2025 Senior Bowl standouts: 7 potential Chiefs draft picks to watch

The 2025 NFL Draft draws nearer every passing day, and while Kansas City Chiefs fans are focused on a 3-peat in the Big Easy, the team's front office is already focused on the biggest offseason event.

This week marks a significant landmark in the draft process. The East-West Shrine Bowl is in the books while the Senior Bowl is now on deck as two of college football's premier all-star games. The events allow scouts and coaches to see key players up close to alter their evaluations after watching endless game tape.

The Chiefs have invested heavily in Senior Bowl players in the past. Some familiar faces include: Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Kareem Hunt, Jaylen Watson, Rashee Rice, and Drue Tranquil. Chances are some future Chiefs will be playing on Mobile this weekend.

Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami

As a fifth-year senior, Restrepo became Miami's go-to target for potential first-round pick Cam Ward. He's impressed at Senior Bowl practices all week. His fluid movement skills getting in and out of breaks and route running have him dominating one-on-ones. Likewise, his dense frame (5-11, 205 lbs.) makes him a threat after the catch as well. His long speed isn't a threat down the field and winning at the catch point isn't a strength, but this is a guy who just gets open and would be a great third or fourth option for any passing offense.

Grey Zable, IOL, North Dakota State

One of the biggest risers at the Senior Bowl has been another North Dakota State offensive lineman. A few years ago, it was Cody Mauch and now it's Grey Zable. Despite playing tackle at the FCS level, it looks like most teams will be looking at Zable inside in the NFL. He's been working on snapping the ball and at guard as well. Zable has a firm anchor that helps him in pass protection against a dominant interior defensive line group. As a former tackle, his movement skills are going to shine at the NFL Combine and translate nicely to an outside zone scheme.

Jayden Higgins / Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State

Both Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are flashing at the Senior Bowl for different reasons. Higgins, at 6-4 215 lbs., has shown separation skills, which was a concern for him coming in. His bigger frame could have him in a traditional "X" role in an offense or even a power slot. There are some long speed and release concerns against press coverage, but he's shown some growth in those areas this week.

For Noel, he's much smaller (5-11 190 lbs.) with a shifty frame but this helps him get in and out of breaks and is used as a multifaceted weapon. His speed is more short area burst rather than long speed but it still helps him make defenders miss and find soft spots in a zone. Noel can do lots of things in an offense and will be a riser over the process.

Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami

There's a clear-cut hierarchy at the TE position this year. After Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland, the field is wide open. Miami tight end Elijah Arroyo is entering the conversation for tight end number three. At 6-4 251 lbs., his movement skills are popping as a route runner and at the catch point. He battled injuries his first two seasons, but this year, he and Cam Ward hooked up for 590 yards and 7 touchdowns. Size-wise, he can be an adequate blocker to play in line or off the ball as well. With only one drop in 2024, he can be a reliable option for a passing offense.

Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State

Last year we loved Renardo Green from Florida State for his length and ability to play press coverage. Azareye'h Thomas brings lots of similar traits to the table. Thomas is a physical press corner with good fluidity and body control. He showcased his skills in the one-on-one drills which are naturally going to put the corner at a disadvantage. There are some ball tracking concerns for him and coverage and the long speed is average, but lots of his traits shadow that of former Chiefs corner Charvarius Ward.

Landon Jackson, ED, Arkansas

At 6-6 280 lbs., if there was ever a Steve Spagnuolo-esque edge rusher, it's Landon Jackson—a large and long edge rusher with powerful and heavy hands with excellent ability to set the edge. His ability to compress and create uneven levels, whether it comes from over the top of a tight end, as a base end or 4i playing in the B-gap, makes him a chess piece for a defensive coordinator. Ideally, he could play on the edge on early downs and move inside on pass rush downs, similar to what the Chiefs do with Mike Danna and Charles Omenihu. Jackson is a high-floor prospect who could develop into an every-down edge rusher with more pass-rush versatility and moves similar to George Karlaftis' growth.