Written by Rob Rang at CBSSports.com
Alabama tight end O.J. Howard is the top NFL prospect playing the 2017 Senior Bowl and Eastern Washington’s Cooper Kupp might just be the top story, given how no one has been able to slow down the record-breaking receiver.
Lost a bit in the hype over this year’s flashy pass-catchers, however, has been the stellar play of Ohio defensive end Tarell Basham and Connecticut safety Obi Melifonwu – a pair of defenders whose consistently superior play this week could have them ticketed for a top-50 selection in the 2017 draft.
As the reigning MAC Defensive Player of the Year, the 6-foot-3 5/8, 259-pound Basham entered the week already well known in the scouting community. Scouts were eager to see how well he’d fare against the top competition in Mobile. The answer has been as emphatic as it has been impressive, as Basham has been virtually unblockable, winning with his initial quickness, bend, strong hands and a variety of pass rush moves, including a wicked spin.
Despite often lining up nearly 20 yards further downfield, Melifonwu has been every bit as impactful, showing impressive fluidity and range given his chiseled 6-foot-4, 219-pound frame. Melifonwu did not enter the week with quite as much buzz as Basham but certainly was a star for the Huskies, leading the team in both tackles (118) and interceptions (four), earning first-team All-American Conference honors.
The 2017 draft is loaded with edge rushers and safeties with some of the most exciting of this year’s underclassmen playing these positions. That fact could keep Basham and Melifonwu from cracking the first round.
After a three full days of practice, however, it is clear that Basham and Melifonwu are among the handful of top prospects at the 2017 Senior Bowl.
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