With six NFL teams along with other professional league scouts, the Dream Bowl began to build on positive momentum the last two years that Optimum Scouting has been a part of it. Having multiple teams attend and seeing their efforts rewarded by finding small school talent for their rosters is a great step forward for an all-star event that’s supremely organized and poised for great opportunities for players moving forward.
Thus far, our top players have landed with NFL teams, and these nine players have great opportunities to stick on their respective NFL rosters.
Chester Rogers, WR, Grambling State – Indianapolis Colts
Strongly considered as a late draft pick, the Dream Bowl’s best receiver prospect landed with the team that had showed the most interest in the pre-draft process. Possessing great acceleration as perimeter route runner and especially as an after-catch interior receiver, Rogers was dominated Dream Bowl cornerbacks on a variety of routes, and was able to impress scouts in attendance with route versatility that his college offense didn’t let him utilize. With just three drafted receivers on the Colts roster and the rest free agents or undrafted free agents, Rogers has a great opportunity to make the roster or, at least, land on the practice squad for a year.
Daniel Sobolewski, K, Albright College – New York Jets
Hailing from Division 3 Albright College, Soboleski’s history as a three year starting kicker isn’t enough to wow NFL scouts. But his leg strength and experience as a 50+ yard kicker is unique at any level of college. Sobolewski has been recorded hitting a 75-yard field goal, and was 6-for-7 from 50 yards or more in his college career. He’ll enter a wide-open kicking competition with the Jets after the brought in two other kickers this offseason to compete with Nick Folk.
Aaron Karlan, DE, Wisconsin Stevens-Point – Seattle Seahawks
After testing remarkably well at the Dream Bowl Combine and at Wisconsin’s Pro Day, Karlan was certainly on the radar for teams that value athleticism analytics, such as the Browns, Jaguars and Seahawks. Karlan was the second-highest rated SPARQ player the Seahawks brought in this offseason, and he’ll be angling for a practice squad spot.
Tanner Agen, DT, Michigan Tech – Kansas City Chiefs (Tryout)
Agen had the benefit of participating in the Dream Bowl and the Michigan Pro Day, getting two opportunities for teams to evaluate the 6’2, 300 pound explosive interior lineman. While he’s still clearly raw as a rotational player, Agen landed on a Chiefs team that’s looking to bolster their defensive front three in their 3-4 defense moving forward. The practice squad is his likely destination, but he has the moldable skill set to grow into a quality depth player.
Liam Nadler, QB, Gannon – New York Jets (Tryout)
The Dream Bowl’s top quarterback prospect, Nadler impressed the multiple Jets scouts in attendance enough to warrant a tryout in training camp. However, the Jets only brought in one other quarterback in undrafted free agency in Jason Vander Laan, who may be destined for a position change at the NFL level. That leaves Nadler as the only practice squad possible quarterback on the Jets roster, and his size, arm talent and development since leaving Gannon gives him promise to make good on this opportunity.
Golden Ukonu, OG, LIU Post – Tennessee Titans
After a succesful LIU Post career playing multiple offensive line spots, Ukonu impressed at the Dream Bowl at both guard and tackle during both days of practice. Working out well in his private workouts with NFL teams, Ukonu enters a Titans team that has put a focus on offensive linemen this offseason, and he’ll have a great opportunity to win a roster spot.
Trevon Hartfield, CB, SW Oklahoma State – Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals drafted two cornerbacks and added another in besides Hartfield in free agency, but Hartfield still has a great opportunity to stick on the team’s practice squad. Playing with plus physicality and having the bend to turn and run, he’s a corner worth developing for a team that covets depth at the position.
Savon Huggins, RB, Northern Iowa – Green Bay Packers
The former top-rated recruit and Rutgers starting running back, Savon Huggins eventually ended up at Northern Iowa to finish his college career. Huggins doesn’t have the best timed speed, but he’s able to bounce between would-be tacklers with awesome balance and doesn’t go down easy. Green Bay brought in three other running backs after the draft, so it’s clear that Huggins will be able to battle for the presumed open 4th running back spot.
Miles Grooms, DE/OLB, Hampton – San Diego Chargers
The Chargers have quality depth at both of their outside linebacker spots now, but Grooms is in great position to impress for a practice squad role this year and been groomed into a potential role player moving forward. A plus talent with clear untapped potential, Grooms was one of the top performers at the Dream Bowl, and should showcase the same talent he displayed there for the Chargers.
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