The Senior Bowl has changed since COVID and the change of NIL. Now, underclassmen can participate and practice in the game. Many look for players who can elevate themselves to first-round players or even day-two players. However, the week still provides time for sleepers to make an impression and move from undrafted free agents to higher-day three players.
After day one of the 2025 Senior Bowl, here are my sleepers who impressed from both squads. I used NFL Mock Draft Database to qualify if the players were projected to be drafted in the fourth round or later.
Underrated Players at the 2025 Senior Bowl
The National Team
Grey Zabel, OT – North Dakota State (Third-round Projection)
This is above the fourth-round grade requirement, but Grey Zabel was so good on day one that I had to include him. He was dominant in one-on-one drills and if he continues his dominance he could move up into the top two rounds.
Zabel has good feet and a mean streak to finish off blocks. He played at a lower competition in college, but we have seen lineman succeed in the NFL from that same situation. Zabel has over 2,700 snaps in college and only has given up four sacks in his career.
Aeneas Peebles, DT – Virginia Tech (Fifth-round Projection)
Aeneas Peebles wrecked havoc in team drills and in one-on-ones on the first day of the Senior Bowl. He constantly was able to beat blocks on run plays and also would have created pressure if there was contact. He is strong at the point of attack and has a nasty spin move that gives interior lineman problems. The last two years he has combined for 70 pressures and has over a 90 pass rush grade in each year per PFF.
Virginia Tech DI Aeneas Peebles has been very disruptive today pic.twitter.com/1Ej6ziGGsd
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) January 28, 2025
Anthony Belton, OT – NC State (Fifth-round Projection)
Anthony Belton really stood out to me in the one-on-one drills. He was able to use his hands effectively and not fall for any spin moves that would have left him off balance. He has over 2,200 snaps and only has allowed eight sacks. If he continues his strong play in the Senior Bowl, he could sneak into the second day of the NFL draft.
Jah Joyner, EDGE – Minnesota (Seventh-round Projection)
Jah Joyner was a constant disruptor off of the edge, and was a menace in both one-on-one drills and live practice reps. At Minnesota, Joyner finished with 16 sacks and has had at least 30 pressures in the last three years. Joyner definitely looks to be increasing his draft stock with his performance.
Another run play rep that Minnesota EDGE Jah Joyner blew up. He’s having a great practice on the first day of the #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/tmU9ouaWNh
— Thomas Christopher (@ThomasCP_NFL) January 28, 2025
The American Team
Marcus Yarns, RB – Delaware (UFDA)
I watched a lot of the running back drills during the American Team’s practice portion, and Marcus Yarns impressed me right away. He has quick feet and good balance.
Yarns comes from an FCS school, but he did not look overmatched in live drills. Yarns has good hands and made a nice catch and long gain coming out of the backfield during team drills. He is not an every down player, but he has a skillset that teams are looking for. In my interview with him, Yarns mentioned that he is looking to improve on pass protection, and that will be big for him catching team’s eyes.
Delaware RB Marcus Yarns showing some good route running in today’s practice. pic.twitter.com/cf8az7hRub
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) January 28, 2025
Seth Henigan, QB Memphis – UFDA
The quarterback group is star-studded for the American Roster. Seth Henigan is joined by Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, and Riley Leonard. Henigan was the most consistent on day one, and performed the best of this group overall, in my opinion.
Henigan shows good touch and is able to read the defense and get rid of the ball quickly. He will probably be drafted as a backup, but has the tools to where he could develop into a quality starter. He finished his career with over 14,000 passing yards and 100 touchdowns while at Memphis.
Brashard Smith, RB – SMU (Seventh-round Projection)
Brashard Smith played three years at Miami as a slot receiver before moving to running back at SMU in 2024. You can see his receiving skills from his time in the slot there in his performances. He is quick on cuts and has very good hands. Smith looked impressive in the one-on-one passing drills on the first day at the Senior Bowl. Also in team drills, Smith had a nice run getting to the outside and shows good instincts. It is his first year at playing running back, and with the success of Tyrone Tracy, he could develop into a quality back at the next level.
Brashard Smith another @seniorbowl riser.
A smooth pass catcher and added multiple eye opening runs. Showed burst and vision today. 📈📈
🎥 from @JFootballwine
— TheOGfantasyfootball (@TheOGfantasy) January 29, 2025
Smael Mondon Jr., LB – Georgia (Fourth-round Projection)
Smael Mondon Jr. looked good in one-on-one drills against the running backs. These drills give the edge to the running backs, yet he was able to under cut a couple routes and has good lateral movement. Mondon shows good speed and power in stopping the run. He took a step back in production in 2024 but has 160 tackles in his career at Georgia. The success of the Georgia linebackers may continue if Mondon can continue to impress this week.
Brandon Haye
Brandon grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and works as a health insurance data analyst. He has no children, but two fur babies - Squirt and Brownie. He and his wife, Katie, spend their time playing poker and enjoying time with their pups. Brandon is a huge Michigan Wolverine and Jacksonville Jaguars fan. He at one time was in 77 fantasy leagues and loves the game of football. Brandon started writing for The Leauge Winners in 2021.