Senior Bowl Standouts: Resilient WR and Offensive Playmakers Who Fit the Ravens’ 2025 Draft Needs

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One of the biggest stock risers of the Senior Bowl, Grey Zabel came into the week as a solid mid-round prospect but may have played his way into late first-round or early second-round consideration.

At 6-foot-6 and 312 pounds, Zabel has the size, athleticism, and technical skill to be a high-level interior offensive lineman in the NFL. Though he played left tackle at North Dakota State, his future in the league is likely on the interior, where his quickness and strength in close-quarters combat make him a natural fit. His ability to play all three interior positions was on full display in Mobile, where he rotated between left guard, right guard, and center during practice sessions.

Zabel’s strongest attributes include:

  • Hand placement and grip strength – He routinely locked out defenders and controlled their movements.
  • Anchor and pass protection – He displayed the ability to mirror defenders while maintaining a solid base.
  • Run-blocking prowess – He executed pulls and screens effectively, showing good mobility for his size.

In the Senior Bowl game, Zabel started at right guard and was dominant in pass protection, holding up well against some of the top defensive tackles in the draft class. Though the Ravens are set at center with two-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum, Patrick Mekari’s pending free agency and Daniel Faalele entering the final year of his rookie contract could make Zabel a logical pick. If he’s available late in Round 1 or early in Round 2, Baltimore could see him as a future starter and valuable depth piece.


Jack Bech (WR, TCU) – The Tough, Reliable Playmaker with a Powerful Story

One of the most inspirational stories of the 2025 Senior Bowl belonged to Jack Bech, a tough, sure-handed receiver from TCU who played the game with a heavy heart. His older brother, Tiger Bech, was tragically killed in an act of domestic terrorism in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. To honor his brother, Bech played with unwavering determination, wearing a decal on his helmet and putting together one of the most dominant performances of the week.

Bech’s skill set is one that translates seamlessly to the NFL:

  • Strong hands and concentration – He made several contested catches in traffic.
  • Polished route-running – He created separation against defensive backs all week.
  • Physicality as a blocker – He excelled in the run game, a trait the Ravens value.

In the Senior Bowl game, Bech delivered a MVP-worthy performance, finishing with:

  • 6 receptions
  • 68 receiving yards
  • 1 game-winning touchdown

His biggest moments included:

  • A tough catch over the middle on the first drive for a key first down.
  • A deep contested grab off a flea flicker.
  • Three critical receptions on the final drive, including a walk-off touchdown.

Bech entered the Senior Bowl as a Day 3 projection, but after this performance, he might have vaulted himself into Day 2 consideration (Rounds 2-3). The Ravens, who need a reliable third receiver behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, could see Bech as a long-term slot weapon or outside possession receiver.


Clay Webb (IOL, Jacksonville State) – Mean Streak in the Trenches

If Baltimore wants to add a nasty, physical lineman to their offensive front, Clay Webb from Jacksonville State might be a sleeper worth considering. The former University of Georgia transfer plays with a relentless motor, earning a reputation as a road-grading run blocker.

At the Senior Bowl:

  • Webb showcased a powerful anchor, handling bull rushers effectively.
  • He flashed dominance in 1-on-1 drills, particularly in run-blocking scenarios.
  • He showed versatility, lining up at both guard spots.

However, Webb had an up-and-down performance in the Senior Bowl game:

  • Positive moments: A great pull block on a six-yard gain and solid reps against elite competition.
  • Struggles: Allowed a sack and was flagged for a false start late in the fourth quarter.

Overall, Webb could be a Day 3 depth pick who brings intensity and toughness to Baltimore’s offensive line.


Jayden Higgins (WR, Iowa State) – The Big-Bodied Red-Zone Target

At 6-foot-4 and 217 pounds, Jayden Higgins brings a physical presence that Baltimore’s receiving corps currently lacks. The Ravens have plenty of speed and shiftiness in Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, but they need a true “X” receiver who can dominate at the catch point.

Higgins’ strengths include:

  • Contested-catch ability – He thrives in jump-ball situations.
  • Surprising route-running polish – Despite his size, he can separate with smooth footwork.
  • Red-zone dominance – He has a knack for winning inside the 20-yard line.

In the Senior Bowl game, Higgins showed exactly why teams are intrigued by him:

  • Early first down on a crossing route.
  • Contested touchdown on a trick play.
  • Flashed separation ability despite his large frame.

With 87 catches, 1,183 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns in 2024, Higgins was one of the most productive big-bodied receivers in college football. Given the lack of true X receivers in this draft class, Higgins could be a second-round target for the Ravens if they want to add size to their receiving corps.


Final Thoughts: Strengthening Baltimore’s Offense for 2025 and Beyond

The Ravens’ 2025 draft strategy should focus on reinforcing the trenches and adding reliable receiving weapons for Lamar Jackson. The Senior Bowl provided a valuable glimpse at multiple NFL-ready prospects, and Baltimore could benefit from targeting Zabel, Bech, Webb, or Higgins in the upcoming draft.

With key free agents departing and the Ravens looking to take their offense to the next level, these Senior Bowl standouts could be the missing pieces to Baltimore’s Super Bowl aspirations.

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