By Ross Jackson
The Reese’s Senior Bowl is the premier showcase for college football. The all-star game is the best of the best when it comes to elevating collegiate talent from the biggest schools and, perhaps more importantly, elevating countless players from smaller schools that might otherwise fly under the radar.
In Mobile, Ala., the radar catches everyone and that includes their recent effort in amplifying NFL coaching talent.
The Senior Bowl continues to put NFL staffers in the map that are looking to grow, build experience, and make their mark as they climb coaching ladders. This year, the New Orleans Saints have several coaching staff members that are included in that number.
Offensive assistant Kevin Petry is lined up to coach the American team wide receivers, fellow offensive assistant and former Saints offensive lineman Jahri Evans will coach the American team offensive linemen, and defensive assistant Adam Gristick will coach the National team’s linebackers.
Additionally, Saints head coach candidate Mike Kafka will serve as the head coach of the game’s National team..
All three position coaches will focus on areas where New Orleans could stand to get a closer look at this year’s draft talent. Wideouts like Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor and Utah State’s Jalen Royal could be successful complements to the Saints’ wide receiver room.
The LSU offensive linemen, Emory Jones, Miles Frazier, and Garrett Dillinger will all work with Evans. As will potential first-round talent and Missouri offensive tackle Membou Armand.
Several notable linebackers will get a close look with Gristick, including Minnesota’s Cody Lindenberg and Central Arkansas’s David Walker.
More could be on the way for the Saints’ coaching staff, but even if not, having members working closely with these prospects creates a major advantage for New Orleans and its draft evaluations.
Update (Jan. 25 at 5:00 p.m. CT): Saints offensive assistant Jordan Traylor will serve as the National Team quarterback coach.
