The 2024 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Illinois offensive guard Isaiah Adams plans on taking full advantage. Adams recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Adams also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, playing multiple positions, using length and athleticism to his advantage, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Adams better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Isaiah Adams: It was right after practice. The head coach brought us to his office. I remember seeing the Reese’s Senior Bowl box and just being floored. Having played football in Canada and in junior college, I just started reflecting on the journey. It was a huge moment of reflection for me. I was very excited. It nearly brought tears to my eyes.
JM: That sounds like an amazing moment. What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Isaiah Adams: I want to play and compete with the best of the best. I’m also aware that there’s been a tradition of so many amazing offensive linemen to play in the Senior Bowl. Guys like Joel Bitonio and Zack Martin have played in the Senior Bowl. Some amazing guards have played in Mobile. I want to follow a similar path. The past and present competition speaks for itself.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Isaiah Adams: I want my football IQ to shine through. It’s in my DNA. I want to showcase how tough and smart I am. I want them to know that they can count on me. I want to prove that throughout practice and through the game. I want to give them a glimpse into who I am as a person and player.
JM: How would you describe your skill set in your own words? Self-scout yourself.
Isaiah Adams: I’d say I’m a powerful run blocker. I love to finish and play through the whistle. I mirrored defenders really when playing the guard position. When I jumped outside to play tackle, I thought I held my own. I displayed some athleticism at tackle. I was powerful and explosive. I definitely play with a willingness to finish blocks.
JM: If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL lineman, who would you choose and why?
Isaiah Adams: I would choose a mixture of Joel Bitonio and Joe Thuney. From a technique standpoint, I’ve always tried to model my game after Thuney. He’s a very technical player that plays low and gets the job done. You can always count on him. Bitonio has great size and strength. We have similar body types. Those two guys do a great job and they’re very good players in the NFL.
JM: I love that comparison. You’ve spent most of your time at guard, but like you said, you’ve played a little tackle, too. Do you have a preference?
Isaiah Adams: Probably guard. I can play anywhere a team seems me though. I can play center or tackle if necessary. I do think guard is where I’m most comfortable. It’s the position that gives me the best chance of success.
JM: Length and athleticism are at the forefront of your tape. How do you utilize length to your advantage on a snap-by-snap basis?
Isaiah Adams: I think length is very important in the run game. It allows me to get my hands on guys early. In the pass game, length helps me create separation. A lot of playing in the trenches is about getting your hands on guys first. Making meaningful first contact is important. I think the longer you are, the better chance you have at making significant contact before the defender.
I think there’s a lot of long interior defensive linemen in the league like DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead. Even Jordan Davis, all those guys are long guys. I think my length will give me a nice advantage.
You can also never be powerful enough as an interior offensive lineman. The offensive line is about dominating and finishing blicks. That’s where my power comes into play.
JM: That length goes a long way. What’s on Isaiah Adams’ pre-game playlist?
Isaiah Adams: I have to go with guys like Kid Cudi, Kanye West, and Travis Scott. Guys that make upbeat music and make you feel good. I’m ready to explode when I run out of that tunnel.
JM: At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Isaiah Adams?
Isaiah Adams: Of course it means I dominated my opponent. I want to learn the playbook and prove that I pick up NFL schemes. I want to interview well with all 32 teams. I want to showcase how well I bounce back from adversity as well. If any adversity comes my way, I think I’ll handle it. I’ll learn and grow throughout the week. I’ll grow throughout the course of a practice.
That means I had a successful week.
