Senior Bowl rosters taking shape; 3 Heisman Trophy finalists to participate
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic altering many offseason plans, the 2021 Senior Bowl will still take place in Mobile, Alabama, albeit with some slight alterations.
This year's game will occur on January 30, 2021. Practices will be closed to the public this year and several off-the-field events will not occur, but the game itself will happen with a significantly reduced capacity to comply with local and state government public heath orders.
The two NFL teams that will be sending their coaching staffs to this year's festivities are the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins.
"We are extremely grateful to have two of the brightest young minds and respected leaders in the league coaching our Reese's Senior Bowl rosters this year," said Senior Bowl Executive Director JIm Nagy. "Matt Rhule and Brian Flores are both excited to get to Mobile and our players are incredibly fortunate to have a weeklong experience learning under these two great teachers and their respective staffs."
There are several big names who will be participating in this year's Senior Bowl, including all three of this year's senior Heisman Trophy finalists (Alabama WR and Heisman Trophy Winner Devonta Smith, Alabama QB Mac Jones and Florida QB Kyle Trask).
While Smith's thumb injury suffered during Alabama's win in the CFP National Championship Game will prevent him from taking part in any on-field activities, he will be able to go through team meetings with the Dolphins staff and interview with decision-makers from all 32 teams.
Photos of 2021 NFL Draft prospect, Alabama WR DeVonta Smith.
Alabama WR DeVonta Smith
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith looks on against Notre Dame during the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) runs for a touchdown after a catch against Notre Dame during the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama's DeVonta Smith reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. DeVonta Smith is The Associated Press college football player of the year, becoming the first wide receiver to win the award since it was established in 1998, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) looks on against Notre Dame during the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
The Alabama sideline erupts in celebration as wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) sprints to the end zone for a touchdown as Notre Dame safety Shaun Crawford (20) gives chase in the first half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith advances the ball during the first half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Notre Dame in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown as Notre Dame cornerback Nick McCloud, right, defends in the second half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) gets past Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) and cornerback Clarence Lewis (26) on his way to the end zone for a touchdown in the first half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) gets help against Notre Dame defenders from wide receiver John Metchie III (8) as Smith sprints to the end zone for a touchdown after making a catch in the first half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) gains yardage after a catch in the first half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Notre Dame in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) runs against Florida during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) leaps into the end zone or a touchdown after getting past Notre Dame safety Shaun Crawford (20) in the first half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) runs against Florida during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) is hit by Florida defensive back Kaiir Elam (5) during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) plays during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southern Miss, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. DeVonta Smith is The Associated Press college football player of the year, becoming the first wide receiver to win the award since it was established in 1998, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a catch for a touchdown against Florida during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrates his 26-yard touchdown pass reception against Mississippi State during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. No. 2 Alabama won 31-24. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) runs for gain during an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Alabama punt returner DeVonta Smith (6) returns a punt for a touchdown against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) runs for gain during an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) is tackled by a Mississippi defender shortly after catching a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. Alabama won 63-48. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) runs for gain during an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith runs the ball during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Missouri Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) runs for gain during an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a touchdown grab against LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) carries the ball after a reception against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a pass as Auburn linebacker Chandler Wooten (31) tries to tackle him during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) leaps into the air for his fourth touchdown reception well ahead of coverage from Mississippi defensive back Keidron Smith (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a catch for a touchdown against Florida during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) runs by Auburn linebacker Chandler Wooten (31) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) runs for gain during an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a leaping reception against Mississippi State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. Alabama won 38-7. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith in an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) scores a touchdown, during the second half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against Oklahoma , Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a leaping reception against Mississippi State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. Alabama won 38-7. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a catch for a touchdown as LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) defends in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa , Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) runs by LSU defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. (24) during the second half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. LSU won 46-41. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) scores his third touchdown as Mississippi defensive back Jakorey Hawkins (23) is too late to stop him during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) scores his second touchdown against Mississippi during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) gets set against Mississippi during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama's DeVonta Smith reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a leaping catch of a pass from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama's DeVonta Smith checks at the line during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) takes off against Mississippi during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) runs in a 74-yard touchdown against Mississippi during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern Miss, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southern Miss, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama's DeVonta Smith waits for the snap during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) defends against a tackle by Oklahoma cornerback Tre Brown (6), during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Alabama's DeVonta Smith reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith gains yardage against Duke during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Alabama's DeVonta Smith reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Alabama's DeVonta Smith, top, rushes while defended by South Carolina's J.T. Ibe during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) carries the ball in for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama's DeVonta Smith (6) rushes while defended by South Carolina's J.T. Ibe during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) runs through New Mexico State defensive back Shamad Lomax (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) gets around Auburn defensive back Noah Igbinoghene (4) and scores a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) works past Auburn defensive back Roger McCreary (17) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a touchdown catch against Georgia during overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) carries the ball in for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receivers DeVonta Smith (6) and Henry Ruggs III (11) celebrate a touchdown reception by Ruggs during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a pass for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) scores a touchdown as Missouri linebacker Nick Bolton (32) tries to defend during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a touchdown catch against Georgia during overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith catches a 27-yard touchdown pass against Vanderbilt in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) tries to gets around Texas A&M defensive back Donovan Wilson (6) as he carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
White receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a pass over Crimson defenders Deionte Thompson (14) and Trevon Diggs (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football Alabama spring game, Saturday, April 21, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith, left, runs past Louisville linebacker C.J. Avery (9) after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrates his touchdown during overtime of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Georgia, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. Alabama won 26-23 in overtime. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) tries to gets around Texas A&M defensive back Donovan Wilson (6) as he carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) fights off a tackle attempt by Mississippi State defensive back Johnathan Abram (38) on his way to a 26-yard touchdown reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. Alabama won 31-24. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
List of underclassmen to declare for 2021 NFL Draft
One week after Alabama won yet another national championship, the deadline for college underclassmen to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft has passed.
Players have a 72-hour period to reconsider their decisions before the list of underclassmen who have been approved for entry by the NFL will be released to the 32 clubs on Jan. 22.
Last year, the league granted special eligibility to 99 underclassmen for the draft. It came two years after a record 106 underclassmen entered the 2018 draft pool.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the NCAA granted all fall sports athletes an additional year of eligibility, which meant seniors whose eligibility would have expired in a normal year had the option of returning to school for the 2021 season. The NFL informed clubs that players who have completed four years must notify the league by March 1 if they intend to forego the 2021 draft and stay in school.
The 86th NFL Draft is scheduled for April 29-May 1, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Giants currently hold the 11th overall pick.
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