Bailey, Hankerson hope to achieve first-round status

MOBILE, Ala. – — During the linemen's one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl Allen Bailey steamrolled Rodney Hudson twice, pushing Florida State's standout guard backwards so fast it appeared as if he was on skates.

In his next practice rep the Hurricanes two-year sack leader got stonewalled by Florida tackle Marcus Gilbert because he lacks the counter moves needed to compliment his power.

"I know I have a bull [rush] but I'm trying to add a few other things," said Bailey, who played defensive tackle and end at UM. "I'm switching things up a little bit."

Bailey better polish his skills in the next few weeks because he's one of three UM draft prospects who have a realistic shot of ending the Hurricanes' two-year first-round drought.

For a 14-year period, from 1994 through 2008, UM had at least one player selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Safety Kenny Phillips was the last to get in when he was taken by the Giants 31st overall in 1998.

Four Hurricanes were selected in last year's draft, but tight end Jimmy Graham, who was taken 95th overall, was the highest. This year at least three players – Bailey, receiver Leonard Hankerson and cornerback Brandon Harris - are projected among the draft's top 50 talents.

But Bailey, Hankerson and Harris, who left school early, each have plenty of work to do. That's why Bailey and Hankerson are two of the four Hurricanes – with cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke and linebacker Colin McCarthy - participating in the Senior Bowl with hopes of improving their stock.

Bailey's had mixed reviews of his Senior Bowl practices. But Hankerson consistently impressed, running good routes, continually creating separation, and showing off his ability to hawk down difficult passes.

"It's an honor to be out here with some of these guys. It's a lot of competition. Everybody is good. Everyone is the best player on their team," Hankerson said. "I just want to show the coaches the way I practice, and how quickly I can learn and pick up an offense."

Mike Mayock, the NFL Network's draft guru, said despite Hankerson's strong practices he's firmly placed in the second tier of receivers, behind Georgia's A.J. Green and Alabama's Julio Jones.

"[Hankerson's] a big body kid who runs well in a straight line. I'm trying to get a feel for him getting in and out of breaks," Mayock said. "Great receivers, especially the big guys, fluidly get in and out of their breaks."

Mayock said Bailey's athleticism and power has been evident. He believes Bailey's a natural pass rusher who could work in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme.

"What I want to see [Bailey] consistently playing with proper leverage. Sometimes when you put the Miami tape on he plays high, especially when he's tired," Mayock said. "He's got the quick twitch, come off the end speed, but needs to work on his technique, especially his hand placement."

Once he masters that, and shows off his athleticism at the NFL combine, Bailey hopes he can corral first-round status.

"It would mean a lot to the program and to myself," Bailey said. "We got a pretty good feeling this is the year."



(sun-sentinel.com)