Tag: Senior Bowl

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 77, Florida WR Chimere Dike

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Florida wide receiver Chimere Dike.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.

Brian Gutekunst has drafted 10 wide receivers since taking over as general manager of the Green Bay Packers in 2018. Out of those 10 wide receivers, seven of them competed at the Senior Bowl and out of those seven, five of them were drafted on Day 3.

A wide receiver who was down in Mobile this year and could be a Day 3 target for the Packers during the 2025 NFL Draft is Chimere Dike. The Florida Gators wide receiver and Wisconsin Badger transfer checks in at No. 77 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown. 

During his lone season at the Swamp, Dike reeled in 42 receptions for 783 yards and a pair of touchdowns. In his four seasons as a Badger, Dike hauled in 97 receptions for 1,478 yards and nine touchdowns. 

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“Dike was an important target for DJ Lagway and Graham Mertz,” Adam Dubbin, the managing editor of Gators Wire, said. “Additionally, his speed and versatility came in handy in many facets of the game. It’s worth noting that he was the primary punt returner for the Gators, leading the SEC in return yardage with an average of 16.5 per return. Every team can use a jack-of-all-trades like Dike.”

Dike is a three-level threat and a well-rounded wide receiver. The Florida wide receiver has some suddenness in his release to quickly gain separation at the line of scrimmage and gets downfield quickly with his strong strides. He shows sharp footwork at the top of his routes. He understands route leverage and has good body flexibility. The former Badger wide receiver has strong hands and plucks the ball away from his frame.

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“His speed is his greatest strength,” Dubbin said. “Not just sprinting speed, but lateral speed and the ability to quickly adjust his momentum on the fly. His body control allows him to be right where he needs to be when the pass arrives, plus he has the athleticism to accommodate throws that might not be quite on the mark.”

Despite not being the biggest wide receiver, Dike is willing to get physical as a blocker and appears to enjoy the physical side of the game. The Gators would often send him in motion and have him crash down, much like the Los Angeles Rams utilized Cooper Kupp. 

“Despite his diminutive size, he is willing to throw his body at defenders and was utilized in this role regularly lining up in the slot,” Dubbin said. “I would have concerns about his frame handling NFL-level physicality, but the willingness and motivation are there.”

Dike brings special teams value with his experience as a punt and kick returner. He finished his collegiate career with 26 punt returns and 20 kick returns.

Fit with the Packers

It’s Super Bowl week and the talk surrounding the Packers is they need a No. 1 wide receiver. If Josh Jacobs gets his wish, the Packers will land a big fish in free agency or via trade. 

As we wait to see what Gutekunst does this offseason, there is still talent inside Green Bay’s wide receiver room. 

There were times early on this past season when Jayden Reed looked like he had established himself as the leader of the wide receiver classroom. Then he got hit with the drop bug, the same bug that impacted Dontavyion Wicks for much of the season. 

There is no denying Christian Watson’s big-play ability and the value he brings to the offense. After suffering a torn ACL in Week 18, the former North Dakota State University star likely won’t be back until the middle of the upcoming season. 

Despite his gobs of potential, the Packers will have to take into account the durability concerns when it comes to giving Watson a second contract.

Romeo Doubs was just okay and one has to wonder if he has done enough to get a second contract with the Packers.

With his toughness, speed and special teams value, Dike could be a late Day 3 target for the Packers to add to the mix.

With Keisean Nixon wanting to retire from returning kicks, Dike could be a potential replacement for him and he’d provide quality depth at wide receiver.

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“Dike is one of those guys you just love having on your roster,” Dubbin said. “His versatility, football IQ and heart are the trifecta of a true team player, and he is the kind of athlete who will find a role somehow.”

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Dike is not the most dynamic wide receiver in this class. He’s not the most dangerous with the ball in his hands. He’s not the best route runner. He may not be great at one single thing, he just does everything well. He’s a well-rounded player, who could provide an immediate impact as a return specialist and is willing to do the dirty work on the edges. He’s the ideal bottom-of-the-depth-chart wide receiver.

Who are NFL draft prospects from the Senior Bowl to know?

Jess Root and Seth Cox talk Senior Bowl standouts in the latest edition of the podcast.

It is Super Bowl week, which comes just after Senior Bowl week, so there was a lot for me and cohost Seth Cox to talk about in the latest edition of the podcast.

The main focus of the show was about the Senior Bowl and the standouts from the week and the game.

But we began with a discussion about the changes in the assistant coaches on head coach Jonathan Gannon’s staff. We talk about why it was happening this offseason and discuss the new additions to the staff and impact of the losses.

After that we go over offensive and defensive players to know for the Cardinals who helped themselves in the Senior Bowl.

Enjoy the show!

Enjoy the show with the embedded player above or by subscribing to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss a show. Make sure as well to give it a five-star rating!

Times and topics:

(1:00) Assistant coach losses and additions

(22:09) Offensive prospect standouts at Senior Bowl

(36:03) Defensive prospect standouts at Senior Bowl

 

Broncos met with RB Devin Neal at the Senior Bowl

The Broncos met with Kansas RB Devin Neal at the Senior Bowl in January. He is projected to be a fourth-round pick in April’s draft.

The Denver Broncos met with Devin Neal at the Senior Bowl last month, the Kansas running back confirmed during his media availability in Mobile, Alabama, via Cecil Lammey and Andrew Mason of DenverSports.com.

Neal (5-11, 220 pounds) earned second-team All-Big 12 honors in each of the last two seasons after rushing for 16 touchdowns both in 2023 and 2024. In four years with the Jayhawks, Neal rushed 760 times for 4,343 yards and 49 touchdowns in 49 games.

Neal, 21, also totaled 77 receptions for 711 yards and four scores at the college level. He’s now entering the NFL draft and mock drafts have him projected going off the board in the fourth round.

Javonte Williams is scheduled to become a free agent in March, and running back appears to be one of Denver’s big positions of need this offseason. Neal could be a mid-round target for the Broncos, who still hold their own pick in the fourth round.

The 2025 NFL draft will be held in Green Bay from April 24-26.

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6 potential Chargers targets that stood out at Senior Bowl

The Chargers selected five Senior Bowl participants in last year’s draft. Here’s a look at who could be next in line to be taken by Los Angeles.

Now that the 2025 Senior Bowl, the premier all-star game for NFL draft prospects, is over, it is time to reflect on the meaning of the week.

Which players helped themselves the most throughout their time in Mobile, AL, and likely garnered the attention of the Chargers?

Here are six prospects on both sides of the ball.

EDGE Mike Green, Marshall

The Chargers could address the edge defender position in the first round, depending on what happens with Khalil Mack, who is set to be a free agent. If they were to go that route, Green could be an option to draft and contribute as a pass rusher from the get-go. The nation’s leader in sacks, Green has a knack for winning with speed off the edge, bend, and various counters. But he raised eyebrows with his power profile on a rep where he put Oregon’s Josh Conerly (another potential top-30 selection) on the ground with a bull rush.

RB Damien Martinez, Miami

The Chargers should prioritize re-signing J.K. Dobbins, but Gus Edwards could be a potential cut candidate as he struggled to stay healthy in 2024. Should they go that route, Martinez is a great option to fill that void. He is a big, physical running back with good lateral agility and vision that gets downhill quickly and can wear defenses down. Martinez caught the ball well and was arguably the best back in pass-protection drills.

TE Elijah Arroyo, Miami

The Chargers need to add a tight end with pass-catching chops, and luckily for them, this class offers a multitude of them, including Arroyo. Arroyo flashed his route running agility, the ability to run past defensive backs and sticky hands to haul in passes. He blocked well, too.

DT Darius Alexander, Toledo

The Chargers should try to bring back Poona Ford and Teair Tartt. But this positional room still needs pass-rush juice. The 6-foot-4 and 304-pounder was unblockable in one-on-ones in team drills, making life difficult for blockers with a combination of upper body power, length (34-inch arms) and quickness. Alexander showed versatility in lining up all along the defensive line, as well.

WR Jack Bech, TCU

The Chargers must revamp the receiver room and give Justin Herbert more reliable targets. Bech played tight end at LSU before transferring to TCU. He might not be the fastest guy, but he showed the physicality and good routes to make himself open, and he flashed his great hands. He’s not Puka Nacua, but Bech plays a lot like Puka Nacua.

OL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State

The interior of the offensive line is a question mark for the Chargers. Center Bradley Bozeman is a free agent. Right guard Trey Pipkins did not show enough promise to be guaranteed a starting job next season. Zabel lined up at both guard and center, where he showed the play strength, hand placement and lower half mobility to stand up against Power 4 defensive linemen.

Who were the standout players from the 2025 Senior Bowl?

A quick look at the standouts from the Senior Bowl, an important pre-draft event for the Green Bay Packers.

The Green Bay Packers have a long-running history of drafting players from the annual Senior Bowl event. Just last year, eight of the Packers’ 11 draft picks participated at the Senior Bowl, and a ninth was invited but couldn’t participate due to injury.

General manager Brian Gutekunst has admitted the Senior Bowl is an important part of the evaluation process. The event provides unrivaled access to top players, and the practice setting allows for teams to get an up-close look at how the players respond on the field to facing other top talent.

More than likely, a handful of players who were in Mobile this past week will eventually be draft picks of the Packers come April.

Here’s a quick rundown of the standouts from this year’s Senior Bowl, with top players voted on by players at opposing positions.

MVP of Senior Bowl: WR Jack Bech, TCU
Practice Player of the Week: NDSU offensive lineman Grey Zabel

Top QB on American roster: Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
Top QB on National roster: Tyler Shough, Louisville
Top RB on American roster: Travis Etienne, Georgia
Top RB on National roster: Ollie Gordon, Oklahoma State
Top WR on American roster: Jack Bech, TCU
Top WR on National roster: Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
Top OL on American roster: Miles Frazier, LSU
Top OL on National roster: Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
Top DL on American roster: Barryn Sorrell, Texas
Top DL on National roster: Darius Alexander, Toledo
Top LB on American roster: Jack Kiser, Notre Dame
Top LB on National roster: Jeffery Bassa, Oregon\
Top DS on American roster: Dan Jackson, Georgia
Top DS on National roster: Keondre Jackson, Illinois State

Here are Daniel Jeremiah’s 12 standouts from the Senior Bowl:

DL Darius Alexander, Toledo
TE Elijah Arroyo, Miami
LB Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon
DL Joshua Farmer, Florida State
Edge Mike Green, Marshall
CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
DL Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Edger Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
TE Mason Taylor, LSU
CB Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
WR Kyle Williams, Wash. State
OL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State

Top performers at the Senior Bowl from PFF:

QB: Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
RB: Trevor Etienne, Georgia
WR: Tez Johnson, Oregon
TE: Elijah Arroyo, Miami
OT: Anthony Belton, NC State
IOL: Grey Zabel, NDSU
DL: Darius Alexander, Toledo
Edge: Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
LB: Jack Kiser, Notre Dame
CB: Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech
S: Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma

ESPN analyst sees Kyle McCord and Kellen Moore as a ‘strong fit’ for Saints

Don’t like Derek Carr, Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener? ESPN’s Dan Orvlosky sees Syracuse QB Kyle McCord and the Saints as a ‘strong fit’

At this point, it’s pretty safe to project Kellen Moore as the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans has to wait until after the Super Bowl to officially hire the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator, but they’ve told everyone else the race is more or less over.

As an offensive minded head coach, the first thought becomes what is he going to do at quarterback. A recent report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini suggested Moore was less than enthralled with the quarterback room, though he may have come around on the idea of working with them anyway.

Don’t like Derek Carr, Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener? ESPN’s Dan Orvlosky believes Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord would be a “strong fit.”

Drafting a quarterback from the Senior Bowl has been a recent trend for New Orleans. Ian Book, Haener and Rattler all attended the Senior Bowl before getting picked in the fourth and fifth rounds. The Saints could switch it up under new leadership.

McCord attended the Shrine Bowl and was recognized as one of the top performers during practice. CBS Sports’ Emory Hunt said McCord “had a fantastic week throwing the football, just building on what he all season at Syracuse.”

In his lone season at Syracuse, McCord led the FBS in passing yards while also finishing top-five in passing touchdowns. This would mark the third year in a row the Saints drafted a quarterback in the middle of the draft, McCord’s likely range. As with Rattler and Haener, the commitment to a mid-round is low.

This could easily be Moore taking a chance for 2025 while keeping the door open to select a quarterback early in the 2026 NFL draft.

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How Riley Leonard raised his 2025 NFL Draft stock in the Senior Bowl

Riley Leonard saw a significant rise in in draft stock during the 2025 Senior Bowl.

The Draft starts in Mobile. Such is the slogan of the Senior Bowl.

And for former Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, the start of the Senior Bowl was also the start of what would ultimately be an immense rise in draft stock for him.

Leonard, coming off of an impressive showing the national title game against Ohio State in which the Fighting Irish came up just short, had a strong week near his hometown on Fairhope, Alabama.

That was capped off with the National vs. American contest on Saturday when Leonard completed six of his seven passing attempts for 54 yards, carrying the ball twice for minutes six yards (due to eight yards lost on the sack).

Well on display were Leonard’s improvement from a footwork perspective, his comfort and presence in the pocket, leadership, poise and respect from his teammates.

He also caught attention with his Football IQ, learning the playbook faster than any quarterback in Senior Bowl history with a 36-hour turnaround before the event.

One of the biggest narratives Leonard dispelled was that his passing ability was not on par with his athleticism as he pushed the ball down the field with ease.

That was further highlighted in a different environment in Mobile, given the way that the Notre Dame offense leaned so heavily into the run game, not necessarily giving Leonard the chance to show what he could do through the air.

And, curiously, it is worth noting that there was a time that the narrative was reversed — the notion that Leonard could get the job done through the air but couldn’t run the ball. He then went on to show it to a point that teams began sending a QB spy on him.

“Later in the 2022 season, teams started to send out a QB spy on me. So I wasn’t able to run the ball as much,” Leonard told me. “So we were able to get the ball out and went more to one-on-one matchups on the outside.”

Another area that Leonard has grown in is his understanding of playbooks and managing a high degree of responsibility at the line of scrimmage.

Leonard says he had a relatively light load in that area at Duke.

“At Duke, I was fortunate enough to have enough Ivy League, transfer type of centers and really smart guys,” Leonard said. “And as a young guy, they were able to handle protection calls. I always was aware of where I was hot at and where to get the ball out of my hands.”

But at Notre Dame, the responsibilities were leaned entirely on him.

“I think at Notre Dame, I fully took it on and I was making all of the protection adjustments and even the run game calls, depending on the look we had,” Leonard said. “Had a little bit more on my plate at Notre Dame, but very similar offenses where I kind of had the keys to the car.”

There were several instances in which Leonard was asked to run the ball in the Notre Dame offense, and there were some concerns with the way he put his body on the line and how that could endanger him at the NFL level going up against bigger pass rushers.

But he says that he will readily adjust his play to whatever that the NFL team that he lands with wants him to do.

“I think I know that in my heart, if a team needs me to be a pocket passer and protect my body, that I will do that,” Leonard said.

It will be interesting to see where Leonard lands, previously projected to be selected in the fifth or sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. It’s safe to say he’s built upon that now, though.

Steelers can’t ignore potential ‘next T.J. Watt’ in 2025 NFL Draft

UCLA’s Femi Oladejo could be a steal in the 2025 NFL Draft and a potential successor to T.J. Watt.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have glaring needs looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft—wide receiver, defensive line, cornerback, and running back, to name a few.

However, 2024 painted an unpleasant picture the Black and Gold must face heading into the 2025 offseason—what will life look like without T.J. Watt?

It’s an intimidating question to ponder—almost as frightening as watching Watt go sackless in four straight games to end the 2024 season—and just scary enough to justify ignoring one or two of those aforementioned positions to solve tomorrow’s problem.

That’s where UCLA EDGE Femi Oladejo comes into play—a Senior Bowl standout who switched from ILB to edge rusher during the 2024 season and is expected to be one of the biggest mid- to late-round steals.

His 2024 numbers don’t jump off the stat sheet—4.5 sacks, 14 TFLs, and 57 combined tackles—but no one can deny the raw talent he possesses since switching over to EDGE.

HC Mike Tomlin lives for developing these types of players, and if the team can do so properly, Oladejo could very well be Watt’s successor.

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Senior Bowl practice standouts to know for Cardinals

A look at some standout players who are at positions the Cardinals should address this offseason.

Senior Bowl Week is over. The game was exciting, a 22-19 win by the American Team on a last-second touchdown pass from Memphis quarterback Seth Hanigan to TCU receiver Jack Bech.

But before the game were three days of practice for players to show off competitively against other NFL draft prospects in front of NFL team evaluators.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah noted 12 standouts from the three days of practice at the Senior Bowl.

Below are the players from those 12 at positions that are big needs this offseason. Positions left out include tight end and cornerback. The roster as currently constructed make those two positions less of a priority.

Who of those top 12 are players to know?

Senior Bowl standouts from practice to know

  • Toledo DT Darius Alexander
  • Oregon LB Jeffrey Bassa
  • Florida State DT Joshua Farmer
  • Marshall EDGE Mike Green
  • Mississippi DT Walter Nolen
  • Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart
  • Washington State WR Kyle Williams
  • North Dakota State OL Grey Zabel

Keep an eye on these guys as the draft process continues with the combine and pro days in the weeks to come.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

Steelers’ 25-year draft history shows WR isn’t a first-round priority

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t drafted a wide receiver in the first round in 19 years, making it unlikely they break that trend in 2025.

The 2025 NFL Draft buzz is beginning to pick up as the Senior Bowl has concluded, leaving much of the Black and Gold faithful wondering what their beloved Steelers will do to alleviate their receiver concerns.

Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka has been the biggest wide receiver tied to the Steelers’ 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but something fans may want to consider is that history does not support this speculation.

Since 2000, the Steelers have selected just two wide receivers in the first round—Plaxico Burress in 2000 and Santonio Holmes in 2006.

It has been a long 19 years since the Steel City used the coveted first round to find a wide receiver, as the Pittsburgh Steelers tend to use the later rounds to select their top receivers.

In the past 25 NFL Drafts, there have been six wide receivers taken in the second round by the Steelers—their number one targeted positional group from picks 33-64.

With that in mind, it is likely that the Pittsburgh Steelers draft a defensive lineman in the first round and choose to draft a receiver in the second round, such as TCU WR Jack Bech—who was recently named the 2025 Senior Bowl MVP.

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