27 Senior Bowl Observations for 2025 NFL Draft Prospects

Senior Bowl Day 1 observations: linemen steal the spotlight

The Senior Bowl is a crucial event on the path to the 2025 NFL Draft. Starting Monday, the NFL community gathered in Mobile, Alabama, to evaluate the upcoming wave of NFL talent.

As I attend the Senior Bowl, I will share insights from each day, highlighting standout performances. The first day of practice on Tuesday revealed some expected challenges. Both the American and National teams encountered operational penalties, including false starts and offsides. Quarterbacks adapting to under-center work with unfamiliar teammates resulted in several bobbled exchanges. Nevertheless, numerous impressive moments emerged from the day.

Offensive and defensive linemen dominated the action, showcasing one of the most talented groups in Senior Bowl history. Their presence disrupted routine plays, reflecting the sport’s evolution in defensive tackle and end positions.

Let’s dive into the highlights!

• During the morning practice for the American team, Marshall EDGE Mike Green emerged as a standout player. He impressed with a weigh-in at 251 pounds, maintaining his speed while adding good weight. Green consistently penetrated the backfield in one-on-ones, executing a remarkable inside move against Purdue’s Marcus Mbow and surpassing other opponents. His development as a run defender was notable, effectively setting the edge and dominating in the run game. I’ve projected him as a first-round pick since the college football season, and he reinforced that status on the opening day.

• Boston College EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku also made a strong impression. Although he stands at 6’2 and weighs 248 pounds, his explosiveness off the edge is undeniable, complemented by 34-inch arms. Ezeiruaku showcased his strength by overpowering Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr. during the run game.
• Conerly Jr. performed admirably aside from that encounter. His movement skills are exceptional for his size, effectively cutting off backside players on run schemes. He excelled in the best-on-best portion of practice, decisively defeating UCLA EDGE Olu Oladejo. Conerly is poised to rise in a tackle class that urgently needs true tackles.

• The top offensive lineman from the National team was either North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel or NC State’s Anthony Belton. Zabel, who I entered the event high on, excelled with his versatility across the offensive line, dominating every position. His anchoring ability was tested and he passed with flying colors, though he did receive a false start penalty during team drills. Belton also proved to be a force, showcasing incredible foot speed and the power to redirect pass rushers, regardless of whether he played guard or tackle.
• USC C Jonah Monheim struggled at times, looking overwhelmed in certain situations. His shorter 30-inch arms raise concerns about his potential at the next level.
• Arkansas’ Landon Jackson fell short of expectations, with concerns about his bend and lack of a defined pass rush strategy.
• Toledo DT Darius Alexander had several standout moments, demonstrating his massive hands and long arms. He excelled as a run defender, making a significant impact in both the pass and run game.
• Miami TE Elijah Arroyo showcased impressive skills, often overlooked due to QB Cam Ward and WR Xavier Restrepo, consistently creating separation.

• Virginia Tech DT Aeneas Peebles impressed with his agility and burst off the ball, dominating in the run game despite having shorter arms.
• Syracuse LB Justin Barron, added late to the roster, showcased intriguing movement skills, particularly in coverage.
• Oregon LB Jeffrey Bassa, as the vocal leader of the National team, effectively organized plays and performed well in the passing game.
• The National team displayed heightened intensity compared to the American team, with a notable altercation between Iowa DT Yahya Black and West Virginia OL Wyatt Milum. The American team even paused the music halfway through practice, potentially contributing to their lower energy levels.
• For the American team, Kentucky DT Deone Walker had an eye-catching moment during practice.

• Walker had a solid day afterward, though concerns linger about his pad level at 6’7. He displayed dominance but needs to maintain consistency.
• The best defensive lineman was Tennessee DT Omarr Norman-Lott. Despite being slightly undersized at 297 pounds, his quickness and agility were impressive, leading to a forced bad snap. He is a strong candidate for a penetrating three-technique role on Day 2, though he left early with an injury concern.

• I found Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart to be just adequate. Despite some impressive moments, he struggled in others. As the highest-rated prospect here, he needs to deliver a strong performance on day two.
• Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen, weighing in at 6’3 and 293 pounds, impressed with his speed and burst, though his consistency remains a work in progress.
• LSU OL Miles Frazier performed exceptionally well, consistently stonewalling Nolen in team drills, showcasing impressive strength despite other teammates drawing more attention.
• Alabama A&M tackle Carson Vinson brought energy, hyping both himself and his teammates after successful plays. His performance – a mix of highs and lows – indicates potential for Day 3 drafting.
• RJ Harvey demonstrated impressive lower body strength.

• LSU TE Mason Taylor excelled, showcasing his skills in both the run game and as a receiver. His performance may surprise many, propelling him into the spotlight.
• South Carolina DT TJ Sanders, another undersized tackle, won with speed and quickness, delivering a standout rep that could be the highlight of the day.

• Notre Dame LB Jack Kiser participated in the Senior Bowl immediately after the national title game, making notable plays in coverage.
• Florida LB Shemar James showcased remarkable movement skills, making several positive plays in coverage.
• SMU RB Brashard Smith was impressive in the passing game today, transitioning from former WR to RB effectively.
• DO NOT WEAR TIMBS; YOUR FEET WILL HURT INSTANTLY.
• The music selection was highly enjoyable, particularly during National team practices, setting a positive tone.

Expect heightened intensity and more standout performances as players suit up in full pads tomorrow.