power slot inside the Vanderbilt attack, Stowers has been a nightmare to counter through seven games. He’s totaled more than 100 receiving yards on three occasions so far this year, with a six-catch, 113-yard performance against Alabama just a few weeks ago. A good performance against the No. 5-ranked Texas Longhorns this week could go a long way in seeing his stock continue to rise. 

Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

An under-the-radar name to the public, Azareye’h Thomas can flat-out cover on the outside. Whether he’s in zone, or in press-man (where he’s best), Thomas has the length, instincts, quickness, and awareness to keep wideouts in his hip pocket. The Seminoles as a whole haven’t met expectations this fall, but Thomas is a name that continues to ascend on boards.

Billy Bowman Jr., SAF, Oklahoma

Billy Bowman Jr. fits the modern NFL to a T. He can play up top as the centerfield free safety, has no issue coming into the box, and has the instincts in coverage to make plays on the football. The glue, alongside LB Danny Stutsman that holds the Sooners’ defense together, if you like Tyrann Mathieu or Jalen Pitre, I promise you’ll like Bowman Jr. He projects as an immediate contributor in multiple phases (defense and special teams) and is someone who plays a fast and physical brand of football that will boost a back seven.

Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

Get familiar with the name as we get deeper into the fall, as Aireontae Ersery has been a constant topic of conversation within league circles throughout the last few months. Headlined by outstanding footwork and prototypical size/length for the position, he projects as an immediate contributor along an NFL front five with top-end first-round potential.

Aeneas Peebles, DL, Virginia Tech

I mentioned Aeneas Peebles back in July, and through eight weeks of ball, he’s opened eyes around the country. A transfer from Duke, Peebles has become one of the ACC’s most formidable interior defensive linemen due to his vertical push and pass-rush repertoire. He’s got some twitch to his game at 290 pounds and enters Week 9 against Georgia Tech with 11 pressures in his last three weeks combined (Miami, Stanford, Boston College).