The third and final day of Senior Bowl practices took place Thursday in Mobile, Alabama, with more than 100 top prospects working out in front of coaches, scouts and personnel from all 32 NFL teams.
The Senior Bowl is an invite-only showcase of upperclassmen prospects and an important step toward forming a plan for the 2025 NFL draft. The Senior Bowl game kicks off on Saturday in Mobile (2:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network).
NFL draft analysts Matt Miller, Jordan Reid and Field Yates were on hand. What were the biggest takeaways from each session? Which quarterbacks made a move up the board, and who else stood out? We answered these questions off each practice and sized up how the top names in college football fared. Let's take a look at Thursday's action, but you can also scroll down for the best of Tuesday and Wednesday.
Jump to:
Day 3: Takeaway | QBs | Risers | Notes
Day 2: Takeaway | QBs | Risers | Notes
Day 1: Takeaway | QBs | Risers | Notes
Thursday's biggest takeaway
We entered the Senior Bowl highlighting the strong offensive line and defensive line classes. While both groups lived up to that billing, I've been most impressed by the tight end class at the Senior Bowl. Elijah Arroyo (Miami) was the biggest winner of the week, potentially moving into the first round after entering the week outside my top 50. He showcased his awesome agility, which he combined with his size (6-foot-4, 251 pounds) and length to win in 50-50 situations.
Not to be outdone, Mason Taylor (LSU) was dominant in one-on-one drills and proved to be a legitimate red zone target with his reach and ability to shield defenders from the ball. Gavin Bartholomew (Pitt) and Harold Fannin Jr. (Bowling Green) had nice weeks, as did former five-star recruit Thomas Fidone II (Nebraska). It's time to seriously discuss tight end as the strongest position group of this 2025 draft class. -- Miller
Thursday's best quarterback performance
After an inconsistent first two days, Jalen Milroe (Alabama) had a much better Day 3. His best period came during live team red zone drills. After struggling with accuracy and footwork from under center the first two days, he seemed much more comfortable Thursday. His best pass came on a wheel route to slot receiver Jack Bech (TCU), in which Milroe floated a pass that landed in Bech's outstretched arms.
Scouts still want Milroe to be more consistent in the underneath to intermediate areas, but the 6-foot-1, 220-pounder helped his cause Thursday. I still have Milroe with a third-round grade, but some evaluators think he'll be picked in the second round because of his dual-threat ability. He threw 16 touchdown passes in 2024, but he also rushed for 20 more scores. -- Reid
Field Yates joins Pat McAfee to break down Jalen Milroe's NFL draft projections.
Day 3 standout prospects
Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
I thought Alexander was excellent Wednesday, but he was even better Thursday. The 6-foot-4, 304-pounder was unblockable in one-on-ones, which continued into the team session. He shuffled around, playing every spot up front besides 1-technique. Alexander's hand power and quickness in disengaging from blocks made it challenging for offensive linemen to stay attached to him. I had a Round 3 grade on Alexander entering week, but he's likely to move into Round 2 after the past three days. -- Reid
LeQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse
Allen performed well for a second consecutive day, showing his physicality and strength in one-on-one pass protection drills against linebackers. The 6-foot, 207-pound Allen made solid contact and ran his feet to stay in front of incoming rushers. He followed with a touchdown catch over the middle during 7-on-7 drills. Allen is among the biggest risers at the Senior Bowl due to his versatility as a rusher (1,021 rushing yards in 2024) and pass catcher (521 receiving yards). He currently has a fifth-round grade, but don't be surprised if he goes as early as Round 4. -- Reid
Landon Jackson, DE, Arkansas
Jackson is a pure power player and a 4-3 defensive end with the versatility to kick inside, which means he won't pop in drills designed to highlight outside speed rushers. While he was good Wednesday, he truly stood out Thursday, when teams were in more 11-on-11 situations where he could show his ability to shed blockers in run defense and the pass rush. The 6-foot-5, 273-pounder has floated around my top 40 all season, but scouts I've talked to in Mobile believe he's likely a late-Round 1 pick thanks to his ability to play in a 4-3 or a 3-4 scheme. -- Miller
Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
Today was my day with the wide receivers, and Williams stood out in one-on-ones against a good defensive back group. Quick feet are his calling card, but he finished plays with strong hands and makes himself a bigger target for quarterbacks than his 5-foot-10, 182-pound frame would suggest. I had Williams with an early-Round 4 grade entering the week, but I'll reevaluate and likely move him into Round 3 after checking the practice film. He caught 70 balls for 1,198 yards and 14 scores this season. -- Miller
Quick-hitters from Day 3
Miller:
Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos suffered a minor ankle injury Wednesday and had to withdraw from the Senior Bowl. But before the injury, I thought Amos secured his status as a late first-rounder. He has great length, with 32-inch arms on a 6-foot, 195-pound frame, and showed closing speed that scouts had previously questioned. He's currently No. 31 overall on my board.
Florida linebacker Shemar James is easy to spot, and it's not just because of his bright orange helmet. James is a speedy mover and clocked at 20.71 mph by Zebra GPS tracking at practices. A middle linebacker prospect, the 6-foot-1, 226-pounder has a Round 3 grade on my board. Showing the necessary speed to make sideline-to-sideline plays might get NFL teams to boost James higher.
Florida State cornerback Azareye'h Thomas has plenty of early-Round 2 buzz from scouts and checks all the boxes for a press coverage cornerback in that range. The 6-foot-1, 191-pound Thomas has top-tier change-of-direction ability, quick feet and good overall length. He needs to round out his lower-body power to hang against physical receivers, but he's one of my favorite corners in the class.
Running backs with strong receiving skills are trendy, and this draft class features several worth watching. Brashard Smith (SMU), Trevor Etienne (Georgia) and Donovan Edwards (Michigan) are all talented pass catchers out of the backfield. None are considered top-100 picks, but each could make an immediate impact in an offense that likes to utilize backs in the pass game.
Reid:
Offensive lineman Grey Zabel (North Dakota State) added to an already strong week. He primarily played center Thursday, using his strength and anchor to overwhelm rushers. I had the 6-foot-5, 316-pound Zabel outside my top 50 entering the week, but he has positioned himself to be a potential top-40 pick because of his versatility inside. The scouts I've talked to in Mobile have differing opinions on where he fits best, but I like him at center. In fact, there's a chance he could be the first center off the board.
Defensive tackle Junior Tafuna (Utah) flashed in spurts. He was the Energizer Bunny of the defensive line, leading with his voice and effort. The 6-foot-3, 303-pounder won multiple one-on-one reps and made several run stops during the team period. He's a late-round pick who helped himself on Day 3.
Cornerback Upton Stout (Western Kentucky) has quietly had a good week of practice, and Thursday was his best day. He played at nickel and on the outside, and while he's projected to play the slot, the 5-foot-8, 178-pounder held up well during his outside snaps. He's feisty and competitive and has the confidence necessary to be a successful player. Stout had a Round 5-6 grade after I watched his season tape, but his ability to play outside adds a positive variable to his evaluation.
Yates:
TCU wide receiver Jack Bech proved that he an every-level receiver the entire week. The 6-foot-1, 214-pounder generated separation in the short passing game, made catches in traffic over the middle and stretched the field vertically. Bech caught everything that came his way in Mobile and proved to be a threat after the catch. I had him as a Day 2 pick and he solidified that ranking this week.
Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston did not participate in Thursday's practice session, but he made enough of an impression on me during the first two days of work to deserve mention. The 5-foot-11, 179-pound Hairston is a football magnet with excellent timing and instincts when the ball is thrown his way. He also looks like a guy who is going to fly in the 40-yard dash. I had Hairston as a fringe top-25 player heading into Mobile and he backed up that ranking.
Wednesday's biggest takeaway
The tight ends were labeled as one of the best position groups in the 2025 class, and that depth has been showcased at the Senior Bowl. Elijah Arroyo (Miami) and Mason Taylor (LSU) have continued to separate themselves from the pack. Arroyo's prowess at the top of his routes has shown his advanced route running. I have him as my No. 48 overall player, and he's continuing to trend upward. Taylor is outside of my top 50 right now but will rise into it because of his upside as a receiver. -- Reid
Wednesday's best quarterback performance
I assumed I'd be writing about Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) on Wednesday. But Tyler Shough (Louisville) had a fantastic second day of practice. Dart looked good as the American practice progressed, but Shough was making throws with zip, timing and touch throughout the National team's morning practice. The 6-foot-5, 224-pound quarterback can spin the ball to every level of the field and shows mobility that teams will love.
I still have Shough -- who threw for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions this season while registering a 75.0 QBR -- as a Day 3 quarterback, but performances like Wednesday could prompt some teams to fall in love. -- Miller
Day 2 standout prospects
Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
Williams was exceptional on Day 2 and my top performer on the American team. He started by comfortably catching punts during the special teams period, then showed off his route running ability in an excellent one-on-one session. The 5-foot-10, 182-pounder has slightly above-average speed, but it was his ability to mix and match tempos that kept cornerbacks off balance. Multiple scouts I talked to were complimentary of his performance during the first two days. I currently have Williams as an early-to-mid Day 3 pick, but I will go back and rewatch his tape. -- Reid
Oluwafemi Oladejo, Edge, UCLA
Oladejo has quietly been impressive this week, showcasing his versatility off the edge with his hand on the ground and from the standup position. His pass-rush reps have been among the best on the National team, as his moves have kept blockers guessing. The 6-foot-3, 261-pound Oladejo currently has a mixture of Round 4 and 5 grades, but his first two days of practice have helped his stock. -- Reid
Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
Is Savaiinaea a guard or a tackle? That's what scouts wanted to figure out this week. After playing primarily at tackle on Tuesday, he worked more at guard on Day 2, showing the power and anchor that he's known for. I have the 6-foot-4, 339-pounder ranked as a guard because of those two traits. And based on what he has shown so far in Mobile, Savaiinaea is still likely to be a top-40 pick. -- Reid
Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Green entered the Senior Bowl with fringe-Round 1 buzz, and his performance Wednesday should help solidify himself as a Day 1 pick in April. At 6-foot-3, 251 pounds, Green is known as a speed rusher. But he also showed power in a rep in which he ran through 313-pound Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr., a projected first-round pick. Scouts have wanted to see speed-to-power conversion from Green, and he flashed it on that rep. Green will need to do it more consistently but transitioning from speed to power in this environment is encouraging for the FBS leader in sacks (17.0) in 2024. -- Miller
Grey Zabel, OT, North Dakota State
Walking off the field following the National team practice, an NFL scout grabbed me, pointed to Zabel and said, "That dude is going in the first round!" Zabel has been the most consistent lineman on either team throughout the first two days. The 6-foot-5, 316-pounder had a Round 2 grade for me coming into the event, but scouts are buzzing about his rise. -- Miller
Quick-hitters from Day 2
Miller:
Boston College tackle Ozzy Trapilo had a great day in one-on-ones against speedy defensive ends. Working at left and right tackle, the 6-foot-8, 321-pound Trapilo showed poise and patience without getting rattled by the assortment of moves defenders were throwing at him. He's a solid Day 2 pick and could be trending closer to a Round 2 lock.
Michigan edge rusher Josaiah Stewart impressed me Wednesday. He is a natural speed rusher with great leverage at 6-foot-1 and 248 pounds and won with spin moves and bend around the edge throughout practice. I had Stewart as an early Round 3 player heading into the week. A re-ranking is needed. I think he's a potential top-50 player.
Louisville cornerback Quincy Riley had another strong day in coverage. The 5-foot-10, 193-pound cornerback has shown the ability to cover outside receivers throughout practices. Riley battled an ankle injury this season but looks back to form with excellent closing speed and a feisty coverage style that frustrated receivers and quarterbacks alike. He should be bumped up to a solid Round 3 pick.
Another day, another great catch by TCU wide receiver Jack Bech. He simply doesn't let the ball hit the ground, no matter where the quarterback puts it. Bech snagged a deep ball from Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe that he had to climb for, but Bech made it look easy. The 6-foot-1, 214-pounder is a solid early Day 3 prospect as a big slot receiver.
Reid:
The power of Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander's hands, and his maturity in using them, were on full display Wednesday. His versatility has also stood out, as the 6-foot-4, 304-pounder has played both 3- and 5-technique during the first two days. Alexander has popped in a loaded defensive line group. He's a likely top-75 pick whose stock continues to climb.
LeQuint Allen (Syracuse) is one of the best pass-catching running backs in the 2025 class. He catches the ball with ease and has good feet to get through running lanes quickly. He has also showed off his acceleration frequently in Mobile. The 6-foot, 207-pounder is a mid-Day 3 pick who could be an immediate boost to an NFL running back room.
The trash talking was at an all-time high during the American team practice Wednesday, as LSU offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. and Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart frequently exchanged words during the team portion of practice. The back and forth continued throughout the day, as both players showed the competitive fire and choppiness that scouts love to see at these events.
Yates:
A lot of backs are going to get overlooked in the 2025 draft class, and Trevor Etienne (Georgia) could be one of them. While his 5-foot-8, 202-pound size is modest, Etienne showed natural receiving skills Wednesday after a productive season catching passes out of the backfield (32 receptions for 194 yards). He has lateral wiggle and the speed to turn the corner on perimeter runs.
Jordan mentioned Emery Jones Jr., and he was fun to watch Wednesday. He is a large human (6-foot-5, 312 pounds), but his size was not the only thing that stood out. His physicality and overall strength is very good, plus he showed some versatility in taking reps at guard (he exclusively played right tackle at LSU). Jones showed off a competitive streak that I loved, too -- he took defeats in one-on-ones personally and didn't back down from any challenge.
Tuesday's biggest takeaway
The defensive line group is thought to be the strength of the 2025 draft class, and that played out in Tuesday's practices. Defensive tackle Walter Nolen (Ole Miss) and edge rushers Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M) and Mike Green (Marshall) are considered first-round talents and looked the part during team and individual drills. Stewart was one of the most anticipated players to watch at the Senior Bowl thanks to his impressive 6-foot-5, 281-pound frame, power and speed. His lack of production (1.5 sacks this season) is concerning, but he flashed all the tools that scouts have raved about on Tuesday, especially a first step that offensive tackles struggled with throughout the session.
Stewart, Nolen and Green were just the start. There are nine defensive linemen with a first- or second-round grade on Senior Bowl rosters, which made for a tough day for the offensive linemen tasked with working against them. -- Miller
Tuesday's best quarterback performance
Seth Henigan (Memphis) was the most consistent quarterback on Day 1. He had multiple throws with good placement where only his intended target could catch it. The 6-foot-3, 213-pound Henigan was decisive and had command throughout practice. He has received mostly undrafted free agent grades entering the Senior Bowl, but Henigan helped himself Tuesday.
Jalen Milroe (Alabama) and Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss), the highest-rated QBs on the Senior Bowl roster coming in, were inconsistent on Day 1. The first day can be an adjustment, as it's the first time taking snaps under center and/or calling plays in an NFL huddle for many of the passers. I'll be watching both guys closely Wednesday and Thursday to see if they can improve on their Day 1 performance. -- Reid
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Field Yates says quarterbacks Jalen Milroe and Jaxson Dart will have plenty of scouts' eyes on them in this year's practices leading up to the Senior Bowl.
Day 1 standout prospects
Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
The 6-foot-5, 316-pound Zabel was the best offensive lineman on Tuesday and was exceptional through all drills. He fared best in the one-on-one portion, showing great strength and a sufficient anchor to slow down rushers. While Zabel played all three spots in practice, he looked most comfortable inside at guard and center, where most scouts have him projected. I have Zabel inside my top 50 and he's on a trajectory to be a second-round pick. -- Reid
Anthony Belton, OT, NC State
It was a challenge for pass rushers to get around Belton on Tuesday. While he mostly played left tackle, the 6-foot-5, 345-pound Belton also slid inside for multiple reps. His strength stood out the most, as he used his complementary anchor to shut down rushers. Belton was outside of my top eight offensive tackles entering the week, but he helped himself out by displaying his versatility and power. -- Reid
Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami
Arroyo was just outside my top 50 entering the Senior Bowl, but after watching him on Tuesday, he needs to be bumped up. He can absolutely scoot at 6-foot-4, 251 pounds, as he routinely ran past safeties while showing great reach and an ability to extend plays. He'll be in Round 2 of my next mock draft that runs Monday. - Miller
Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia
Etienne was unstoppable in every running back drill. At 5-foot-8, 202 pounds, Etienne is a blur out of the backfield as a receiver with excellent twitch and open-field speed. American Team linebackers and safeties could not keep up with him during drills designed to simulate one-on-one coverage. Etienne, who rushed for 609 yards and caught 32 passes for 194 yards in 2024, is currently an early Day 3 player in a loaded running back class, but he could potentially rise into the top three rounds with another day like he had on Tuesday. -- Miller
Quick-hitters from Day 1
Miller:
I think we were all excited to see Missouri tackle Armand Membou this week, but the top-20 prospect missed Tuesday's practice with what a Senior Bowl official told me was an illness. It's to be determined if the 6-foot-4, 332-pounder will practice on Wednesday or Thursday.
At No. 53 overall, Utah State's Jalen Royals is the best receiver here based on my rankings, and he sure looked the part on Tuesday. The 5-foot-11, 203-pound Royals is a natural pass catcher who doesn't fight the ball in the air. He is a technically savvy route-runner who has the lower-body strength to fight through traffic.
Defensive linemen Joshua Farmer (Florida State), Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College) and Mike Green (Marshall) all stood out by winning one-on-one reps. Farmer's inside power was on display, and the outside speed from Ezeiruaku and Green was show-stopping.
On the offensive side, tackles Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota) and Wyatt Milum (West Virginia) showed why they're considered potential first-round picks. And I have to mention "my guy" Josh Conerly Jr. as a big Day 1 winner. The Oregon tackle is my highest-ranked player in Mobile at No. 17 overall and showed his well-known poise and agility.
Louisville cornerback Quincy Riley was fantastic in one-on-one drills against national team wide receivers. He's feisty and quick, and he was constantly disrupting passes and routes. I have him picked as a riser for this week and he's someone who could move into the third round.
Reid:
TCU WR Jack Bech put together a strong practice. He showed strong hands by making multiple catches outside of his frame. The 6-foot-1, 214-pounder was also a consistent route runner who frequently created separation. Bech was viewed as a Round 4 player coming into the week, but the back end of Day 2 isn't out of the question if he can build on Tuesday's performance.
The movement skills of Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston were as advertised. The ease in which he mirrors and matches receivers was apparent in multiple drills. In positional drills, Hairston's transition skills and hip mobility were easily the best on the American team. I currently have the 5-foot-11, 179-pound Hairston as my No. 4-ranked corner with an early Round 2 grade, but he could continue to ascend and enter the first-round picture.
Virginia Tech defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles was a ball of energy on Tuesday and flashed a lot of potential. He closed out the day with standout stops in the team portion, using his leverage at 6-foot-1, 290 pounds to make it difficult for blockers to land their hands cleanly on him. Peebles is an undersized 3-technique, but his ability to consistently penetrate the first level was seen frequently on Day 1. He's trending from mid-Day 3 to early Day 3 discussions.
Yates:
Don't overlook UCF running back RJ Harvey. It's a deep running back class, but the 5-foot-8, 207-pound Harvey has joystick-like quickness and is a threat in the passing game. The lack of tackling at these practices makes it hard to completely size up the backs, but the traits mentioned showed up.
LSU tight end Mason Taylor's 6-foot-5, 250-pound size will always stand out, but his precise route running and hands shined as well. Taylor made impressive adjustments on the football and has powerful hands to make catches in traffic. He did so with his father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, looking on proudly. I believe he is a top-50 player in the class.