23 Senior Bowl observations from last day of practice for NFL Draft hopefuls

Here’s what we learned at the Senior Bowl.

It was a cloudy day from Mobile, as the final day of practices from the 2025 Senior Bowl got underway. The teams were in shells (shoulder pads and shorts) for the day and were basically doing walkthroughs for the first portion of the practice. It picked up considerably as practice ended, and special teams became a priority.

Nevertheless, we have observations to give you from Mobile, with the next time we see these guys being on Saturday during the actual game.

• Toledo DT Darius Alexander is a surefire lock for the first half of the second round. He’s been unblockable all week, winning in multiple alignments along the defensive line. His quickness is unreal for that size, and he’s also got enough power to be a factor on the ground. If you need a three-technique on Day 2, Alexander is the guy.
• With EDGEs Mike Green and Donovan Ezeiruaku leaving Mobile after great weeks, the next EDGE to step up for the National team was Central Arkansas’ David Walker. He had some sweet pass rush moves, highlighted by a ghost move against Purdue’s Marcus Mbow. He’s had a good week here, never really looking out of place. I wish he was 6’2 instead of 6’0, but it might not matter anyway.

• FSU CB Azareye’h Thomas had his best day of practice on Thursday. He was blanketing every receiver, and it got paid off with an interception on one of the worst routes I’ve ever seen (more on that later). Thomas’ patience has really improved this week, combining that with his length in man coverage to plaster opponents. I have a feeling Thomas is going to go higher than many believe, especially with being one of the only press man CBs in the draft class.
• USC C Jonah Monheim also had his best day of work today. I think he’s struggled in individual reps against defensive linemen (30-inch arms will do that), he actually was good in team settings, being able to get some movement on the ground. He’s another positional outlier due to his arm length, but someone is going to make something out of him.
• Monheim and UCLA EDGE Olu Oladejo got into it a bit during pass rush 1v1s. A little crosstown showdown.
• Oladejo has been playing all over the defensive front during pass rush periods, even winning over the center. I asked him about it after practice and he told me that the best pass rushers can win from everywhere and be versatile, so he’s trying to do the same thing. I’ve actually been impressed with Oladejo this week. A former MIKE linebacker, Oladejo moved to the edge this season and he did well this week. I could see him being a late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick.

• Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon II had a rough day in pass protection. He got steamrolled by teammate Nick Martin and lost in a variety of ways. For a guy who needs to prove his value on passing downs, this wasn’t a good period for him.

• Martin, on the other hand, has been one of the best coverage linebackers of the week. He had some really nice reps against the National team running backs, smothering them in coverage and winning a lot as a blitzer. His range as a pass defender is going to get him reps.
• Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten had a great day. He was arguably the best National team back in pass protection, and showed off nice burst through holes in the run game. He’s a bit undersized, but proving his value here is a nice feather in his cap.

• Let’s talk about these receivers, man. I think 7on7 has ruined football, because all these receivers are doing the Futsal Shuffle at the line of scrimmage and not going anywhere. What happened to the game I love?

• Also, scrambling in a 7on7 period should be punished with death.
• Virginia Tech DT Aeneas Peebles is a delight:

• RB LeQuint Allen has been good this week. Added a lot as a receiver and has shown some tools as a pass blocker.
• For the American team, EDGE Shemar Stewart, CB Trey Amos, WR Bru McCoy and DT Deone Walker were not in attendance. CB Maxwell Hairston was in attendance, but wasn’t dressed out, signaling that his week is over. DT Omarr Norman-Lott did dress out, but only did individual drills.
• Florida LB Shemar James stole the show. He was everywhere on Thursday, winning in pass coverage and having a quick trigger downhill. He’s on the lighter side, but his play recognition and explosiveness downhill make me think he could be a quality WILL LB at the next level.

• To replace Stewart, Minnesota DL Danny Striggow got called up from the Hula Bowl and immediately got busy. He lined up all over the defensive line and was getting pressures quickly as well. I wasn’t familiar with his game, but now he has my attention!
• Delaware RB Marcus Yarns is a dynamic pass catcher. Not many guys could stick with him this week, and he continued to cook as a receiver this week. He’s a little slight but he fills a specific role in the NFL as a third down back and special teamer. That’ll keep you in the league.
• This was supposed to be a walkthrough day, and the players were supposed to be kept off the ground when they turned up the play speed a little bit. South Carolina LB Demetrius Knight II was having NONE of that. I’m really intrigued by his game, real good athlete.
• Texas EDGE Barryn Sorrell has been good this week, and had a good day today. He can win in a variety of ways, and used more speed today to pick up a win in pass rush. I think he profiles more as a designated pass rusher, but in a class full of athletic EDGEs, Sorrell can still stand out with his repretoire.

• Kansas State CB Jacob Parrish is built for an NFL nickel role. He had a couple nice pass breakups today, including one where he got over a pick route and beat WR Isaac Teslaa to the ball. He’s small, but feisty corners like him usually find a home.

• Auburn RB Jarquez Hunter had himself a nice day to finish practices. With RBs Devin Neal and RJ Harvey taking the spotlight, Hunter stole some shine of his own on Thursday. He showed some nice downfield receiving ability, and his powerful build lets him make explosive cuts. He’s another one of those Day 3 backs that’ll end up getting some serious run during games.
• It’s been uneven for him, but Ole Miss EDGE Princely Umanmielen had a good day of practice. Was winning with speed around the corner and beating tackles to the inside. I wish he could be more consistent and play the run better, but his stats and frame are prototypical.
• National team wiped the floor with the American team when it came to the music during practice. The American team would shut off music during practice and that’s just weird.

The Senior Bowl is going to take place on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 2:30 pm EST on NFL Network.