Draft stock watch after a week in Mobile, AL
Mobile, Ala. — The 2025 NFL Draft is creeping up on us as we crossed one of the first major checkpoints with the Senior Bowl coming to an end last week. That also means we have more information on several draft prospects, so let’s take a look at a few winners and losers with an eye toward a handful of the Las Vegas Raiders’ needs.
LOSER: QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
While Milroe ended up having a good third day of practice, his performances on days one and two were rough. He continued to have accuracy issues and looked like he was pressing, often aiming the ball instead of throwing it or just letting it rip. The Alabama product also didn’t play well in the game, rushing for just 10 yards on six attempts while throwing for only 21 yards and taking three sacks.
Milroe’s draft stock likely took a hit as he was outperformed by several quarterbacks in Mobile, including Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart.
WINNER: QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
Dart generated quite a bit of buzz during the Senior Bowl as he was arguably the best quarterback in attendance. He showed off some arm talent in the practices and followed that up by tossing a 39-yard pass to TCU’s Jack Bech during the game. That should help the former Rebel in this year’s QB3 battle.
Lots of hype for QB Jaxson Dart this week at the @seniorbowl.
The 53rd-ranked player in the PFN Mock Draft Simulator, Dart is a natural leader and playmaker, known for elevating his team with pinpoint passes, sharp reads, and trust in his receivers.pic.twitter.com/nwWDw8L4gV
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 1, 2025
LOSER: DT Deone Walker, Kentucky
During the summer, Walker was getting some hype as a potential first-rounder and was widely considered the second-best defensive tackle behind Michgian’s Mason Graham. That’s primarily because of the Kentucky product’s unique blend of athleticism and size, and he measured in over 6-foot-7 and 340 pounds with nearly 35-inch arms in Mobile.
However, Walker struggled with consistency during the season as he’d get pushed around far too much for someone of his size, especially in the second halves of games. That trend continued at the Senior Bowl as his performance was up and down at best. Additionally, he didn’t finish the week, exiting early with an injury after the first two practices.
WINNER: DT Joshua Farmer, Florida State
Meanwhile, Farmer stood out physically and on the field. At just under 6-foot-3 and 314 pounds, he isn’t as large as Walker but the Florida State product has longer arms at 35.25 inches.
Farmer had a handful of wins during the one-on-one pass rush drills and made several impact plays against the run as he was one of the few defensive tackles who gave North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel some trouble. For context, Zable was named as the All-Star event’s top overall practice player.
The former Seminole could be a good replacement for John Jenkins.
LOSER: Tommi Hill
Hill has the requisite size — measuring in over six feet tall with about 33.5-inch arms — at cornerback to pique Pete Carroll’s interest. However, the Nebraska product might be too heavy at 210 pounds as he struggled to stay in front of receivers throughout the week. Hill’s most notable play of the week was an interception that came off a drop by the pass-catcher.
WINNER: Azareye’h Thomas
On the other hand, Thomas checked boxes size-wise at 6-foot-1.5 with 32.5-inch arms and performed well on the field. He logged a couple of interceptions during the one-on-ones and has upside as a press-man corner. Also, he’s only 20 years old (turns 21 in July) to have an even higher ceiling at the next level.