The 2025 NFL Draft is drawing nearer following the conclusion of the all-star games. Senior Bowl practices have become a crucial aspect of the evaluation process, providing a unique chance to observe one-on-one drills. This year's Senior Bowl featured one of the most impressive lineups in recent memory, with several standout players making the most of their opportunity.

While the three days of practice won't define a player's entire career, the evaluation process must consider who excelled athletically, made a significant impact, and effectively utilized their physical attributes. It’s important to note that the top performers on Day 1 of the Senior Bowl don't always end up as the biggest success stories by the event's conclusion.

After analyzing the practice footage and performance, we’ve identified six players whose stock rose considerably. While they may not have been the absolute top performers, teams will certainly be elevating their status on draft boards more than anyone else.

2025 Senior Bowl Winners

Tyler Shough, QB, Texas Tech

None of the quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl had standout performances throughout the week, which is concerning for the draft prospects of Jalen Milroe and Jaxson Dart. It wouldn't be entirely accurate to claim that Tyler Shough consistently outperformed them or that he's suddenly a candidate for early rounds. 

However, Shough, who was regarded as the most physically intriguing player entering the event, took full advantage of the opportunity to prove he can compete at the NFL level.

There should be no doubt about Shough being drafted. He outperformed Dillon Gabriel, and while Will Howard is likely still ahead of him following the 2024 season, Shough could potentially be selected early on Day 3 after Howard. His sole season at Louisville marked the beginning of this positive momentum.

Shough demonstrated the ability to play effectively from under center, showcasing a strong arm and impressive athleticism, making him an ideal candidate to develop as a backup. His decision-making and accuracy improved significantly when Louisville simplified the offense, allowing his reads to be based more on the defender's position and post-snap looks rather than pre-snap decisions typical of spread offenses.

There were still some missed throws and moments where Shough's natural precision appeared lacking, but these are expected growing pains for someone not anticipated to start immediately.

Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami (FL)

Initially thought to be a two-man race for the top tight end spot between Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland, the 2025 draft class saw Elijah Arroyo steal the spotlight at the Senior Bowl. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 245 pounds, Arroyo had decent tape but was viewed as a one-season wonder at Miami, making it easy to underestimate his performance.

However, Arroyo proved to be nearly unstoppable with his impressive speed and size combination. His fluidity in routes and quick acceleration resembles that of a much smaller receiver. Coupled with his solid blocking skills, Arroyo has positioned himself as a potential fringe first-round pick and could even challenge Loveland for the title of tight end No. 2.

Arroyo's movement skills put him in elite company and are reminiscent of Kyle Pitts’ pre-draft profile from Florida. While Pitts hasn’t maintained his elite athleticism in the NFL, that shouldn’t reflect negatively on Arroyo, who has demonstrated he can be a significant impact player in the league despite facing setbacks like an ACL tear in 2022 and subsequent complications in 2023.

Jack Bech, WR, TCU

Many expected Savion Williams to be the standout receiver from TCU, but Jack Bech ultimately had a more impactful week. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Bech made a name for himself as a one-year wonder at TCU after transferring from LSU. Instead of appearing unpolished, Bech consistently found ways to create separation and win contested catches against strong competition.

Bech’s physical attributes and play style project well to the NFL, with a solid combination of size and quickness reminiscent of Cooper Kupp. While he may not excel in long-speed races, he effectively utilizes his body to sell routes and create space.

Bech was impressive after the catch as well, averaging 5.5 yards after each reception and forcing 17 missed tackles in 2024, along with winning 13 of 20 contested catches. This type of production indicates that Bech is a superior athlete and football player compared to his peers, even if he doesn't fit the mold of a typical player.

Previously seen as a late-round prospect heading into the Senior Bowl, Bech is now positioned much closer to a top-100 selection. Given the scarcity of talent in the receiver market, he capitalized on this opportunity brilliantly.

Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo

Darius Alexander delivered several jaw-dropping moments during the Senior Bowl. At 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, he was expected to dominate with his strength and some quickness as an interior rusher. 

However, he surprised everyone by showcasing speed, fluidity, and balance while competing as an edge player—something quite extraordinary for someone of his size.

Scouts are now revisiting Alexander’s potential and considering whether this fifth-year senior should be re-assessed in a highly competitive defensive tackle class. Historically recognized as an elite run defender at Toledo, Alexander's capacity to pressure quarterbacks may have been overlooked despite his impressive statistics. 

He recorded 83 pressures over the past two seasons, yet not many anticipated he could transition into a pass-rushing 3-4 end in the NFL.

Finding penetrating defensive tackles and adaptable 3-4 ends is challenging, so Alexander’s impressive performances could have a significant impact on his career trajectory. He could potentially be a Day 2 pick now, whereas he was previously viewed as an intriguing but older prospect before the Senior Bowl.

Upton Stout, CB, Western Kentucky

It's often easier to fall for shorter cornerbacks who possess the agility necessary to tackle challenging one-on-one matchups that heavily favor the offensive player. Typically, these shorter cornerbacks are pushed into slot roles and seldom make a significant impact, as they tend to function more as space fillers than as playmakers who generate turnovers and create big plays.

This year's class features strong contenders for slot defenders, and Upton Stout has emerged as one of the top prospects. Standing at just 5-foot-9 and weighing 182 pounds, Stout has proven himself capable as an outside cornerback. 

He logged many more reps than most of his peers, consistently positioning himself well as the ball approached, leading to difficult catches or incompletions.

His agility, competitive spirit, and composure in challenging situations are noteworthy. Stout's profile was compelling heading into the week since he played nearly 1,300 snaps as an outside corner and 455 as a slot defender over the past five years. 

Impressively, his missed tackle rate remained under 8.3% over the last two seasons, earning him recognition as a top-run defender for his position.

While Upton may not often be utilized as a boundary defender in the NFL, he can effectively match up against smaller, quicker receivers like Zay Flowers, Tank Dell, and Tez Johnson. His contributions to the run game set him apart for his position, making him a valuable asset as soon as he is drafted.