Dave Birkett

Detroit Free Press

The Senior Bowl will showcase NFL prospects Saturday in Mobile, Ala. With NFL executives and coaches scouting practices this week, here are Free Press sports writer Dave Birkett’s five players to watch:

Reggie Ragland

LB, Alabama: Ragland is the top middle linebacker in the draft this year, but he’ll play outside linebacker this week at his request. The SEC defensive player of the year, he’s a potential first-round pick who would fill a need for the Lions at No. 16.

Graham Glasgow

C, Michigan: Glasgow had a standout week at the Shrine Game and was selected to replace Alabama’s Ryan Kelly, the draft’s top center, at the Senior Bowl. A former walk-on, Glasgow can earn himself some money with good practices against defensive tackles Jarran Reed (Alabama) and Sheldon Rankins (Louisville).

Aaron Burbridge

WR, Michigan State: It’s not a great year for receivers, but several midround prospects will be on display this week, including Burbridge, Oklahoma’s Sterling Shepherd and Ohio State’s Braxton Miller. Burbridge is one of three Michigan State players confirmed for the game, along with Jack Allen and Lawrence Thomas.

Roundup: Locals play in East-West Shrine game, NFLPA bowl

Vernon Butler

DT, Louisiana Tech: With their top-two defensive tackles free agents, the Lions enter the off-season in need of interior linemen for the second straight year. Butler is a top-notch run defender who flew under the radar at Tech and might be the second-best tackle at the Senior Bowl after Reed.

Carson Wentz

QB, North Dakota State: Depending on which analyst you prefer, Wentz is rated anywhere from the best to fourth-best quarterback in the draft. With MSU’s Connor Cook skipping the Senior Bowl and the other top arms juniors, Wentz might be the best prospect on display this week.

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett. Download our Lions Xtra app for free on Apple and Android!

Local schools in the game

Michigan: Glasgow.

Michigan State: Burbridge, C Jack Allen, DE Lawrence Thomas.

Western Michigan: OG Willie Beavers.