The first day of Senior Bowl practices kicked off Tuesday at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. The weather was beautiful, mostly sunny with temperatures hitting close to 60 degrees during the second practice.
Here's what I saw from the sideline. As always, opinions are my own.
View photos from the practices leading up to the 2025 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
American team wide receiver Jack Bech (7), of TCU, celebrates with teammates after scoring the winning touchdown over the National team during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National team head coach Mike Kafka, of the New York Giants, watches during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game against the American team, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team quarterback Riley Leonard (13), of Notre Dame, looks to throw a pass during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game against the National team, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National team wide receiver Jayden Higgins (9), of Iowa State,reacts after scoring a touchdown against the American team during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team quarterback Jaxson Dart, center, of Mississippi, throws a pass during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game against the National team Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National team quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8), of Oregon, looks to throw a pass during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game against the American team Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team tight end CJ Dippre (81), of Alabama, catches a pass as National team defensive back Tommi Hill (31), of Nebraska, defends during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team running back RJ Harvey, center, of Central Florida, carries the ball during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game against the National team Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team quarterback Jalen Milroe (4), of Alabama, looks to throw a pass as National team defensive lineman Junior Tafuna (58), of Utah, applies pressure during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team running back Jarquez Hunter, center, of Auburn, carries the ball against the National team during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National team running back Ollie Gordon II, front right, of Oklahoma State, carries the ball as American team linebacker Jack Kiser of Notre Dame, left, closes in for the tackle during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National team tight end Elijah Arroyo (80), of Miami, catches a pass for a two-point conversion over American team defensive back Mac McWilliams (27), of Central Florida, during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National team running back Ollie Gordon II, top, of Oklahoma State, is tackled by American team defensive back Dan Jackson, bottom, of Georgia, as he carries the ball during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team linebacker Tim Smith, bottom, of Alabama, takes a photo with fans after the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game against the National team, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National team quarterback Tyler Shough, of Louisville, looks to throw a pass during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game against the American team Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team quarterback Seth Henigan, of Memphis, looks to throw a pass during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game against the National team, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National team quarterback Taylor Elgersma (18), of Laurier, scrambles as American team defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, left, of Georgia, tackles him from behind during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team quarterback Jaxson Dart, left, of Mississippi, escapes pressure from National team defensive lineman Landon Jackson (40), of Arkansas, during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
James Ferentz Assistant Offensive Line Coach
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Senior Vice President and General Manager Joe Schoen
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Joel Thomas Running Backs Coach
Angela Baker Offensive Assistant
Senior Vice President and General Manager Joe Schoen
Mike Adams Assistant Secondary Coach
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Senior Vice President and General Manager Joe Schoen
Senior Vice President and General Manager Joe Schoen
Senior Vice President and General Manager Joe Schoen
Senior Vice President and General Manager Joe Schoen
Mike Adams Assistant Secondary Coach
Angela Baker Offensive Assistant
Senior Vice President and General Manager Joe Schoen
Angela Baker Offensive Assistant
Senior Vice President and General Manager Joe Schoen
Senior Vice President and General Manager Joe Schoen
Joel Thomas Running Backs Coach
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Senior Vice President and General Manager Joe Schoen
Marcus Cooper National Scout, Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Blaise Bell College Area Scout, Marcus Cooper National Scout, Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Angela Baker Offensive Assistant
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Joel Thomas Running Backs Coach
Angela Baker Offensive Assistant
James Ferentz Assistant Offensive Line Coach
Joel Thomas Running Backs Coach
James Ferentz Assistant Offensive Line Coach
Joel Thomas Running Backs Coach
Joel Thomas Running Backs Coach
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Joel Thomas Running Backs Coach
Mike Adams Assistant Secondary Coach
James Ferentz Assistant Offensive Line Coach
Joel Thomas Running Backs Coach
Joel Thomas Running Backs Coach
Angela Baker Offensive Assistant
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Angela Baker Offensive Assistant
Angela Baker Offensive Assistant
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
* The National Team, coached by Mike Kafka, practiced first. It was a very active practice with a live nine-on-seven (a run defense drills with no CBs or WRs on the field) and plenty of full-speed one on one and team drills. I focused on the offensive and defensive lines during this practice.
* Marshall's Mike Green (6-3, 251, 32.25-inch arms) was the edge rusher with the most juice. He was able to use his burst off the line to get to the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle, and his bend to get under and around the tackle before turning the corner to get to the quarterback. He also showed power during the nine-on-seven drills, moving his opponent into the backfield at the snap on at least one occasion.
* Three other edge rushers caught my attention. UCLA's Oladejo Oluwafemi (6-3, 261, 33.5-inch arms) got up-field and was difficult to block on the edge during one-on-one drills. Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku (6-2, 248, 34.5-inch arms) had some wins rushing against offensive tackles. Michigan's Josaiah Stewart is a bit undersized (6-1, 248, 32.75-inch arms), but he plays with good power and leverage with the speed to get up field.
* Virginia Tech defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles (6-0, 289, 31.75-inch arms) is short but thick and plays with excellent leverage. Iowa's Yahya Black (6-5.5, 337, 35-inch arms) flashed his enormous physical skillset but didn't win consistently. Both players were very vocal and let everyone know when they did make plays.
* The offensive line for the National Team had standouts. Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (6-4, 313, 34-inch arms) was impressive and held up well at left tackle. Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery (6-5.75, 339, 34-inch arms) was dominant at left tackle showing off his strength with his power overwhelming his opponents. He also handled speed rushes well getting to the edge. Purdue offensive tackle Marcus Mbow (6-4, 301, 33-inch arms) played right tackle and showed off his excellent feet by getting to the perimeter to prevent his opponent from getting into the backfield.
* North Dakota State offensive lineman Gray Zabel (6-1, 316, 32.25-inch arms) was the player that drew my attention the most from the offensive line group. A tackle as a Bison, Zabel played both guard positions and center Tuesday and excelled at all three spots on different reps with power and the good movement skills he used as a tackle and North Dakota State.
* The American practice slowly built up its pace as the session went on. The quarterbacks struggled to find timing with their receivers, which is to be expected since it is the first time they are throwing to them. Jaxson Dart seemed the most decisive of the quarterbacks in the second practice, while Dillon Gabriel threw the ball well in the first. Gabriel measured in at 5-10.5 and 202 pounds. Jalen Milroe measured at 6-1.5, 220 pounds with 8.75-inch hands.
* Maryland's Tai Felton was the top wide receiver on the field for the American Team (whose offensive coordinator is Giants running backs coach Joel Thomas) and showed the ability to use his speed and size to separate from opponents and make catches down the field. TCU's Jack Bech (6-1, 214) made a jumping catch during practice.
* Two cornerbacks grabbed interceptions during American practice, including UCF's Brandon Adams. Billy Bowman Jr. made a great play later in practice, jumping in front of a late throw on a quick out to the right side and coming down with the interception.
* Kentucky's Maxwell Hairston had a pair of pass break-ups as did Kansas State's Jacob Parrish. The diminutive Upton Stoute (5-8) also proved to be sticky in coverage.
* Throughout team drills, Kentucky's Deone Walker and Omar Norman-Lott often found themselves in the backfield.
NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah released his initial ranking of the top 50 prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
No. 50 Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
No. 49 Charles Grant, T, William & Mary
No. 48 Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
No. 47 Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
No. 46 Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
No. 45 Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami
No. 44 Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
No. 43 Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
No. 42 Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
No. 41 Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State
No. 40 Josh Conerly Jr., T, Oregon
No. 39 Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
No. 38 Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
No. 37 Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
No. 36 Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
No. 35 TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
No. 34 Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
No. 33 Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
No. 32 Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State
No. 31 Josh Simmons, T, Ohio State
No. 30 Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
No. 29 Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State
No. 28 Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
No. 27 Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
No. 26 Derrick Harmon, DT, Michigan State
No. 25 Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
No. 24 Kelvin Banks Jr., T, Texas
No. 23 Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
No. 22 Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
No. 21 James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
No. 20 Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
No. 19 Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
No. 18 Armand Membou, IOL, Missouri
No. 17 Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
No. 16 Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
No. 15 Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
No. 14 Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
No. 13 Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama
No. 12 Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
No. 11 Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
No. 10 Cam Ward, QB, Miami
No. 9 Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
No. 8 Will Campbell, T, LSU
No. 7 Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
No. 6 Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia
No. 5 Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
No. 4 Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
No. 3 Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
No. 2 Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
No. 1 Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
* Both teams finished their practices with one-on-one competitions in front of the entire team. For the American team:
Upton Stout and safety Dante Trader Jr. played good coverage preventing catches.
Running back RJ Harvey proved impossible to cover coming out of the backfield.
LSU guard Miles Frazier held his own against defensive tackle Cam'Ron Jackson.
Small school guard Clay Webb from Jacksonville State somehow managed to hold off massive Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker.
Small school Alabama A&M guard Carson Vinson rode Texas A&M edge rusher down the line on an inside spin move to win the day for the offense.
For the National Team:
Josh Conerly Jr shut down the rush of Oladejo Oluwafemi.
Michigan running back Donovon Edwards beat linebacker Jeffrey Bassa on a flag route but couldn't come up with the catch on a flag route.
Miami wideout Xavier Restrepo tripped coming out his break against cornerback Quincy Riley.
Miami tight end Elijah Arroyo continued to impress by getting a lot of separation against Illinois State safety Keondre Jackson for a long completion.
Quincy Riley won the day for the defense knocking away a pass from Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins on a back shoulder throw.
I'll swap position groups for tomorrow's practice and have the report for you in the evening.
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