For true football nerds like myself, the Senior Bowl is one of the coolest events on the calendar each year. It’s that sweet spot in right before the NFL Combine, where some of the best college players come together in Mobile, Alabama, to prove they’ve got the goods. There are NFL scouts and general managers lining the stands for each day of practice, notepads in hand, searching for the next crop of game-changers. For a lot of these guys, it’s their chance to level up from being just another college star to someone genuinely worth investing in at the pro level.

This year’s Senior Bowl was loaded with storylines. We had raw athletes showcasing off-the-charts measurables, consistent performers proving they’re dependable day in and day out, and a slew of players trying to answer big question marks about their game. 

Quarterbacks

Jalen Milroe

At times, it can feel like Jalen Milroe is rewriting the laws of physics. His athletic traits jump off the screen, whether he’s firing a pass downfield or exploding out of the pocket when things collapse. But the Senior Bowl served as a microcosm of who he is right now: a roller coaster of highlight plays and missed opportunities. The underthrows, the sacks — those moments show why he’s not universally touted as a sure-fire first-rounder. In the same breath, you can’t help but acknowledge the potential. Being the most athletic quarterback in any given draft class is no small feat.

The question is whether an NFL front office will see enough in him to say, “We can fix the inconsistencies.” In today’s league, raw athleticism is coveted, and teams are willing to be patient if they believe a player’s ceiling is sky-high. Milroe’s future might hinge on the environment he lands in. If he gets the right offensive coordinator, the right scheme fit, and the time to work out his mechanical kinks, we might look back and wonder why he ever slipped in mock drafts. Either way, he was one of the most talked-about prospects all week, and for good reason.

Dillon Gabriel

Dillon Gabriel’s week in Mobile can be summed up in one word: steady. He’s a pocket passer who seems to have “solid backup” written all over him—though that’s not necessarily a slight. In the NFL, reliable No. 2 quarterbacks are worth their weight in gold. The fact that he didn’t get an extended run in the actual game might leave some fans wanting more, but insiders saw plenty in practice. His ability to effortlessly toss accurate passes at varying depths could make him a safe Day 3 pick, maybe even creeping higher if a team is sold on him as a potential spot-starter.

Coming in slightly smaller than some of his fellow QBs might raise eyebrows, but the league has moved away from the strict height criteria that once loomed large over shorter passers. The bigger storyline for Gabriel will be intangible stuff — how he handles the playbook, how well he reads defenses pre-snap, and whether his calm demeanor translates under the bright lights. Given everything we’ve heard from team personnel and coaches, the odds are good that someone will be thrilled to call his name on draft day.

Jaxson Dart

Jaxson Dart is a really intriguing prospect in this draft class. He’s got the frame, the mechanics, and the willingness to push the ball downfield. That 39-yard flea-flicker to Jack Bech was one of those highlight moments that made scouts perk up a bit, reminding everyone that when he’s on, he can be special. Of course, the flip side is that consistency remains a challenge. Can he string together four quarters of that kind of play at the next level?

Teams in need of a developmental quarterback could easily fall for Dart’s skill set. He showed enough to suggest that with some dedicated coaching — especially focusing on reading defenses and getting through progressions — he could be a gem. His athleticism, in particular, is underrated. For a guy of his stature, he moves better than you’d think, and that mobility could be a difference-maker. If there’s one takeaway from his Senior Bowl week, it’s that Jaxson Dart absolutely earned himself a closer look.

Riley Leonard

Riley Leonard came out guns blazing, completing his first six passes in a fashion that screamed confidence. And really, confidence is half the battle for a QB trying to stand out among a pack of talented peers. He showed off consistent footwork, a surprisingly good deep ball, and the ability to move around when necessary which captivated fans all through his playoff run. While the sack at the end of a drive might ding his highlight reel, it’s hardly a black mark on what was otherwise a solid performance.

Because Leonard isn’t as flashy as some of the other names in this quarterback class, he runs the risk of flying under the radar. But his tape — and now his Senior Bowl performance — shows a player who can handle the mental aspect of the game. A lot of scouts came away impressed with his poise and accuracy. If you’re looking for a quiet riser who might exceed expectations at the next level, Riley Leonard could very well be your guy.

Running Backs

Trevor Etienne

The Etienne name carries weight in football circles. Being the younger brother of a first-round NFL running back naturally raises expectations. But Trevor did more than lean on his last name — he proved he’s got the chops to play at a high level, particularly in the passing game. Watching him run routes and break tackles in open space was a reminder that the modern NFL demands backs who can catch just as effectively as they run.

He may not have racked up huge numbers on the ground in the Senior Bowl game itself, but the rest of the week, from practice to scrimmage situations, left scouts buzzing about his potential. In today’s pass-heavy league, a back who can line up in various formations and exploit matchups is incredibly valuable. Trevor Etienne seems to fit that mold, and the hype surrounding him feels justified.

Ollie Gordon II

If you like old-school, smashmouth football, Ollie Gordon II is your guy. At times, he looked like he was shot out of a cannon on inside runs, barreling through defenders with that low pad level coaches love. But he also threw a 32-yard touchdown pass — so clearly, there’s more to his game than just brute force. 

He came into the Senior Bowl with some question marks after a less-stellar 2024 campaign, but the version of Gordon that showed up in Mobile was the 2023 standout who put fear into defensive fronts. When you vote a player “practice player of the week,” it means he caught the attention of everyone on the field, from teammates to opposing defenders. With a few more consistent showings like this, Gordon could climb draft boards in a hurry.

Wide Receivers

Jack Bech

Jack Bech is the kind of player you root for. There’s an emotional undercurrent to his week in Mobile — honoring his late brother, Tiger — mixed with a performance that left no doubt about his professional potential. The reliability factor stands out in a big way: One drop on 96 targets is borderline absurd. That shows off not just good hands, but an overall focus that sets top-tier receivers apart.

During the practices, he shined in one-on-one drills, forcing defensive backs to constantly second-guess themselves. Then, in the game, he backed it all up with big plays. You can line him up in the slot, on the perimeter — he’s going to find ways to get open. While scouts may nitpick about his physique, his play on the field tends to quiet those concerns. In a pass-happy NFL that craves versatile weapons, Bech has the makings of a potential steal in the draft.

Tez Johnson

Tez Johnson’s skill set reads like a dream for offensive coordinators who love to spread the field and exploit mismatches. Quickness is his calling card — he might just be the shiftiest wideout from this year’s group in Mobile. One-on-one reps in practice can often be an exaggeration of a receiver’s skill set, but dominating them consistently, as Johnson did, underscores that the hype is genuine.

It’s true that being one of the lightest receivers on record at the Senior Bowl raises durability questions. Will he hold up against press coverage from NFL corners? Still, all it takes is one game-breaking play — and Johnson can provide that in spades. He’s the guy who’ll break ankles on a short slant, then race 60 yards to the house. Don’t be shocked if his name is called in the second or third round, especially by a team craving speed and instant separation out of the slot.

Kyle Williams

Kyle Williams may not have the same flashy buzz as Tez Johnson, but his all-around game is rock-solid. Speed is an asset, sure, but it’s his polished route tree that’s likely to raise his draft stock. When coaches rave about a wide receiver’s “polish,” they’re talking about fluid movement, quick releases at the line, and efficient footwork — Williams checked all those boxes.

Versatility also matters in the NFL. Being able to line up inside or outside can earn you a bigger role right away. He used the Senior Bowl to show that there’s more to him than just vertical threat capability. He’s comfortable adjusting to off-target throws, he can recognize and exploit soft spots in zone defenses, and he’s confident in contesting passes even when a corner is draped over him. That well-rounded skill set could see him jump into the Day 2 conversation, especially for teams lacking big-play ability in their receiver corps.

Tight Ends

Elijah Arroyo

If you’re looking for a do-it-all tight end prospect, Elijah Arroyo’s performance in Mobile was basically an infomercial for his future NFL role. The combination of size, athleticism, and blocking prowess makes him that old-school, three-down tight end that teams crave — but with a modern twist. His route-running polish at that size is downright terrifying for linebackers and safeties who have to cover him.

When you add in a big personality — like punting the ball into the stands after a touchdown — you get a player who clearly loves the spotlight. Coaches took note of his energy and hustle all week, describing him as someone who consistently sets the tone for the offense. A first-round pick for a tight end isn’t always guaranteed, but Arroyo’s name is creeping into those conversations. That big catch radius and top-tier speed might be too good for some team to pass up on Day 1.

Mason Taylor

The Taylor lineage runs deep, and Mason Taylor’s performance felt like a glimpse into football royalty continuing its legacy. With both his dad and uncle in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he carries himself with the calm confidence of someone who’s been around the game his whole life. Physically, he’s got the frame to hold his own against NFL defenders, and the contested-catch numbers confirm that he’s not afraid to fight through contact.

Some scouts see a parallel to Zach Ertz in how Taylor finds soft spots in the zone and consistently brings the ball in with reliable hands. He’s not just a big body out there; he’s a nuanced route-runner who sets up defenders with subtle fakes and angles. Even though he only caught a single pass for 5 yards in the actual game, practices told the bigger story. It’s easy to see him stepping in and contributing right away in the pros.

Offensive Linemen

Grey Zabel

It’s not often an offensive lineman becomes the story of an all-star event, but that’s exactly what Grey Zabel did in Mobile. When you can say you’ve played all five line positions in college and then move inside to dominate guard and center at the Senior Bowl, people start paying attention. He didn’t just hold his own — he manhandled some of the top defensive line prospects on multiple occasions. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah went as far as to say he could see Zabel becoming an All-Pro at center.

The buzz around Zabel is that he might have the safest floor of any O-lineman in the draft. Teams love having that kind of position flexibility, and as injuries inevitably pile up over a long NFL season, a guy who can handle multiple spots is invaluable. Given how consistently he performed in drills, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him sneak into the first round. Even if he doesn’t, whoever drafts him is likely getting an instant starter or a plug-and-play backup who can fill in at any position when needed.

Anthony Belton

Anthony Belton might have some explaining to do — specifically, how he turned it up so effectively in Mobile compared to his college tape. At 345 pounds with 36-inch arms, he cuts an imposing figure, and the film from the Senior Bowl shows a guy who could stonewall just about anyone in front of him. He’s not just big; he’s agile, too, flashing footwork that’s surprisingly nimble for a man of his size.

The question mark scouts have revolves around consistency: Why didn’t his college film show the same dominance? Perhaps it was scheme, or maybe he just needed the added motivation of the Senior Bowl stage. Either way, Belton’s performance this week might prompt teams to revisit his tape and see if there’s untapped upside that can be unlocked with the right coaching. If a team is convinced they can get the Mobile version of Belton all year long, he could be a mid-round steal.

Defensive Standouts

Sai’vion Jones (Edge)

Sai’vion Jones brought the thunder in the actual Senior Bowl game. Sometimes, a player just looks unblockable, and that’s how it felt watching Jones on most of his snaps. He combines powerful hands with a surprisingly quick first step, a lethal combination that can leave tackles flailing. The fact that he was consistently disruptive against a variety of blockers bodes well for his future.

He also showcased some surprising nuance in his pass-rush moves — using chop-rip combos and inside counters that kept linemen guessing. The big question for him moving forward is whether he can maintain that level of intensity over an entire NFL season. If he proves to be more than a splash-play guy, we could be looking at a future star edge rusher.

Mike Green (Edge)

Mike Green might be one of the most intriguing defensive prospects to come out of this Senior Bowl. Leading the FBS with 17 sacks in 2024 sets a high bar, but he looked every bit the part of a dominant pass rusher in Mobile. The highlight of his week was undoubtedly that bull rush against Josh Conerly Jr. Defensive linemen love putting an exclamation mark on their performance by toppling a highly touted offensive tackle, and Green did just that.

Scouts praise his explosiveness off the snap — he can beat you around the edge with speed, or convert that speed to power for a nasty bull rush. On the flipside, he did show some vulnerability when matched up against Anthony Belton, indicating there’s still room for development in his technique. 

Jack Kiser (Linebacker)

Linebackers who can handle coverage responsibilities are incredibly valuable in the modern NFL. Jack Kiser demonstrated exactly that with two practice picks, showcasing a strong instinct for reading quarterbacks and jumping routes. Notre Dame’s season might have ended on a sour note in the national-title game, but Kiser didn’t let that disappointment spill over into his Senior Bowl performance.

Size could be the main knock on him, but the league is moving toward faster, more agile linebackers anyway. You need guys who can guard tight ends and slot receivers in coverage, especially with so many teams spreading the field. Kiser might have the instincts, leadership qualities, and enough athleticism to earn a starting role sooner rather than later. If nothing else, he’ll be a valuable contributor on passing downs and special teams right off the bat.

Maxwell Hairston (Cornerback)

The corners in Mobile often take center stage during practices, and Maxwell Hairston made the absolute most of it. When they say a corner is “sticky,” they mean he doesn’t give the receiver room to breathe. That was evident in the one-on-ones and team sessions, as Hairston consistently mirrored routes. His ball skills are well-documented—picking off five passes in a season is nothing to sneeze at.

At 6 feet (give or take), he’s got enough size to match up with bigger receivers, and his burst allows him to recover if he gives up any separation. The hype around him feels warranted, and if he continues to impress in private workouts and interviews, there’s a real chance he could climb draft boards.

Azareye’h Thomas (Cornerback)

Azareye’h Thomas is all about potential. He’s still young, which means there should be room for significant growth as he refines his technique. At Florida State, he didn’t rack up huge interception totals, but picks aren’t always the best measure of a corner’s impact. Sometimes just not getting thrown at is its own statement.

In Mobile, he showed fluid hips, quick feet, and good length—basically, everything you’d want in an outside corner. The fact that he might still be filling out physically could mean he’ll develop more press-coverage power in the NFL. Being named to the second-team All-Senior Bowl is no small feat, especially for a guy who’s 20 years old. Mark him down as a name to watch closely in the coming months.

Other Standouts

• Jayden Higgins (Wide Receiver)

• Harold Fannin Jr. (Tight End)

• Ersery Aireontae (Offensive Tackle)

• Darius Alexander (Defensive Tackle)

• Shemar Stewart (Defensive End)

• Landon Jackson (Edge)

• Jeffrey Bassa (Linebacker)

• Upton Stout (Cornerback)

• Keondre' Jackson (Safety)

Final Thoughts

At its core, the Senior Bowl is about discovery and competition. It’s the NFL’s version of a job fair, where every rep matters. For some prospects, it’s a springboard to the first round. For others, it confirms what scouts have seen on tape — either a consistent track record of performance or some concerning gaps that need to be ironed out.

For fans, the Senior Bowl is also a chance to fall in love with under-the-radar guys. Maybe it’s the next great slot receiver who weighs in a little lighter than expected (looking at you, Tez Johnson), or a high-motor linebacker who always seems to be around the ball (shoutout to Jack Kiser). The main takeaway is this: the Senior Bowl matters. 

From here on out, it’s all about capitalizing on the momentum. Players will head to the Combine, Pro Days, and a flurry of private workouts, hoping the spark they ignited in Mobile grows into a roaring flame by draft day. Some will rocket into Day 1 or Day 2 territory, while others might settle into the later rounds, holding out hope that the right team will take a chance on them.

And that’s the beauty of this game we love — sometimes the Senior Bowl MVP becomes an NFL star, sometimes a lesser-known name who didn’t make the list carves out a decade-long career. The only certainty is that with the performances we witnessed this week, the 2025 NFL Draft just got a whole lot more interesting. No matter how it all shakes out, these players gave us plenty to talk about — and that’s exactly what the Senior Bowl is supposed to do.