A look at a few draft prospects from the Senior Bowl
There are several all-star events that take place each year that allow the scouts and front offices to evaluate potential NFL prospects. That process, or Phase 2, as I like to call it, has now come to an end. Games and practices for the Hula Bowl, The Shriner’s and the Senior Bowl have taken place. The HBCU Legacy Bowl, along with a few days of practice, is all that remains to be played. The HBCU (Historical Black Colleges and Universities) game can be seen on Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. ET on the NFL Network.
In this article, we focus on what took place in the Senior Bowl game and the practices that led up to the game itself. There were some prospects that shined throughout practice sessions and drills. There were players that may not have faired well in the practices but had a nice showing in the game. Then there were those that managed to put together an entire week of outstanding practices that transitioned into their play during the game itself.
I’m sure there will be some names not mentioned here that you feel should be. Please use the comment section to tell us who you liked or disliked. We are always interested in a different view or opinion here at BTSC.
Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State (6’5 3/8” and 316 lbs.)
This FCS school continues to put out offensive linemen in the NFL, maybe the Steelers need to poach an OL coach from Fargo, but I digress. Zabel was easily the best offensive lineman at this years Senior Bowl. He dominated every 1v1, lining up at every position going against one of the better interior defensive line draft classes. His versatility will be an asset for some NFL team. The former Bison has seen his stock push into round 2 and maybe round 1 consideration. He will get dinged for his 32 1/4 arm length but outside of some technical consistencies, he put on a show in Mobile. That in-your-face style, toughness and tenacity would be a welcomed addition to the Black and Gold.
Jack Bech, WR, TCU (6’1 1/4” and 212 lbs.)
Pronounced as Besh just to give props to the outstanding young man’s name. He came into Mobile without a ton of hype but left the majority of the defensive backs with a bad taste in their respective mouths. The former Horned Frog displayed outstanding route running, savvy and toughness throughout practices. Bech parlayed a great week of practice to becoming Senior Bowl MVP. He had six catches on the day, as well as the game-winning touchdown. He was quoted during the week as saying those 50/50 balls that he will get credit for making plays on, were more like “70/30.” Many talked about his character during the week.
Joshua Farmer, IDL, Florida State (6’2 7/8” and 314 lbs.)
The Steelers need an infusion of talent and depth along the defensive front. The former ‘Nole may not have the requisite “Steeler Size” only standing at just under 6’3” but he was a freaking menace to his 1v1 opponents all week long. Farmer does possess some rather long arms at 35 1/4 inches to help gain that leverage. He often pushes the OL deep into the pocket creating that chaos and disruption. If he can improve on finishing the play he will have a shot at an outstanding career.
Darius Alexander, IDL, Toledo (6’3 5/8” and 304 lbs.)
Continuing on the defensive line, Darius Alexander may have answered the question about his level of competition while at the Senior Bowl. In other words, Alexander shined in his Mobile week. He has the size. length, and strength that NFL teams want. Voted as the top DL by his offensive line teammates. He was also reported to have been contacted by Andy Weidl with a longer meeting scheduled that night. He was on my radar from the Quinyon Mitchell tape as a sleeper prospect, that is no longer the case today. Hopefully, he finds his way into a Steeler uniform come spring.
General Senior Bowl takeaways
- Don’t put too much stock into evaluating DBs and LBs in the 1v1 drills. There is no pressure on the QB and route runners often do multiple route moves to free themselves. Just a tad unrealistic but for those who can show consistent coverage with the drills one-sided, take a deeper dive into those guys.
- The interior defensive line group is very deep in 2025 and that bodes well for the Steelers who could use a double dip to add talent and depth
- Very solid TE group this year as well. Labeled by some as a luxury pick, but overall talent is welcomed by all.
- Still very high on Jayden Higgins, wide receiver out of Iowa State. He had somewhat of a slow start to the start of practice week. However, he came on very strong, showing solid route running and the ability to catch the football in tight spaces. Made a great contested TD catch in the game.
As always, stay safe and go Steelers.