Senior Bowl week is nearly here, with events kicking off on Monday in Mobile, Alabama.
The Senior Bowl serves as the official start of the NFL Draft process, offering participating players a golden opportunity to boost their draft stock—or risk seeing it dip after a poor showing. The competition is fierce, as many players in Mobile are fighting to catch the eye of scouts and ensure they hear their names called on draft day.
This year, five players from Alabama’s 2024 football team will participate in the Senior Bowl: quarterback Jalen Milroe, defensive back Malachi Moore, tight end CJ Dippre, punter James Burnip, and defensive lineman Tim Smith. All five athletes have something to prove, but none will be under the microscope more than Milroe.
Quarterback is always the most scrutinized position, and Milroe has been one of the most polarizing players in the country over the past two seasons. He enters the draft process as one of the most divisive prospects in recent memory. While some analysts see him as a mid-round pick, others believe he has the potential to be a franchise quarterback worth a high draft selection. Mock drafts reflect this uncertainty, with Milroe projected as high as No. 2 overall in some cases, while others have him falling out of the first round entirely.
The Senior Bowl will give Milroe his first chance to showcase his abilities in a pro-style offense. He’ll need to demonstrate his capacity to read defenses, make anticipatory throws, and prove he can handle the nuances of an NFL system. Scouts are already aware of his elite athleticism, but the big question remains: can he do the little things necessary to succeed at the next level?
Meanwhile, Malachi Moore’s participation is uncertain as he recovers from surgery in December that caused him to miss Alabama’s ReliaQuest Bowl game. Although Moore may not take part in the physical aspects of the Senior Bowl, his presence in Mobile will provide invaluable face-to-face interview opportunities with scouts. The two-time captain’s leadership qualities and football IQ will undoubtedly make an impression.
Tight end CJ Dippre enters the Senior Bowl with hopes of making his mark after limited opportunities in Alabama’s passing game. He has the size and athletic profile NFL teams covet and will aim to showcase his skills during practices and the game.
Punter James Burnip, one of the top specialists in this draft class, averaged an impressive 45.4 yards per punt in his senior season. Though punters are rarely drafted, Burnip’s consistency and power could make him a late-round selection.
Finally, defensive lineman Tim Smith was a late addition to the Senior Bowl roster. A dependable rotational piece during his five years at Alabama, Smith will look to prove he can bring the same reliability to an NFL defensive line.
Senior Bowl practices begin on Monday, culminating in the game on Saturday, February 1st, at 12:30 PM CT. For these five Crimson Tide players, the road to the NFL starts now.