The 2025 Senior Bowl: A Glimpse of Alabama’s NFL Prospects
The Senior Bowl is a crucial part of the NFL Draft process. It’s an opportunity for the top senior players from across the country to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers. For Alabama, one of the most talent-rich programs in college football, this year’s Senior Bowl was yet another chance to demonstrate the potential of its players. While Jalen Milroe was the most talked-about Crimson Tide prospect, several other players from Alabama used this stage to raise their profiles, too.
Jalen Milroe: The Dual-Threat Quarterback’s Roller Coaster Week
Jalen Milroe, the dynamic quarterback from Alabama, came into the Senior Bowl with something to prove. As a former backup to Bryce Young, Milroe had flashes of brilliance during his time as Alabama’s starting quarterback but was inconsistent in his performances. A strong showing in Mobile could solidify his place as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft class, but he had to overcome doubts about his accuracy and decision-making.
Practice Week: Inconsistent but Showing Potential
Milroe’s week in Mobile was filled with ups and downs. During the practice sessions, he displayed the physical tools that have excited scouts for years — a powerful arm, excellent mobility, and the ability to make deep throws. However, his decision-making was shaky at times, and accuracy remained a major concern.
Reports from the Senior Bowl practices noted that Milroe struggled with consistency in his throwing mechanics. His deep ball was impressive when it connected, but he had issues with intermediate and short throws. He often missed open targets, leading to several interceptions during team drills. Additionally, his footwork was erratic, and his deep balls occasionally sailed high or wide.
Despite these challenges, Milroe also had moments of brilliance during the practices. His mobility was on full display, with several plays where he evaded pressure in the pocket and either extended the play with his legs or threw on the run. This dual-threat capability is what makes Milroe an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking for a quarterback with both arm strength and mobility.
The Game: A Showcase of Milroe’s Strengths
Despite his struggles in practice, Milroe’s performance during the Senior Bowl game was more encouraging. He showcased what has made him such an exciting prospect — his athleticism. In the game, Milroe was able to show off his ability to make off-platform throws and extend plays with his legs.
Milroe didn’t have the perfect performance by any means, but he did enough to prove that, when given time and coaching, he could develop into a starting quarterback at the NFL level. His deep throws were a bit more controlled in the game, and he made several plays with his legs that impressed scouts in attendance. His ability to keep plays alive, throw on the run, and escape pressure certainly gives him a unique edge compared to other quarterbacks in the draft class.
While Milroe still has plenty of room for development, especially in the areas of accuracy and decision-making, his performance at the Senior Bowl reminded scouts of his raw potential and physical talent. He may not have helped his draft stock as much as he would have liked, but he certainly didn’t hurt it.
CJ Dippre: Alabama’s Reliable Tight End
CJ Dippre, the tight end from Alabama, was one of the most consistent performers during the Senior Bowl. While he didn’t get as much attention as Milroe, Dippre made the most of his time in Mobile, showcasing his abilities as both a receiver and a blocker.
Practice Week: Proving His Worth
Throughout the practices, Dippre was a steady presence. His route-running was precise, and he displayed reliable hands, making several key catches during the sessions. What stood out the most about Dippre was his blocking, an area that is often overlooked for tight ends but is vital for their success in the NFL.
Dippre’s ability to block in both the running game and pass protection made him a well-rounded prospect. In an era where tight ends need to be able to do both, Dippre proved he could excel in these areas. This combination of blocking and receiving made him a valuable asset in the Senior Bowl practices.
Game Performance: A Complete Tight End
In the Senior Bowl game, Dippre continued to impress with his well-rounded game. He caught passes in the short-to-intermediate range, showing his ability to get open and be a reliable target in the passing game. Dippre’s blocking also stood out in the game, as he helped spring several runs and provided solid protection for the quarterbacks.
Dippre’s performance at the Senior Bowl confirmed what scouts had been saying about him all week — he is a versatile, reliable tight end who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. He may not have the high-end athleticism of some of the top tight ends in the draft, but his all-around game makes him a solid prospect for teams in need of a well-rounded player at the position.
James Burnip: The Australian Punter Making Waves
James Burnip, Alabama’s punter, took his talents to the Senior Bowl in hopes of proving his worth to NFL teams. While punters don’t always get the same level of attention as other positions, Burnip was one of the top punting prospects in the country heading into the Senior Bowl.
Practice Week: Impressive Leg Strength and Accuracy
Throughout the week, Burnip showed off his booming leg, with several punts reaching impressive distances. His hang time was excellent, and he displayed the ability to consistently pin opposing teams deep in their own territory. This is crucial for a punter in the NFL, as field position can make a significant impact on a game.
Burnip also showed great control over his punts. Not only did he have the ability to hit long distances, but he was also able to place the ball accurately inside the 20-yard line. NFL scouts were impressed by his ability to combine both distance and accuracy, something that is highly valued in punters at the professional level.
Game Performance: Field Position Specialist
Burnip continued his impressive work during the game, where his punts played a key role in helping his team win the field-position battle. Time and time again, he pinned the opposing team deep in their own territory, giving his defense a strong advantage.
Burnip’s performance during the Senior Bowl solidified his place as one of the top punting prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. His ability to control the ball and consistently put it where it needs to be makes him a valuable asset for any NFL team in need of a reliable punter.
Tim Smith: The Defensive Force in the Middle
Tim Smith, the defensive lineman from Alabama, came into the Senior Bowl with the reputation of being a force on the defensive line. Known for his strength and ability to disrupt offensive lines, Smith was looking to prove that he could be a top-tier prospect in the 2025 draft class.
Practice Week: Explosive Pass Rusher
During the practices, Smith showed why he was one of the more highly regarded defensive linemen in the Senior Bowl. He was explosive off the line of scrimmage and used his power to shed blockers and pressure the quarterback. Whether it was against the run or the pass, Smith was constantly in the backfield, making life difficult for opposing offensive linemen.
What stood out about Smith during practice was his motor. He played with a high level of intensity, and that effort was evident in everything he did on the field. His ability to disrupt plays and his relentless pursuit of the ball carrier impressed scouts.
Game Performance: A Disruptive Presence
In the game, Smith continued his dominance in the trenches. He was a constant force, applying pressure on the quarterback and making plays in the backfield. Smith’s ability to rush the passer while also being stout against the run made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking for a versatile defensive lineman.
Smith’s performance at the Senior Bowl reaffirmed his status as one of the top defensive line prospects for the 2025 draft. His power, athleticism, and relentless motor make him an ideal fit for teams looking to bolster their defensive front.
Conclusion: A Strong Showing for Alabama
While Jalen Milroe may have had a mixed performance at the Senior Bowl, his raw athleticism and potential were undeniable. The same can be said for the other Alabama players, who all made strong cases for their place in the 2025 NFL Draft. CJ Dippre showed he could be a reliable, versatile tight end, James Burnip demonstrated his leg strength and accuracy as a punter, and Tim Smith proved to be a disruptive force on the defensive line.
For Alabama, the Senior Bowl was another successful platform to showcase the immense talent coming from Tuscaloosa. As these players head toward the NFL Draft, the performances at the Senior Bowl will undoubtedly play a key role in their evaluations. While Milroe and others may not have been perfect, their talent and potential shone through in Mobile.