The Reese’s Senior Bowl has just announced its watch list for the 2025 NFL Draft, showcasing an impressive 859 players from over 180 college programs.
This increase from last year’s 720 prospects is largely due to new NFL rules allowing underclassmen to join postseason all-star games.
Ole Miss stands out again as the top school, boasting 21 players on the list, followed closely by Texas A&M and Georgia with 20 each. Other notable programs include Alabama with 19 and Ohio State and LSU with 18.
The Senior Bowl, set to take place in Mobile, Alabama, on Feb. 1, 2025, will be broadcast live on NFL Network at 2:30 p.m. ET, making it a key event for evaluating future NFL talent. Here are three essential insights to consider regarding this year’s watch list.
1) Underclassmen Join the Watch List for the First Time
The inclusion of underclassmen in the Senior Bowl watch list has changed the way teams and players approach the draft process. While this year’s list features 81 underclassmen, which is under 10% of the total prospects, their presence is noteworthy.
Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy explained that recruiting these younger players can be tricky, especially since the decision to allow underclassmen into postseason games was announced late last year. This shift means that both teams and college programs need to adapt.
With talented players like wide receivers Tetairoa McMillan and Luther Burden III leading the charge on offense and standout defensive players like Mykel Williams and Harold Perkins, these underclassmen could change the dynamics of the draft.
The latest line indicates that many teams are focusing on adding young talent, but it’s important for them to foster sound relationships with college coaches to navigate this new landscape effectively. The challenge remains; as opportunities like NIL and recent eligibility rule changes influence decisions, the right balance between seasoned players and underclassmen must be struck.
2) Georgia’s Beck Emerges as a Top Contender for Quarterback Positions
The 2025 NFL Draft could offer a mix of quarterback talent, but it remains to be seen if this class can compare to the strong group from 2024, which saw six QBs selected in the first 12 picks. Currently, there are 47 quarterbacks on the watch list, including names like Carson Beck from Georgia, Quinn Ewers from Texas, and Shedeur Sanders from Colorado.
Beck, in particular, has gained attention and would have been a significant pick last year had he decided to declare. While established names dominate discussions, there are also exciting lesser-known talents, such as Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard, who have the potential to break onto the scene.
Over the coming months, the list of quarterbacks will narrow down, yet new prospects may emerge as the college season unfolds, making for an intriguing lead-up to the draft.
3) Running Backs, Tight Ends, and Cornerbacks Are Among the Strongest Positions
As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, it’s clear that certain positions are stronger than others based on this year’s Senior Bowl invites. Running backs, tight ends, and cornerbacks are shaping up to be the standout groups.
This is a significant shift from last year, where these positions lacked depth. Notably, the tight end and running back classes are expected to bring in a range of talent that could impact NFL teams immediately.
Cornerbacks are also emerging with promising skills, suggesting that teams in need of defensive help will have plenty of choices.
With a variety of standout players from college programs that are likely to make waves, teams should keep a close watch on these positions as the draft approaches.
