NextGen Speed; Part 6 of Series
MOBILE, Alabama -- The Reese's Senior Bowl is set to showcase some of the most electrifying talents in college football. This year's roster is a blend of blistering speed and explosive athleticism, promising a thrilling display of future NFL talent. This year, the event also serves as a platform for understanding NextGen Logic now available to the public.
Who are the fastest NFL draft prospects in the Senior Bowl?
Leveraging two decades of in-depth data, NextGen has benchmarked hundreds of thousands of profiles, spanning current and former NFL players, as well as collegiate and high school athletes. This extensive research culminates at the Senior Bowl, showcasing the pinnacle of athletic talent, connecting the legacy of NFL legends with the potential of future stars.
“Speed is an exponential factor at every level of football… especially in the NFL where every inch of separation is the difference between winning and losing," says NextGen Prospect’s Director of Sports Performance, Dominic Zanot.
Key Elements of NextGen Logic Ratings
Speed: Logic rates performances in track sprint events like the 55M, 100M, and 200M Dash, with the highest score among these determining the athlete's peak speed rating.For athletes competing in sprint events, individual performances in each event are meticulously rated.
Momentum: A dynamic measure of potential on field force, relative to athleticism and body weight.
Explosion: Field events like the High Jump and Long Jump are evaluated for explosive power, with the best performance defining the athlete's explosion rating.
Start Rate: This ratio of games started to games played offers a glimpse into the athlete's reliability and consistency throughout their career.
This efficient, easy to understand system paints a complete picture of an athlete's capabilities, balancing detail with brevity, and offering fans, scouts, and enthusiasts an enriched understanding of potential NFL talent.
NextGen Logic's scores are more than just numbers; they are a narrative of each player's unique athletic story, adding depth to the traditional scouting process and enhancing our anticipation of their future in professional football. NextGen x The Reese's Senior Bowl
In 2022, the Reese's Senior Bowl, the pinnacle of pre-draft scouting excellence, embarked on a transformative journey in player evaluation by partnering with NextGen and implementing their innovative team product, NextGen Pro. This pivotal alliance has redefined pro personnel technology in Mobile and has expanded its impact to the broader landscape of college football.
As a provider of cutting-edge technology to elite college football programs & major sports media ,NextGen Prospect has firmly established itself as an integral part of modern football infrastructure.
Over 80% of NextGen's partnerships have been significantly enhanced by customized software solutions. These tailored systems are seamlessly integrated into their current scouting and evaluation workflows, markedly improving their operational effectiveness.
NextGen Pro stands synonymous with optimized Team Operations, while NextGen Logic (Lite) opens up an accessible Database to all, marking a new era in football data and scouting accessibility. Lets check out the fastest and most explosive athlete headed to mobile.
Reese's Senior Bowl Speed OFFENSE | WR Roman Wilson WR - Michigan - 6'0 - 185
Ratings 94.35 Speed | 22.54 | 200M
95.7 Momentum 95.8 Meta
24 starts vs games played
52% Start Rate
Analysis: Michigan's Roman Wilson was a key contributor in the semi-final win over Alabama securing 4 receptions, 87 yards and a touchdown. Wilson's size, explosive play-making ability and toughness playing under Jim Harbaugh bodes well for his NFL potential. Wilson once clocked 4.37 in the 40-yard dash NIKE’s The Opening in 2019.
WR - Arizona - 5'10 - 175
Ratings 95.45 Speed | 21.63 | 200M 96.1 Momentum 95.8 Meta
51 starts out 55 games played
88% career Start Rate
Analysis: Arizona's Jacob Cowing is a model of consistency and explosive play-making ability. From UTEP to Arizona, Cowing ranks #7 all-time in receiving yards (since 1956) with 4,477 yards and 33 touchdowns (1 less than Larry Fitzgerald and two more than Amari Cooper). Cowing's stellar performance has been underlined by his impressive catch streak. His suddenness, acceleration and body control make him a dangerous weapon on the field.
Brenden Rice
WR - USC - 6'3 - 210
Ratings 95.02 Speed | 21.84 | 200M 99 Momentum
97 Meta
35 starts out of 43 games played
81% Start Rate
Analysis: Brenden Rice was 10th in the country in receiving touchdowns and put up 45 catches and 791 yards in 2023. Rice's high Meta score signifies his exceptional blend of size and speed, making him a player to watch.
Johnny Wilson
WR - Florida State - 6'7 - 237
Ratings 86.9 Speed | 11.71 | 100M 99 Momentum 92.9 Meta
26 starts of 31 games played
84% Start Rate.
Analysis: Johnny Wilson has been a revelation at FSU, displaying rare size, length and athleticism that becomes an instant matchup nightmare for NFL defenses. Wilson is positioned to develop into a true offensive weapon at the next level.
WR - Rice - 6'2 - 198
Ratings 93 Speed | 50.44 | 400M
96 Momentum
95.51 Meta
28 starts of 44 games played
64% Start Rate
Analysis: Former Nebraska QB, Luke McCaffrey's 2023 switch to WR showcases high football IQ and adaptability. Exhibits explosive speed and sharp route running. Brings quarterback's vision to WR role, making him a multi-dimensional prospect in the draft.
WR - Florida - 6'1 -190
Ratings
92 Speed | 11.02 | 100M
93.9 Momentum
92.9 Meta
34 starts of 55 games played
62% Start Rate
Analysis: Ricky Pearsall has been a standout performer at Florida and Arizona State, known for his precise route-running and game-breaking ability. His transition between programs has been seamless, proving his adaptability and potential in the pros.
WR - Western Kentucky - 5'10 - 210
Ratings
*83.9 Speed | 12.24 | 100M
87.1 Momentum
85.6 Meta
32 starts of 49 games played
65% start rate.
Analysis: Malachi Corley, a standout at WKU, is not just about catching passes; he’s a yard-after-catch phenomenon. Corley’s ability to turn short gains into big plays is remarkable, making him a lethal offensive weapon.
Jordan Whittington
WR - Texas - 6'1 - 204
Ratings
92.37 Speed | 22.51 | 200M
96.3 Momentum
94.3 Meta
25 starts of 41 games played
61% Start Rate
Xavier Legette
WR - South Carolina - 6'3 - 220
Ratings: N/A
32 starts of 53 games played
60% Start Rate
Analysis: After a significant jump from 167 receiving yards in 2021 to 1255 yards in 2023, South Carolina's Xavier Legette has emerged as a key NFL prospect. A former high school quarterback, Legette's game intelligence is evident. His size and athleticism, combined with his upward trajectory, indicate untapped potential and a promising future.
Jawhar Jordan
RB - Louisville - 5'10 - 185
Ratings
94.9 Speed | 10.62 | 100M
96.2 Momentum
95.5 Meta
19 starts of 30 games played
63% career Start Rate.
DEFENSE
Jahdae Barron
SAF - Texas - 5'11 - 191
Ratings 92.48 Speed | 10.95 | 100M
94.5 Momentum
93.5 Meta
23 starts of 41 games played
56% career Start Rate.
Analysis: Tough competitor willing to mix it up at the catch point displaying twitch and suddenness with strong potential as an under/inside zone nickel in the pros.
CB - Toledo - 6'0 - 200
Ratings
93.15 Speed | 22.39 | 200M
96.4 Momentum
94.8 Meta 40 starts of 46 games played
87% career Start Rate.
Analysis: Long, rangy athlete. Quinyon Mitchell, known for his record-breaking 20 breakups in a single season, stands out with a 93.15 Speed and 96.4 Momentum rating. His first-team All-MAC honors and multiple All-America recognitions highlight his elite defensive skills. Mitchell's game-changing ability is evident from his extraordinary performance against NIU, earning national accolades. His 52 career passes defended and six interceptions, including a remarkable four in one game, showcase his instinctive playmaking and relentless coverage skills.
CB - Boston College - 6'2 - 184
Ratings
96 Speed | 21.18 | 200M
96.4 Momentum
96.2 Meta
41 starts of 56 games played
73% Start Rate
SAF - UGA - 5'11 - 195
Ratings
94 Speed | 50.15 | 400M
96.6 Momentum
94.8 Meta
22 starts of 40 games played
55% Start Rate
SAF - Kentucky - 6'0 - 187
Ratings
92.14 Speed | 11.0 | 100M
93.4 Momentum
97 Explosion
94.1 Meta
18 starts of 38 games played
42% Start Rate
LB - Mississippi State - 6'2 - 245
Ratings
90.14 Speed | 11.27 | 100M
99 Momentum
94.57 Meta
39 starts of 55 games played
71% Start Rate
LB - Kentucky - 6'2 - 241
Ratings
93.07 Speed | 22.34 | 200M
99 Momentum
94.5 Meta
10 starts of 36 games played
53% Start Rate
DE - Penn State - 6'4 - 264
Ratings
86 Speed | 11.74 | 100M
96.3 Momentum
91.49 Meta
26 starts of 46 games played
47% Start Rate
DL - Western Michigan - 6'3 - 275
Ratings
83.22 Speed | 24.80 | 200M
95.9 Momentum
95 Explosion
91.3 Meta
22 starts of 38 games played
58% Start Rate
Analysis: Kneeland displays good up field burst, violent, heavy hands, converts speed to power with menacing energy, displacing and often disrupting offensive lineman. He consistently shows one of the highest motors in college football and will benefit being at the Senior Bowl practices by adding countermoves/escapes and additional pass rush moves to his toolkit. Kneeland has the potential to turn heads in Mobile and become a game wrecker in the pros.
Senior Bowl Roster Cont. Washington - QB Michael Penix Jr. 90.82 Speed (22.89 200M) TCU - RB Emani Bailey 91.82 Speed Troy - RB Kimani Vidal 91.4 Speed USC - RB Marshawn Lloyd 88 Speed Louisville - WR Jamari Thrash 89.4 Speed Missouri - DB Ennis Rakestraw 92.3 Speed Missouri - DB Kris Abrams-Draine 84 Explosion Washington State - DB Jaden Hicks 90 Spd, 24/26 92% Start Rate Georgia - WR Ladd McConkey 90.42 Speed
North Carolina - WR Devontez Walker 91.5 South Alabama - QB Carter Bradley 85 Explosion (5-8 High Jump) TCU - TE Jared Wiley 85 Explosion West Virginia - OL Zach Frazier 76 Explosion 46 starts, 98% Start Rate Houston - OL Patrick Paul 6'7 - 315 - Shot/Discus, 44/44, 100% Start Rate Texas A&M - OL Layden Robinson - Discus, 33/46, 72% Start Rate Michigan - LB Michael Barrett 83 Explosion, 35/61, 57% Start Rate
Miami - SAF James Williams 6-5 - 210 Safety 29/33 games started 88% Start Rate
Historical Context - Senior Bowl Alumni Spotlight
Puka Nacua (2023)
WR - LAR - 6'2 - 205
Ratings:
92.86 Speed | 22.38 | 200M
95.9 Momentum
96 Explosion (23-10 Long Jump)
94.9 Meta+
Historical NFL Benchmark context:
Tyreek Hill WR | 98.8 | 20.14 | 200M
Devon Achane RB | 98.4 | 20.31 | 200M
Marlon Humphrey CB | 97 | 47.28 | 400M
Trey Palmer WR | 96.6 | 21.10 | 200M
Randy Moss WR | 96.5 | 21.15 | 200Mt
Devonta Smith WR | 95 | 49.35 | 400M
Jaylen Waddle WR | 94.4 | 10.48 | 100M
Christian McCaffrey RB | 93.6 | 22.17 | 200M
Jerry Jeudy WR | 92 | 22.59 | 200M
Speed and explosive potential is tangible, but to fully understand a player's impact in football, you need to look at how players use that speed on the field, using game tape as the ultimate source of truth. This is where the Senior Bowl scouting team thrives.
Marc Vitticore Vitticore, the driving force behind NextGen, skillfully blends his decades-long legacy as a football coach with innovative sports technology. He transformed NextGen from a simple idea into a vital pro personnel resource for industry giants like 247 Sports, the Senior Bowl and numerous college football programs. His multifaceted role at the Reese's Senior Bowl in tech strategy and scouting showcases his diverse expertise. Beyond his professional pursuits, Vitticore champions community outreach, evidenced by NextGen's ongoing support for Athletes for Hope and the founding of the Service Bowl (2014), which highlights his commitment to empowering and uplifting others.
