Fascinating backstory of Femi Oladejo, David Walker, and other 2025 NFL Draft prospects who quietly rose up boards at the Senior Bowl

With the practice week at the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl wrapping up, it’s time for NFL evaluators to decompress and collect their thoughts for what they saw this week in Mobile. In the echo chamber of the media and social media space, we already know who some of the standouts were. Players like North Dakota […]

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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National team defensive lineman David Walker of Central Arkansas (33) works through drills during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

With the practice week at the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl wrapping up, it’s time for NFL evaluators to decompress and collect their thoughts for what they saw this week in Mobile. In the echo chamber of the media and social media space, we already know who some of the standouts were. Players like North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel and Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart have been talked about constantly, and for good reason.

Lost in the mainstream names, several other talented prospects quietly had fantastic weeks. While the fanfare from the general public might not be incredibly strong, the NFL scouts certainly took notice. Here are some under the radar 2025 NFL Draft prospects that leave Mobile as winners.

David Walker, EDGE, Central Arkansas

There are several reasons why some will overlook Walker. He is an outlier from a size perspective, possessing shorter arms and a squatty frame. Walker also comes from the FCS level, and there is naturally going to be a bit of a stigma out there. For those who are willing to overlook those perceived shortcomings, Walker showcased just how talented he was this week.

When you record 63 tackles for losses and 31 sacks in a three-year stretch, you are doing something right. Walker is explosive, powerful, and one of the more tactical pass rushers in the 2025 class. He has a chance to develop into a starter pretty early on in his career.

Femi Oladejo, EDGE, UCLA

Oladejo has one of the more unique stories in the 2025 NFL Draft class. He began his career with the Cal Golden Bears, and played off ball linebacker at a listed 6-3 and 255 pounds. While he was productive for Cal (91 tackles in 2022), Oladejo just didn’t look natural on the second level.

After Oladejo transferred to UCLA, he began the slow transition to the EDGE. His breakout season happened in 2024, recording 57 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. He was a tremendous run defender on film, but his week in Mobile showed that there is a lot of upside as a pass rusher as well.

Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo

Before the Senior Bowl, there was some buzz about Alexander, but he took it to a whole other level this week. A valuable member of the Toledo defense the last few seasons, Alexander recorded 40 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks this past season. Alexander also recorded an interception, and returned it for a touchdown.

Despite being 310 pounds, Alexander made big plays from multiple alignments this week. His overall athleticism is going to be a big sell to teams this April. Don’t be shocked if Alexander ends up being selected in the top 100 picks when all is said and done.

Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State

For whatever reason, Noel went into the week with very little chatter. He put together his best season in 2024 for the Cyclones, hauling in 80 receptions for 1,194 yards and eight touchdowns. Noel made his living mostly from the slot, where he made plays all over the field.

Noel managed to showcase that versatility in Mobile. While he isn’t the biggest wide receiver of all time (5096, 196 pounds), he plays competitively and is impressive after the catch. Noel is very smooth, and an extremely crafty route runner. There is some Steve Smith in his game.

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