Top 2025 NFL Draft tight ends at Senior Bowl rising quickly after wildly impressive first day of practices
The first day of practices at the 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl are in the books and out of all the position groups the tight ends seemed to flash the most. Whether it was making wildly impressive plays in the receiving game, or dominating the blocking on the edges, the 2025 NFL Draft class looks stacked […]
The first day of practices at the 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl are in the books and out of all the position groups the tight ends seemed to flash the most. Whether it was making wildly impressive plays in the receiving game, or dominating the blocking on the edges, the 2025 NFL Draft class looks stacked at tight end.
As the Senior Bowl practices opened up, all eyes were on the record setting Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr., but four other tight end prospects stole the show on day one of action here in Mobile, Alabama.
Elijah Arroyo, TE Miami (FL)
Nobody had a better day at the Senior Bowl than Elijah Arroyo. From the first snap of the day to the last, Arroyo was showing off his speed, strength, and versatility as he embarrassed a number of opposing defenders. At 6'4", 251 pounds he could blow by defensive backs, win off the line with ease, and then finish like you can see in my post below.
Had Elijah Arroyo hauled in one of his lone true deep ball opportunities in 11-on-11 action his draft stock would have skyrocketed. Unfortunately the defender just barely tipped the ball right as it was arriving, stealing what would have been the play of the day away from him.
If Arroyo strings another day or two together of practices together like he did on day one he could rise into early round two conversations. He may have already pushed himself into the TE3 spot in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Mason Taylor, TE LSU
Mason Taylor, son of Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor, also had a phenomenal first day. He showed off his sure hands on the short to intermediate routes all day, demonstrating his willingness and ability to win in a variety of ways both as a receiver and blocker. But then he made the play of the day with a juggling catch on a ball from Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.
I caught up with Taylor after practice and we talked a bit about what makes him special:
"Taking pride in doing everything for the team. It's much bigger than yourself. So, doing everything in the run game, pass protection, and running routes too. Doing it all. Why would you not want to be a tight end?"
Taylor just clearly has a special passion for the game, the position, and excelling in every facet. He should continue to rise throughout Senior Bowl week.
Multiple highly touted NFL Draft prospects struggled and face a tough uphill climb after day one of 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl
Not everyone had a great day at practice
Terrance Ferguson, TE Oregon
Terrance Ferguson quietly put up over 1000 receiving yards and nine touchdowns over the last two seasons for the Oregon Ducks, but he's finally getting the recognition he deserves at the Senior Bowl. His first day was all smooth, consistent performance. Somehow, despite not looking all that fast, Ferguson just found himself open quite often in one-on-ones.
Ferguson demonstrated a sound understanding of leverage in both the run and pass games that put him in the right place to make a play and shut down opposing defenders when engaged in blocking. If he does this again he may start getting some real mid-round buzz near round three or four from draft analysts.
Jake Briningstool, TE Clemson
Jake Briningstool was a huge part of Clemson's offensive explosion in 2024, so it's no surprise he earned himself a spot at the Senior Bowl. While he didn't have any jaw-dropping plays the first day of practices he did showcase his fluidity and speed against all types of defenders.
I met with him after practice and learned much more about his process, who he looks up to, studies, and which fellow tight ends he's training with during 2025 NFL Draft season:
Briningstool loves to learn from George Kittle, Brock Bowers, and is pushing hard in training alongside Oronde Gadsden and Patrick Herbert this spring. As offenses likely open up the vertical game in day two Briningstool should continue to shine.
Multiple NFL Draft prospects stole the show in Mobile and stood out as winners of day one at the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl
Day one of practice at the 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl is officially in the books. Multiple top 2025 NFL Draft prospects took center stage as members from all 32 teams watched on. Our team at A to Z Sports has boots on the ground in Mobile, Alabama. After watching the practice four players stood out […]
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