The 2022 Senior Bowl that just concluded last week is in the books. Who are some of the rising IPD stars who stuck out?
Every year there are players that make a huge impact during Senior Bowl week and send their draft stock soaring. From the big name stars to the obscure ones, there is always someone labeled as the “next big thing.” Now that the 2022 Senior Bowl has concluded, let’s take a look at some rising IDP stars that you should be aware of.
Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
Normally when you hear MVP on defense, you think it’s most likely a linebacker, safety, or defensive end. That was not the case in this year’s Senior Bowl. Defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey stole the show and MVP honors, with a dominating five tackle, three TFL, two-sack performance.
At 6’4” and 303 lbs, Winfrey impressed scouts from around the league with his ability to collapse the pocket and provide a ferocious pass rush from the interior. Winfrey put the league on notice with his impressive showing all week, adding some truth to the adage that NFL games are won in the trenches.
Jermaine Johnson, DE/Edge, Florida State
Johnson staked his claim as a first-round draft pick, in what’s considered a deep edge or pass-rushing class. While it’s a star-studded class, he has put his name on the map. Johnson participated only one day at the Senior Bowl before deciding to sit out the rest of the week.
Normally, that’s not a good sign but he showed enough in that one day to force scouts to take notice. I have long been a fan of Johnson’s game. It won’t surprise me if he is the third or fourth pass rusher selected in the first round.
Boye Mafe, OLB/Edge, Minnesota
Coming into the Senior Bowl, there were questions about whether Mafe could play with his hand in the dirt. He said the Senior Bowl committee called him five days before time to show up and was told “We want you to try putting your hand on the ground.”
Mafe agreed, saying “I want to learn and play my best”. He dominated all week long during the practice sessions and silenced his doubters, with a two-sack, one TFL, and one forced fumble performance in the game. You couldn’t ask for a better all-around week, and Mafe’s stock is now soaring up.
Thanks for reading my article. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). You can read more of my articles on my author page at IDP Guys. Follow me on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub — I’m user KingTitan1 — and tune in each week and listen to IDP Nation and Devy IDP Grind, the podcasts that I co-host, on several different platforms. Feel free to hit me up with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy.
To pre-order your copy of the 2022 Rookie Magazine, click here.
