The Senior Bowl is an opportunity for draft-eligible college seniors to showcase their talent in front of NFL coaches, scouts, and front-office personnel. Tuesday, Jan. 28, marked the first day of practices, which are arguably more important than the actual game in terms of performing well on the field.
1-on-1 competitions between offensive and defense preceded 11-on-11 action on Day 1. Across the entire day, we’ll highlight five players who stuck out from the rest.
Biggest Breakout Performers From Day 1 at Senior Bowl
The importance of a good showing in practice at the Senior Bowl cannot go without saying. Millions of dollars are at stake for each of these players as they compete for draft positioning.
Which players rose their previous draft stock, and who, in particular, began the process of inching his way onto draft boards after being a late addition to the Senior Bowl roster?
Jack Bech, WR, TCU
Previously expected to be drafted in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft, Jack Bech performed extremely well on Day 1, showing physicality in 1-on-1s with the defensive backs. With solid size at 6’1 1/4″ and 212 pounds, Bech lacks top-end speed but showcased his savvy route-running ability.
His 6’3″ wingspan isn’t an elite measurement, but Bech used all of that — combined with his vertical — to reel in arguably the best catch of the day. Making one of the best plays of the day will surely get more eyeballs on him moving forward. An NFL offense focused on in-breaking routes would suit him best, giving him the ability to out-physical more athletic defenders.
Beautiful catch from @TCUFootball WR Jack Bech to climb the ladder and come down with this one
Catch of the day at @seniorbowl pic.twitter.com/14DFuC1uVS
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 28, 2025
Grey Zabel, OT, North Dakota State
A first-team FCS All-American in 2024, the biggest question for Grey Zabel would be how he stacked up against higher-level defenders. His terrific showing in O-line vs. D-line 1-on-1s may have eliminated that concern, as he dominated numerous Power Four pass rushers. He competed at center, left guard, and right tackle, showing his true versatility.
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Zabel projects as an interior offensive lineman in the NFL due to his natural power that would be best suited to mauling defensive tackles on the inside rather than facing the more quick-footed edge rushers. Projected as a late Day 2 pick, Zabel did everything he could to push his name into the second-round conversation on the first day of practice.
Couldn’t have been more impressed with @NDSUfootball OL Grey Zabel in the @seniorbowl 1-on-1s. Here are three good reps from him at three different positions (C, LG, RG)
Strong case for IOL1 in this draft, and a top 50 pick pic.twitter.com/qX2is4UXn6
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 28, 2025
Keondre Jackson, Safety, Illinois State University
A name that continues to come up following Day 1 is Jackson, the former Illinois State Redhawk. A Hula Bowl standout, he was a late addition to the Senior Bowl — and he’s making the most of the opportunity. A two-time All-MVFC selection at the safety position, Jackson was known as a heavy-hitter with Illinois State, evidenced by his 98 total tackles in 2024.
Jackson possesses solid size at nearly 6’2″ and 211 pounds, but his wingspan is what sets him apart. His 6’6 1/2″ measured an inch and a half more than any other safety. Largely unknown prior to today’s practices, Jackson may be working himself into position to hear his name called in late April as a late-round player with immense potential. All it takes is one team to see the vision of Jackson becoming an impact player in the league.
Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami
Restrepo recorded over 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns with the Hurricanes in 2024, having been in the spotlight as quarterback Cam Ward’s No. 1 target. Largely seen as a late Day 2 selection, Restrepo may be working himself into a high Round 2 position. He constantly found open space for Ward and showcased similar ability in front of NFL scouts and analysts in 1-on-1s against defensive backs.
Projecting as a slot receiver in the NFL, Restrepo has drawn comparisons to Amon-Ra St. Brown, as they possess similar body types and effortless route-running ability with the ability to slip into open spaces.
He has sure hands while also having the capability to run away from defenders after the catch, a St. Brown specialty. A quarterback-friendly receiver, teams looking to supplement their young signal-caller would be wise to take an interest in Restrepo.
It’s taken me all of 15 minutes to decide Xavier Restrepo is my favorite (and possibly the best) WR out here today. #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/FbMx6q30VW
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) January 28, 2025
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Beginning his career at Virginia, Green blossomed in 2024. He led the nation with 17 sacks and forced three fumbles along the way, proving himself as one of the most dominant defensive ends in the country.
He’d worked his way into the late-round one, early Round 2 conversation, but his performance against multiple high-level offensive linemen has Green in position to rise even more.
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He showed insane bend and flexibility while pass-rushing off the edge in 11-on-11 drills as well as more than holding his own in 1-on-1s against offensive lineman. Weighing just 250-pounds, Green also let his presence be known against the run, a previous knock on his game as it pertains to the NFL.
Edge rusher is an immediate need for numerous NFL teams with selections in the top half of the first round — Green may make himself some serious money if he can stack successful days together.
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