David Ubben's notes and nuggets from the Senior Bowl

MOBILE, Ala. — Phil Savage wants to help draft stocks, not hurt them. The Senior Bowl's executive director says when he's putting together invitations to the annual game, he looks for guys who can come to Mobile and improve their stock, regardless of the caliber of program they played in before beginning the pre-draft process. Thus far, the Texans who showed up in Mobile have been able to do that. Here's a few notes and nuggets from the week. HERNANDEZ BREAKING OUT UTEP guard Will Hernandez helped his stock as much as anyone in Mobile in the early part of the week. He checked in at 340 pounds--15 pounds heavier than anyone in Mobile--and will be one of the heaviest players in this class. Hernandez's 6-2 frame carries his weight well, and through the first two days, he's been dominant in both team drills and one-on-ones, which traditionally draw more scrutiny from NFL scouts poring over tape of the 90-minute practices. NFL teams specifically request an emphasis on one-on-ones during the practices, and Hernandez shined. "His tape is something else, and we could tell pretty quickly this week he was capable of similar things against better competition," an AFC scout said. Coincidentally, Hernandez had the advantage of working with his college coach--Sean Kugler, who was fired from UTEP last year--during the week. Kugler found a home back in the NFL as the Broncos' offensive line coach, and the two reunited in Mobile, where Hernandez has shined. Multiple scouts remarked at Hernandez's raw strength, and in Tuesday and Wednesday's practices, he moved the man in front of him with ease consistently. He still likely projects as a Day 2 pick, but if he continues his tear this week and puts up a big number on bench press at the combine, that could change. "The big question with him is does he have the speed to pull with effectiveness? But he finishes blocks as well as anyone in this draft and when you tell him to go downhill on a power run, he’s really special," an NFC scout said. "He does things that make you say, 'Wow!'" Plus, he looked good doing it in an old-school neck brace.

O-lines got the better of the pass rush 1-on-1s again at the #SeniorBowl yesterday.