2023 NFL Draft: 11 prospects who could rise at the Senior Bowl
By Rob Paul
![CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 08: Dontayvion Wicks #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers catches a touchdown pass in the first half during a game against the Louisville Cardinals at Scott Stadium on October 8, 2022 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 08: Dontayvion Wicks #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers catches a touchdown pass in the first half during a game against the Louisville Cardinals at Scott Stadium on October 8, 2022 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/b8c5e760306e0d5894bb7a1d28b2ad93281c5759de99df041c8298079718d9ac.jpg)
CB- Darrell Luter, South Alabama (6-0, 190)
There are more than a few cornerbacks who should see their profile rise after a week in Mobile. Miami’s Tyrique Stevenson and Stanford’s Kyu Blu Kelly are the top dogs, but Oregon State’s Rejzohn Wright, Virginia’s Anthony Johnson, Maryland’s Jakorian Bennett, and Kentucky’s Keidron Smith are all very talented.
The only Group of Five cornerbacks at the Senior Bowl this year actually played his college football right there in Mobile, and a lot of people are going to quickly figure out that South Alabama’s Darrell Luter is being slept on.
After two years at Pearl River Community College, Luter joined the Jaguars and became a three-year starter finishing his career with 91 tackles, 18 passes defended, and 5 interceptions. This season, in head coach Kane Wommack’s second year, Luter was the alpha dog on one of the best defenses in college football.
A smooth press-man corner, Luter has some of the best feet in the class with a crisp pedal and wonderful click and close ability. Good luck finding too many false steps on his tape, it’s like he’s floating out there. Although he’s not the biggest or most physical corner, he’s technically sound in his press technique and plays with impressive balance. He’s also a willing force player as a run defender.
A few things to watch for at the Senior Bowl with him will be seeing how fluid his hips are, how he looks playing in zone, and if he can find the ball more consistently in phase. Checking those boxes will help him move from late to mid-Day 3 into a potential Top 150 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.