Luke Getsy Saw These Players Dominate His First Senior Bowl Practice

Luke Getsy didn't try to hide his real intentions of accepting the opportunity to coach at the Senior Bowl. While it's a good experience for possibly running his own team one day, this week is mostly about him gathering as much information on the players there as possible. His position as head coach allows him to interact with them in ways others at the event can't. He works with them personally on the field and in meetings. Getsy can see how hard they work and whether they love football.

This is tremendous inside knowledge for the Chicago Bears. If Getsy gets his information right, they could end up landing some quality talent for their roster. The first day of practice concluded on January 31st. It was reportedly a spirited one. Getsy kept up the intensity and had everything well-organized. As a result, several players ended up having good days.

Luke Getsy saw plenty to like in his first practice.

Don'tayvion Wicks (WR, Virginia)

Wicks was outstanding in 2021, going for 1,203 yards and nine touchdowns. Things never really got going last year due to health setbacks and some quarterback problems. Still, Wicks proved to have a potent mixture of size, length, strong hands, and athleticism. Teams wanted to see in Mobile whether he could showcase more route-running precision. They must've been encouraged by what they saw, as he had several reps where he created good separation.

Nick Saldiveri (OG, Old Dominion)

The Senior Bowl doesn't benefit anybody more than it does players from smaller schools. Routinely there have been athletes coming from lesser colleges that shined during that week and ended up as high draft picks. Saldiveri looks like he is next in line for that. He's a big dude at 6'6, 307 lbs. What stands out the most with him is his remarkably polished pass protection. He stonewalled guys for most of the afternoon, confirming what many saw on his tape. Saldiveri also has the nasty temperament Luke Getsy and the Bears are looking for.

Will McDonald (EDGE, Iowa State)

Remember, the Bears are seeking players with length when evaluating. They need pass rush help in the worst way. McDonald has 35-inch arms and put them on display in drills, keeping blockers off his body and shedding when necessary. He's quick off the snap and can bend the edge without losing speed. His 34 sacks and 40 tackles for a loss in his college career show a player that knows how to finish. The big question with him is whether he can add more weight at 245 lbs.

Julius Brents (CB, Kansas State)

The same situation at a different position. Brents has a big body and long arms. He put both to great use, smothering the Senior Bowl receivers in almost every rep he played. He also demonstrated solid speed and the ability to locate the football in the air. His four interceptions in 2022 showed he has a nose for the football. Brents would be a welcome addition to a Bears secondary that feels one more cornerback away from being really good.