The Reese’s Senior Bowl organization has announced that the Cincinnati Bengals’ and Detroit Lions’ coaching staffs will be those serving the 71st annual Reese’s Senior Bowl to be played Jan. 25 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.
The @seniorbowl today announced that the NFL League Office has assigned the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions as the coaching staffs for the 71st annual Reese’s Senior Bowl to be played on January 25, 2020 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. #thedraftstartsinMobile pic.twitter.com/6Vqy6LSf2F
— Dujunnea Bland (@NotBland21) January 2, 2020
One of the reasons the Reese’s Senior Bowl is the nation’s most prestigious college all-star football game because it is the only one coached entirely by an NFL staff. Normally the teams who coach this game possess the top two picks in the draft but this precludes teams with coaching turnover from participating.
The Washington Redskins are currently slated to have one of those early picks but as they are obviously dealing with coaches changes, the Lions and their staff will have the privilege of coaching the young NFL draft picks.
“My staff and I welcome the opportunity to coach many of the nation’s best college players at the Senior Bowl later this month,” Lions Head Coach Matt Patricia said.
“Most of us got our start in coaching at the collegiate level and we look forward to a great week in Mobile. This event has always been well-organized and provides great access that is helpful in our pre-draft evaluations,” he continued.
The access that each coach gets with these players is invaluable. They get a unique look at the players and how they handle themselves in the meeting rooms as well as on the field. This game has helped many teams significantly in their evaluation process and it has helped shape many draft classes over the years.
Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor felt this would also be a great opportunity to get a head start in the draft process.
“Coaching in the Senior Bowl is a great opportunity for us to learn about these players,” he said. “You get a chance to spend a full week with the players and really learn what they’re about. We will be looking for leadership, character and talent. To get a chance to coach them up close and in person is a great opportunity for our staff.”
Last year, the Senior Bowl produced 93 total draft picks, including 40 in the first three rounds and 10 first-round selections. That roster included rookie standouts QB Daniel Jones (NY Giants), QB Drew Lock (Denver Broncos), QB Gardner Minshew (Jacksonville Jaguars), WR Terry McLaurin (Redskins), WR Deebo Samuel (San Francisco 49ers), OL Elgton Jenkins (Green Bay Packers), OL Erik McCoy (New Orleans Saints), DL Montez Sweat (Redskins) and DB Darnell Savage (Packers).