The Reese’s Senior Bowl was once again an exciting pre-draft event that saw over 100 NFL Draft prospects prove their worth in front of all 32 teams. Out of those players, here are five that played their way into being labeled defensive Senior Bowl risers.
Five NFL Draft Prospects Who Became Defensive Senior Bowl Risers With Their Performances
EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart was easily the best defensive lineman on the field in Mobile. He put offensive linemen on the ground on multiple occasions and his speed-to-power transitions were lethal. Stewart looked fantastic when showing off his movement skills and was a destructive weapon when let loose in pass rush sets. His first step continually gained him major leverage and his strength won him most of his reps during practices.
Potential Team Fit: Green Bay Packers
EDGE Mike Green, Marshall
Green left Mobile after just two practices, but he left his mark on the event. The Marshall edge rusher dominated one-on-one drills and his speed and athleticism were on full display. He’s consistently risen up draft boards as the pre-draft process has progressed and his Senior Bowl week was another major step toward a Top-15 selection. His quickness off the line and blend of violence and power was rarely successfully countered and he looked right at home with some of the top EDGEs in the class.
Potential Team Fit: Arizona Cardinals
EDGE Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA
Unlike Green, Oladejo stayed for the entire week, which turned out to be the correct decision. He flashed some high-level skills as both a pass rusher and run defender at the practice sessions and was a human wrecking ball in Saturday’s game. The tape he put out in team sessions was impressive and he took it to an entirely new level during the game, looking almost unblockable for extended periods. He hasn’t been viewed as a top EDGE prospect in the cycle to this point but turned a lot of heads in Mobile and is flying up boards.
Potential Team Fit: Houston Texans
DL Darius Alexander, Toledo
The electricity and flare that Alexander showed at Toledo were brought out heavily in Mobile against some elite offensive linemen. He ripped through the line of scrimmage at a high rate and was wreaking havoc on the interior all week. The 300-pounder moved bodies with ease and had the speed and tenacity of a top-level edge rusher. He blew up a few plays during the game as well and vastly over performed his current mid-round draft projection.
Potential Team Fit: Dallas Cowboys
DB Upton Stout, Western Kentucky
Stout’s 2024 tape was quite impressive, but even that pales in comparison to the show he put on in Mobile. He fluidly matched receivers of all sizes and was a man coverage technician during all three practice periods. His movement skills and ability to use physicality even at his size will be desired by teams around the league.
The slot CB position has been in great demand in the current NFL landscape. Stout showed he’s among the best in the class in that regard.
Potential Team Fit: Tennessee Titans
Read More: Upston Stout Scouting Report
Main Photo Courtesy of Vasha Hunt – Imagn Images
