2014 Senior Bowl Players to Watch: Team South

Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) is tackled by Auburn Tigers defensive end Dee Ford (30) during the first half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 Senior Bowl goes underway this afternoon as the best seniors in the country look to make a name for themselves and boost their NFL Draft stock in the annual showcase. Need to know who to watch this afternoon? Just Blog Baby has you covered with a list of who to watch on Team North and Team South by looking at the key figures on the South roster.

Dee Ford, DE, Auburn 

Auburn pass-rusher Dee Ford, who was named Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman during Senior Bowl practice, is one of the top defensive ends who will be available this coming spring after breaking out this season during Auburn’s SEC Championship and BCS Championship Game appearance.

Ford isn’t going to wow you with his height and weight (6’2″, 240 pounds), but his elite pass-rushing skills, versatility as an end or a linebacker make him a top prospect. He ranked 12th in the NCAA with 10.5 sacks last season and finished the year with 14.5 tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach and Senior Bowl coach Gus Bradley had high praise for Ford during the week of practice leading up to Saturday’s game, per NFL.com’s Chase Goodbread:

"Dee is exciting. I really like his personality. I like his spirit. He loves the game. He showcases that on the practice field. Any time a guy can come off the edge and show his ability to rush, it really stands out. For us in our scheme, the Leo spot, that’s what we have it designed for — guys like that."

If top pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney is unavailable come the time the Raiders are on the clock with the #5 pick, Ford could be one of the names in the mix as a top pass rusher for Oakland and is definitely a player to keep an eye on today.

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