The Senior Bowl always serves as a crucial evaluation period for NFL Draft prospects, giving them a chance to showcase their skills in front of scouts, coaches, and general managers. Some players seized the moment and boosted their stock, while others struggled under the spotlight. Here’s a look at the biggest winners and losers from the week in Mobile.
Neither Walker or Hairston played in the game, but both were talked about heavily during practices.
🏆 Winners
📈 Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Dart made a strong case for being a potential first-rounder with a standout performance throughout the week. His deep ball accuracy and red-zone efficiency caught the attention of scouts, as he consistently delivered on-time throws with confidence. His ability to handle pressure and make quick decisions should only boost his draft stock in the coming months.
Senior Bowl Stats: 1-3, 39 yards
📈 Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon
The former Oklahoma quarterback, now at Oregon, displayed impressive arm velocity and a quick release that set him apart from other passers in Mobile. He showcased his ability to process defenses quickly, and his comfort in a spread system makes him an intriguing fit for NFL teams needing a sharp, mobile quarterback. He is very well seasoned and looks the part.
Senior Bowl Stats: 4-6, 28 yards
📈 Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia
The younger brother of Travis Etienne proved he can be a three-down back at the next level. His ability to run between the tackles, catch passes, and break off explosive plays makes him a versatile option for teams needing a dynamic running back. His Senior Bowl showing reminded scouts of James Cook’s emergence as a multi-dimensional threat.
Senior Bowl Stats: 5 carries, 12 yards
📈 Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
Fannin’s stock skyrocketed thanks to his combination of size, speed, and physicality. He consistently won one-on-one battles in practice, making highlight plays with his route running and ability to box out defenders. His performance in Mobile could push him into Day 2 consideration as a versatile tight end.
Senior Bowl Stats: 4 catches, 25 yards
📈 Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Green showed why he led FBS with 17 sacks, bringing relentless energy and speed off the edge. His ability to disrupt plays and live in the backfield drew comparisons to Jared Verse, making him a potential early-round selection for pass-rush-needy teams.
📈 Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami
Arroyo joined Fannin as a standout in a deep tight-end class, flashing his red-zone dominance and ability to stretch the field. He showcased strong hands and fluid movement in and out of his breaks, solidifying himself as a potential Day 2 pick in April.
❌ Losers
📉 Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Milroe’s stock took a hit in Mobile as he struggled with accuracy and ball-handling. While his arm strength was never in question, he had a tough time with downfield placement and consistency under pressure. His raw tools remain enticing, but his draft projection may slide into the middle rounds unless he impresses in private workouts.
Senior Bowl Stats: 3-5, 21 yards
📉 Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State
Despite a productive college career, Gordon didn’t flash the dynamic traits needed to separate himself from other top running back prospects. He struggled to stand out in drills, raising concerns about his ability to be a lead back at the next level.
Senior Bowl Stats: 9 carries, 33 yards
📉 Emery Jones, OT, LSU
Jones had a rough week against some of the most talented edge rushers in Mobile. His struggles in pass protection may force teams to consider him as a guard rather than a tackle, which could hurt his draft value. While he still projects as a middle-round prospect, he’ll need strong performances at the Combine and Pro Day to regain momentum.
📉 Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
Jackson failed to build on his 6.5-sack season, as he struggled against stronger offensive tackles in one-on-one drills. His pass-rush moves looked limited, and he often got neutralized when facing NFL-caliber linemen. He’ll need to develop a more refined skill set to become an impact player at the next level.
📉 Billy Bowman Jr., S, Oklahoma
Bowman showed flashes in coverage, but his best fit at the next level remains unclear. He’s likely a nickel-package specialist rather than an every-down safety, which could push him down draft boards. While he still has value as a versatile defensive back, his stock is trending downward compared to other safeties in the class.
Final Thoughts
The Senior Bowl is a pivotal moment in the NFL Draft process, and for some players, their performance raised their stock considerably. Others, however, may need to rely on Pro Days and the Combine to rebuild momentum. With the draft just months away, teams will continue evaluating these prospects as they prepare to make their selections.
🔜 Next up: the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis!