The Senior Bowl is in full swing, featuring several big names in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The event is also an excellent way for unheralded prospects to make a name for themselves. Here are five that have made the most of the opportunity with a strong first two days in Mobile.
Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid described Alexander as “a likely top-75 pick whose stock continues to climb” following Wednesday’s practice.
“He has violent hands and can play multiple positions up front in a variety of schemes,” Reid added on social media.
The fifth-year senior was a menace for Toledo this season, racking up 37 total pressures and 27 stops, which Pro Football Focus defines as “tackles that constitute a ‘failure’ for the offense.” After cornerback Quinyon Mitchell’s breakout season with the Eagles, Alexander could give Toledo two early defensive draft picks in consecutive years.
Marshall edge-rusher Mike Green
Green’s production in Mobile may have clinched his spot as a first-round draft pick.
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller gushed about Green on Wednesday, sharing that the primary speed-rusher displayed his deceptive strength during practice when he “ran through 313-pound Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr.,” showing he has the talent to beat linemen in multiple ways.
Per PFF data, Green, who led FBS with 17 sacks, had 59 total pressures in 2024. He’s built on his massive season with a great start to the Senior Bowl, which could make him the first Marshall defender and just the fourth Thundering Herd player ever selected in the first round, joining quarterback Byron Leftwich (No. 7, 2003), quarterback Chad Penning (No. 18, 2000) and Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss (No. 21, 1998). (h/t Stathead)
Louisville cornerback Quincy Riley
Riley has set a big goal for himself at the Senior Bowl. According to The Draft Network, the former Cardinals defensive back said, “I want to let everyone know I’m the best defensive back in the country.”
While we’re not sure about Riley being the best in the country, he certainly looked like the best defensive back in Mobile on Wednesday.
The following clips from The Athletic NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler and Talking Giants’ Justin Penik show one outstanding rep Riley had from different angles.
Riley ran stride for stride with his wide receiver and timed his pass breakup perfectly, which is no surprise after he led the ACC in passes defended (13) in 2024.
Boston College offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo
Trapilo is impossible to ignore, not just for his outstanding Senior Bowl showing. At 6-foot-8, the former Eagles lineman has an imposing frame.
Miller noted his production early Wednesday, acknowledging Trapilo’s “monster session in 1 on 1s.”
The previous day, he blanketed 6-foot-2 Oklahoma State defensive end Collin Oliver on one rep, illustrating his massive build.
After playing collegiately in Boston, Trapilo could find a logical NFL home nearby.
Patriots reporter Zac Ventola spoke with Trapilo after practice. While the talented prospect made it clear he’ll be happy wherever he lands following April’s NFL Draft, he shared that playing for New England would be “special.”
North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel
While Trapilo positions himself as a second or third-round pick, North Dakota State’s Zabel looks like he’ll be one of the first 32 players taken. Miller wrote that Zabel has been “the most consistent lineman on either team throughout the first two days.”
Zabel was outstanding in his five seasons with the Bison, credited with only allowing four sacks by PFF. In 2024, he allowed one sack in 424 total pass-rush opportunities and had one of his best games of the season against FBS competition in Week 1 at Colorado.
Zabel is ready for the big show, and he’s proven that at the Senior Bowl.
