Senior Bowl Spotlight: Daylen Everette Embraces the Grind in Mobile
MOBILE, Alabama - When the Senior Bowl kicked off this week in Mobile, Daylen Everette came in with a clear mindset: this is where his NFL journey begins. The Georgia cornerback arrived ready to compete, and on Tuesday, he finally got back into pads and onto the field at Hancock Whitney Stadium, repping the “G” one last time.
“It felt good to be back in pads,” Everette said after practice. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here.”
For Everette, this week isn’t just about showing up - it’s about showing out. Measuring in at 6-foot-0½ and 193 pounds, the former Bulldog is projected as a mid-round pick, likely landing somewhere between the third and fifth round.
But projections don’t mean much on the field. What matters now is how he performs against some of the best seniors in the country - and in front of a crowd that includes 28 NFL general managers and 12 head coaches.
“Any way I can play football and compete,” Everette said, “I’m going to take that opportunity.”
He’s doing just that. Everette is one of three Georgia players taking part in Senior Bowl week, joining punter Brett Thorson and long snapper Beau Gardner. The event, which features NFL assistant coaches leading both squads, gives players like Everette a real taste of what life at the next level will be like - from the tempo of practice to the complexity of schemes.
And while the game itself is set for Saturday, the real evaluation happens during the practices. That’s where scouts and coaches get to see how players respond to new systems, new teammates, and NFL-level coaching. It’s also where Everette is looking to make his mark.
NFL draft analyst Matt Miller pegged Everette as a potential breakout player this week, citing his elite size and SEC pedigree. What stands out most on tape? His press coverage skills - physical, sticky, and disruptive at the line.
But Everette knows there’s more to the evaluation than just man coverage. NFL teams want to see how he handles zone responsibilities - reading the quarterback, passing off routes, and reacting in space.
“It really depends on the game plan,” Everette said when asked about the times he’s not in tight coverage. “It’s if it’s better playing tighter, or looser.”
That adaptability is key. During Tuesday’s session, Everette rotated between two different defensive back spots, showing he’s not just an outside corner. He’s working to prove he can handle nickel duties as well - a trait that could boost his draft stock significantly.
“The main thing I want to show is versatility,” he said. “I can line up on the outside, but I also want to show I can line up on the inside in nickel.”
That versatility could be the difference-maker. In today’s NFL, defensive backs are asked to do more than ever - match up with speed in the slot, handle bigger receivers on the boundary, and contribute in run support. Everette’s showing he’s ready to take on those challenges.
The competition is stiff. On Day One, he lined up against quarterbacks like Illinois’ Luke Altmyer, who brought a different flavor than what Everette was used to seeing in Athens. Altmyer was the sharpest QB on the “American” team, which also includes Arkansas’ Taylen Green and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier.
Everette didn’t grab a pick or get his hands on a ball during Tuesday’s practice, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t locked in. He’s already diving into the film, looking to pick up on quarterback tendencies ahead of Wednesday’s practice.
“I think it’s real important to know the quarterbacks,” Everette said. “The first day you are just getting your feet wet, you don’t really know what to expect from each quarterback. But after one day, you can really watch them and see what tendencies they have.”
That’s the kind of preparation that separates prospects. And while some of Georgia’s top-tier talent - including Zachariah Branch, Monroe Freeling, and CJ Allen - opted to skip the all-star circuit and focus on combine prep, Everette chose to compete. It’s a move that speaks volumes about his mindset.
Meanwhile, four other Georgia players - Colbie Young, Noah Thomas, Dillon Bell, and Micah Morris - took the field in the East-West Shrine Bowl on Tuesday night in Frisco, Texas, hoping to catch some eyes of their own.
But in Mobile, the spotlight this week is on Everette. He’s not just here to participate - he’s here to prove he belongs. And if Tuesday’s effort is any indication, he’s off to a strong start.