Daniel McCullers Improves In Second Day At Senior Bowl
By Zach Ragan
Oct 19, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Daniel McCullers (98) reacts after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks on a last second field goal at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 23 to 21. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
There’s nothing worse than a bad first impression. That’s why former Vols defensive tackle Daniel McCullers is doing everything he can to make up for a lackluster first day at Senior Bowl practices this week.
McCullers — despite his immense size advantage — failed to impress in his first day of practice, but rebounded nicely on Tuesday, according to various draft scouts on Twitter.
I was rough on McCullers yesterday but he had a much better showing today from what I saw
— Justin (@afc2nfc) January 21, 2014
When Daniel McCullers stays low he can be unblockable. Consistency a big factor. #SeniorBowl
— Steve Shoup (@Steveospeak) January 21, 2014
The biggest man here, Tennessee's Daniel McCullers has started wreaking some havoc. Won a few consecutive matchups beating double teams.
— Ryan Lownes (@ryanlownes) January 21, 2014
Billy Turner just got moved inside to RG and lost badly to McCullers. The Volunteers DT treated him like an old saloon door.
— Ryan Lownes (@ryanlownes) January 21, 2014
According to Vikings.com, McCullers has been able to use his size to his advantage.
From Vikings.com
"On Monday, McCullers measured in at a shade under 6-7 and at 348 pounds, and through two practices he’s demonstrated an ability to use that size to overwhelm blockers. He’s able to do this because of his power but also because of some quickness and a good motor."
McCullers will likely get drafted solely because of his size. Whether he sticks on a roster or not will be dependent on his ability to not only eat up space, but to effectively defend against the run, something he had issues with at Tennessee.
A lack of consistent coaching, combined with only playing two years of FBS football, certainly hasn’t helped McCullers’ development. With the right coaching, the massive defensive tackle could end up being a late-round steal for a team.