The Senior Bowl practices end and the game kicks off Saturday. Here’s what we learned so far
The Senior Bowl is a whirlwind.
If you don’t come with a plan, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed.
Think about it. Between offense and defense, there’s 11 different positions all practicing at one time. Even when offensive and defensive skill groups combine for one-on-ones, there’s still at least three groups that demand your attention at one time.
Still, the Mobile-based game gives teams and the media a chance to not just talk to the top upperclassmen talent but also evaluate. Here’s a snapshot of what was learned this year:
If you need a tight end, this is the draft for you
Penn State’s Tyler Warren is widely considered the best tight end in 2025 draft class.
That said, three tight ends in particular – University of Miami’s Elijah Arroyo, Louisiana State University’s Mason Taylor and Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr. – certainly made the case to jump up a draft board or two.
Each member of the trio possess all traits necessary for new age tight ends including a huge catch radius, soft hands and exceptional route-running. All these skills and so much more were put on display over the three day practices.
Deep running back class
The 2025 running back class is deep.
Sure, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty will likely be the first running back taken. Survey the field at the Senior Bowl, however, and it’s very clear there’s talent all across the board.
There’s Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon, the University of Michigan’s Donovan Edwards, the University of Miami’s Damien Martinez, the University of Georgia’s Trevor Etienne and Kansas’s Devin Neal.
All these guys possess different skillsets but one that certainly stood out was that of Etienne who, despite his 5-8 stature, mossed a few defenders on several occasions.
School doesn’t matter; talent does
By now you’ve probably seen the viral video of Marshall edge rusher Mike Green. If not, here’s a short synopsis: Green absolutely bulldozed a top tackle prospect in Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr.
Now Conerly certainly bounced back at Thursday’s final practice but the point is clear: talent always trumps school prestige.
Just ask Grey Zabel, an offensive lineman out of North Dakota State University, who has shot up draft boards over the last couple days and called the experience “awesome.”
“It’s really cool to come down here and go against some of that top talent,” Zabel said.
Miami Dolphins do due diligence at QB, RB, OL and even receiver
Dolphins general manager Chris Grier vowed to explore all options a backup quarterback role.
And as the Senior Bowl comes to close, it’s clear he has done just that. Both Jalen Milroe and Dillon Gabriel told the Miami Herald that they had good conversations with the Dolphins about their backup quarterback role. While this reporter is certainly on record that that might not be the best idea — backup quarterbacks should bring stability to a team and a veteran is often better suited to do so — Grier is certainly a man of his word.
Martinez, the UM tailback, also told the Miami Herald that he spoke with the Dolphins.
Additionally, several outlets confirmed that the Dolphins reached out to UM receiver Xavier Restrepo, per the South Florida Sun Sentinel, and even Taylor, according to Lisa Johnson of OurTurffb.com. Johnson also reported that the Dolphins spoke with offensive linemen Jalen Rivers.
Martinez, however, is one of the most intriguing pieces due to the Dolphins offense’s need of a power runner. The former Hurricane lit up when asked about the chance to stay in Miami.
“How they run wide zone, how everything’s moving with the o-line, I love it,” Martinez said.
Withdrawals are terrible
The list of Senior Bowl invitees was a mile long.
What it didn’t account for, however, was the new and improved length of the collegiate football season.
Several players, including Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts, one of the best safeties in the class, decided not to go to the Senior Bowl, citing the extended season. While Watts’ reasoning was extremely valid, the Dolphins front office was likely extremely disappointed that they didn’t get a chance to see him.
Another prospect, offensive lineman Armand Membou of Mizzou, had an illness, according to ESPN, that forced him out of the Senior Bowl. Both Bleacher Report and The Athletic consider Membou a top-30 prospect.
