The 2024 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Minnesota tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford plans on taking full advantage. Spann-Ford recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Spann-Ford also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his skills as an in-line blocker, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Spann-Ford 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?
Brevyn Spann-Ford: I was actually at our football facility back in Minnesota. It’s a great opportunity. I was super excited to have received my invite. I received it last year as well, but I decided to return to Minnesota for one more year of football.
I was hoping to get a second invite. I’m thankful. I can’t wait to play football with some of the best senior prospects in the country. I’m going to showcase my talents.
JM: What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Brevyn Spann-Ford: It was definitely the amount of attention that the Senior Bowl commands. It’s not just about the media attention, we’re talking about a bunch of great players that are going to be in attendance.
Competition is going to be through the roof. So many great players participate in the Senior Bowl. It’s helped a lot of my close friends boost their pre-draft stock in previous years. I can’t wait to be a part of such a historic game and week.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Brevyn Spann-Ford: Based on how I’ve primarily been used throughout my time at Minnesota, I really want to showcase my abilities to catch the football. I also want to reinforce my abilities as a blocker. I’m a versatile tight end. I can’t wait to meet face-to-face with all 32 teams. I want them to get to know me as a person, and I want to get to know them as well.
JM: I love that comparison. You might be the best in-line blocker in the 2024 NFL Draft. College tight ends are rarely as advanced as a blocker as you are. How did that come about?
Brevyn Spann-Ford: With our scheme at Minnesota, I had to grow up fast as a run blocker. It’s something I’ve taken a lot of pride in over the years. When our tight ends were able to block effectively, that’s something that really benefited our scheme. I made sure that I was constantly working on the techniques and footwork. That was very important to me. We created a lot of success through that.
JM: How would you describe your skill set in your own words? Self-scout yourself.
Brevyn Spann-Ford: I’m definitely a big target in the passing game. I’m athletic. I also love to get dirty in the run game. I can make plays in the passing game, but I’m also willing to block and do whatever the team needs to win.
JM: If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL tight end, who would you choose and why?
Brevyn Spann-Ford: I think my game is similar to Mark Andrews. Baltimore does a lot of run-game stuff that is similar to what we do at Minnesota. Mark Andrews’ ability to impact the passing game while also being a great blocker in the run game, that’s my overall identity as a tight end.
JM: What’s on Brevyn Spann Ford’s pre-game playlist?
Brevyn Spann-Ford: There’s definitely some Playboy Carti on there. I also listen to a bunch of high-tempo stuff.
JM: At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Brevyn Spann-Ford?
Brevyn Spann-Ford: It means I went out there and showcased what type of player and person I am. I’m going to make plays as a blocker in the run game and as a pass-catcher in the passing game. Ultimately, I want to win the game on Saturday.
