It was another exciting week of Senior Bowl practices in Mobile, Ala., as some of college football’s premier prospects for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft took the field against each other on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
The Senior Bowl has been a bedrock of scouting for the Houston Texans under general manager Nick Caserio, with players such as running back Dameon Pierce, wide receiver Tank Dell, defensive back Jalen Pitre and Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins previously starring in the event.
It’s worth noting what players could factor into the equation for Caserio and others who may have a huge impact on how the board shakes out before their pick.
Texans Wire’s John Crumpler was on the scene with five key Senior Bowl observations to know for Houston fans entering the next stage of the NFL Draft cycle.
Don’t expect the QB class to help Texans
It’s no secret this is a weak quarterback class.
Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shadeur Sanders currently are only two prospects with first round buzz at this point in the draft process. After three days, it feels unlikely any other names will join them.
There was a strong tier of second prospects at the Senior Bowl including Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Ole Miss‘ Jaxson Dart, Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard, and Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, who all could make a case as potential Day 2 selections.
No one, however, stood out as a constant force.
Milroe showed off his physical traits on the practice field and grew better each day at practice. Still, the inaccuracy that plagued him in college and some late throws were noticeable as he worked with the new receiver group. He still has a chance to go in the Top 50 with the talent bundle he brings to the position, but the week was far from a home run win for him despite some nice completions to end Thursday’s practice.
Dart appeared to be the most natural thrower of the football while Leonard and Gabriel failed to make much of an impression. It was a week full of checkdowns and would-have-been sacks for the defense.
These three will have a chance to make an impression in Saturday’s Senior Bowl game, but don’t expect any of the quarterbacks after Milroe to push Top 100 talent down the board to Houston.
Trevor Etienne shines, other big names stall
Georgia’s Trevor Etienne was by far the top runner in Mobile. He showed off his elusiveness, burst, and upside in the receiving game which was unrivaled among his peers.
Etienne looks like a player who could land in the Top 100 and immediately become an asset to his NFL team in the passing game.
After Etienne, the other big names in Mobile somewhat disappointed, including Michigan’s Donovan Edwards and Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon. The two were not impressive in individual drills as pass catchers or blockers and often looked stiff on their runs.
Their impact predominantly comes with their physicality, which may shine much brighter in a true game environment, but it was hard to call this week a win for either marquee player.
Devin Neal from Kansas, Woody Marks from USC, and Damien Martinez from Miami are other names worth watching who impressed in Mobile and could be a good fit for Houston on Day 3.
Tight end = 2025 NFL Draft premium position
The tight end room looks loaded for the upcoming draft. Penn State’s Tyler Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland are dominating the first-round discussion, but the Senior Bowl had a host of players that could go on Day 2.
Miami’s Elijah Arroyo and Oregon’s Terrance Ferguson had excellent weeks at practice while Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin struggled early but was better able to show off his receiving prowess as the week progressed.
Georgia Tech’s Jackson Hawes had some impressive catches despite his reputation as a blocker and confirmed that he met with the Texans in Mobile. Hawes added that the energy in the Houston meeting made it one of his favorites of the entire week.
The Texans look well set at tight end between Dalton Schultz, Cade Stover and Brevin Jordan, but there is plenty of depth here if the new offensive coordinator wants to add to the position during the draft.
Consider interior trenches help in the Top 100
Houston needs help in both the interior offensive line and the interior defensive line as they prepare for 2025. Fortunately, the Senior Bowl had several excellent prospects worth watching.
North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel looked dominant in both individual and team drills while playing both guard spots and center throughout the week. He could be an immediate plug-and-play player for the Texans anywhere on their interior offensive line.
Miami’s Jalen Rivers had an excellent week at guard and he confirmed that he met with the team as well. Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinaea and LSU’s Miles Frazier are other names worth watching.
On the defensive side, Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen and Kentucky’s Deone Walker looked dominant for the American Team. Either could be an instant difference-maker at the 3-tech or 1-tech tackle spot respectively.
On the National Team, Toledo’s Darius Alexander and Florida State’s Joshua Farmer stood out and both would have the flexibility to play either tackle spot in head coach DeMeco Ryans’ defense. Notably,
Alexander confirmed he met with the Texans and would love to play with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.
Second level standouts
The linebacker and cornerback positions aren’t pressing needs for the Texans after some standout play in their current group this past season. Still, that doesn’t mean there weren’t players in Mobile who stood out and could make a difference if they joined Houston’s locker room.
Georgia’s Smael Mondon Jr. had an excellent week and was able to show off his athleticism in coverage drills against linebackers. Notre Dame’s Jack Kiser and Oklahoma State’s Nick Martin were also impossible to miss as they flew around the field in team drills.
Louisville cornerback Quincy Riley looked like the best player at his position throughout the week. He flashed fluid hips, sticky coverage, and was able to get his hands on the football multiple times. Riley nearly picked off the quarterback in the National Team ending the session impressively.
Florida State’s Azareye’h Thomas and Kansas State’s Jacob Parrish both also had multiple pass breakups throughout the week.
If Houston wants to build out the second level of their defense, these are names worth knowing for Day 2 and Day 3 of the upcoming draft.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans Wire Senior Bowl Notebook: Which players could be on Houston’s radar?
