Senior Bowl Practice Report: Day 2

The Crimson Tide alumni representation had to traverse a rainy Wednesday afternoon in Mobile to complete day two of practices in the lead-up to the Senior Bowl.

Phidarian Mathis and Brian Robinson both began the day with an 8 a.m. media breakfast event. Robinson was available at a podium and summarized what his fifth playing season meant for the future of his playing career.

"I think coming back helped me tremendously on and off the field, you know, just being able to grow and mature," Robinson said. "Also being able to play multiple snaps and have that experience in big-time games. You know there's just a lot of things that went into that year that kind of just helped me grow in preparing myself for now."

Robinson had a better day despite the elements thanks in large part to Wednesday being a full pads day. He was chosen for the final one-on-one rep of the day on passing option against a linebacker which he won. Luckily for Robinson, his offensive line performed much better than his fellow backs on the National Team. As a result, Robinson was able to take advantage of his opportunities today and set up a strong close to the week.

As for Mathis, I was able to catch up with the defensive tackle at breakfast and see how other Alabama alumni are helping him on his journey to the NFL.

"I've to a few guys, B-More (Christian Barmore), that's one of my close buddies in the NFL and Raekwon (Davis)," Mathis said. "They just tell me to 'Take everything one day at a time and just be patient like I always been.' Don't try to rush nothing."

As for his day, Mathis is still being overshadowed by Devonte Wyatt from Georgia on his own team and Travis Jones of Connecticut from the National Team. Just like day one, Mathis is playing well, but the tiny nuances that separate a bonafide first-round selection for a solid day two pick are slightly present.

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His get-off is still one of the slowest in Mobile on the interior among the premiere prospects. In one on ones today, he won in matchups in which he was favored and had a tendency to either lose or tie against the Georgia guards Jamaree Salyer and Justin Shaffer. In the run game, Mathis is creating separation from would-be blockers, but his weight leans forward too much and makes it difficiult for him to transition into exiting the blocking engagement and move toward making the play.

Thursday's practice will be indoors with the weather expected to be even wrose than it was on Wednesday. As a result, credentialed media will not be able to view practice. Either way, check back tomorrow for a day three recap to keep up with Robinson and Mathis's first steps toward the NFL.