Niners Nation
We have a few options from the Senior Bowl at multiple positions
Senior Bowl week in Mobile concluded with an exciting finish in the final seconds of the game. A last-second touchdown won the game for the American team, but there were plenty of stars on both sides during the practices and the game. John Lynch and other 49ers executives were on hand for the practices, and there are plenty of potential targets for the team at many positions.
Here are some of the risers from Senior Bowl week.
OL Gary Zabel, North Dakota State
Zabel played tackle mostly at NDSU but took interior snaps all week in Mobile at center and guard. Zabel’s athleticism is a fit for Kyle Shanahan’s scheme with his ability to get to the second level on blocks. With the need for an upgrade at center, will the 49ers take a look at Zabel in the second round? The NDSU lineman dominated during drills but had issues during the game.
According to PFF’s big board, Zabel ranks 41st, but his performance in drills may have pushed him up on big boards everywhere. The 49ers own pick 43 and may have to maneuver up the board to secure Zabel.
WR Jack Bech, TCU
Choosing the Senior Bowl MVP isn’t going out on a limb, but Bech followed up his breakout campaign at TCU as the best receiver on the American team. With shades of Puka Nacua, Bech can make any catch at 6’1” and has the toughness to make catches over the middle of the field.
Bech scored the walk-off touchdown to win the Senior Bowl for the American squad, but another catch during the game turned heads and displayed Bech’s ball skills and ability to win.
DL Sai’vion Jones, LSU
During Jones’ time at LSU, he made a home as an EDGE rusher, but Jones was a menace on the interior Saturday. That flexibility will be enticing to the 49ers looking to reload their defensive line. Robert Saleh’s return would only further Jones’ progress in 2025.
At 6’5” and 285 pounds, Jones just might be what the doctor ordered for the 49ers. His array of pass-rushing moves were on full display Saturday as he dominated interior linemen all game.
EDGE Mike Green, Marshall
Following an FBS leading 17 sack season, Green did his best to silence concerns about his frame translating to the NFL. PFF’s number 11 player on their big board finished his season with a 91.4 pass-rush grade, 90.2 run defense grade, 90.9 pass-rush grade in true pass sets, and a 20.1% pass-rush win rate.
Green’s rep in practice was an instant highlight.
CB Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech
Strong came to Mobile following a season with a career-high in coverage snaps (409), a 75.0 coverage grade, and a 72.8 grade in man coverage. With seven forced incompletions, five coverage stops, and two interceptions, Strong put together quite the season in 2024.
One-on-one receiver vs DB drills tip the scales to the receiver, but...
