Three Storylines About Alabama to Keep an Eye on During Senior Bowl Week
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Senior Bowl, an annual event that serves as a showcase for some of the nation’s top football talent. The University of Alabama, known for producing top-tier talent year after year, will have a strong presence at the Senior Bowl with several key players looking to make their mark in front of NFL scouts. Whether it’s rising stars trying to improve their draft stock or future pros trying to solidify their place in the league, Senior Bowl Week will provide plenty of storylines related to Alabama football.
Here are three key storylines to watch for when it comes to Alabama players at the Senior Bowl:
1. Can Bryce Young Prove He’s the Best Quarterback in the 2025 Draft Class?
After a highly successful career at Alabama, Bryce Young enters the Senior Bowl with something to prove. Considered one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, Young has already earned a reputation as a dynamic playmaker with exceptional leadership qualities, football IQ, and accuracy. However, the Senior Bowl offers him an opportunity to further prove that he can be the leader of an NFL offense and separate himself from the rest of the quarterback class.
Despite his success in college, Young’s height (listed at 6’0”) has been a topic of discussion among scouts. Some question whether he can overcome this potential physical limitation, especially considering the NFL’s preference for taller quarterbacks. Senior Bowl Week will allow Young to show off his skills in front of coaches and evaluators who may want to see how he handles the pressures of an NFL-style offense and if he can perform under the spotlight.
At the Senior Bowl, Young will be able to display his accuracy, quick decision-making, and ability to throw the ball with touch and velocity. Scouts will be watching closely to see how well he connects with his wide receivers, handles pressure, and displays leadership on the field.
Key Question to Answer: Can Bryce Young prove that his size won’t limit his potential as a franchise quarterback at the next level?
2. Will Jahmyr Gibbs Continue to Impress with His Versatility?
One of the most exciting and versatile players to watch at the Senior Bowl will be Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama’s dynamic running back. Gibbs impressed throughout his time with the Crimson Tide, showing off his abilities as both a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield. His quickness, speed, and elusiveness make him one of the most dangerous weapons in the draft, and his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game could make him an instant impact player at the next level.
Gibbs had a strong 2024 season for Alabama, finishing with over 1,100 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds another layer to his game, making him a dangerous threat in the NFL as a versatile weapon in the passing game.
At the Senior Bowl, Gibbs will have the chance to demonstrate his skills in both running and receiving situations. With NFL teams constantly looking for running backs who can contribute in the passing game, Gibbs’ versatility will be a major selling point. Scouts will be paying close attention to his ability to create separation in the passing game, whether he can show more power running between the tackles, and how well he can block in pass protection.
Key Question to Answer: Can Jahmyr Gibbs prove he’s a complete, three-down back who can be utilized in all facets of the game at the next level?
3. Can Alabama’s Defensive Standouts Make Their Mark?
While Alabama’s offense will certainly grab a lot of attention at the Senior Bowl, the defense will also be well-represented. Henry To’o To’o, a standout linebacker, and Byron Young, an explosive edge rusher, both have a lot to prove as they enter Senior Bowl Week. The NFL is always looking for talented defenders, and both To’o To’o and Young could make a huge leap in their draft stock with strong performances.
Henry To’o To’o had a productive career at Alabama, finishing as one of the team’s leading tacklers. Known for his instincts, leadership, and ability to read offenses, To’o To’o is regarded as one of the most intelligent linebackers in this draft class. Senior Bowl Week will give him the chance to show his range, coverage skills, and ability to stop the run at a high level, as scouts will be looking to see how well he can adapt to the speed and physicality of the NFL.
On the defensive line, Byron Young has been a disruptive force for Alabama. A powerful edge rusher with great speed off the line of scrimmage, Young will have the chance to showcase his pass-rush ability, strength at the point of attack, and potential to be a high-impact player in the NFL. With NFL teams constantly searching for elite pass rushers, Young has an opportunity to elevate his stock and solidify himself as one of the top edge players in this draft class.
Both To’o To’o and Young will be under the microscope during Senior Bowl practices and drills. Their ability to demonstrate their skills against other top prospects will be crucial for their draft standing.
Key Question to Answer: Can Henry To’o To’o and Byron Young prove that they are NFL-ready defenders with the ability to make an immediate impact at the next level?
Bonus: The Other Alabama Players to Watch
While Young, Gibbs, and To’o To’o will be among the most closely watched Alabama players at the Senior Bowl, they aren’t the only prospects who could make an impact. DJ Dale, a powerful defensive lineman, and Treshon Holden, a promising wide receiver, could also use this week to impress scouts and push their draft stock higher. Both players have shown flashes of excellence during their time at Alabama, and the Senior Bowl presents an opportunity for them to take their game to the next level.