Because the NFL turns its consideration to the pre-draft course of, an unlikely faculty soccer program is perhaps on the verge of manufacturing a breakout defensive star for the second 12 months in a row.
On Tuesday, Toledo defensive sort out Darius Alexander accepted his invite to the 2025 NFL Scouting Mix, scheduled for Feb. 24-March 3 in Indianapolis.
Per NFL.com, draft prospects will take part in drills over a four-day interval, with defensive linemen among the many first place teams at 3 p.m. EST on Feb. 27.
As ESPN faculty soccer insider Pete Thamel famous on social media, Alexander is “One other Toledo product rising quick within the draft.”
The Eagles drafted Mitchell at No. 22 general within the 2024 NFL Draft. He finished second within the Related Press Defensive Rookie of the Yr voting, rising as a lockdown nook and serving to Philadelphia win a second Lombardi Trophy.
Nevertheless it’s not simply Mitchell.
If chosen, Alexander would develop into the seventh Toledo defender to be drafted since 2017 and fifth previously 4 years. (h/t Stathead)
Rams defensive finish Desjuan Johnson had two sacks in 2024, together with the playoffs, whereas Colts cornerback Samuel Womack had two interceptions and 9 passes defended.
Bengals security Tycen Anderson has develop into one of many league’s greatest particular teamers, ending 2024 tied for the fifth-most particular groups tackles (10), per Pro Football Focus data.
Since 2017, the Rockets have been arguably the most effective Mid-American Convention (MAC) program, posting essentially the most wins amongst convention groups (63).
It is smart that NFL scouting departments could be interested in Toledo. The Rockets can have broader enchantment if Alexander has even half the affect as Mitchell.
Alexander has a steeper climb to make up the rankings of the highest prospects than his former Toledo teammate.
Last year, NFL Community draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah ranked Mitchell No. 19 in his preliminary high 50 2024 NFL Draft prospects, and he completed seven spots greater at No. 12 in his last evaluation.
Alexander was unranked in Jeremiah’s first 2025 top 50, however a powerful Senior Bowl has already made him a riser within the pre-draft course of.
Jeremiah praised his athleticism and size in Cell. Jeremiah wrote, “He has lengthy arms (34 inches) and is a rangy inside defensive lineman. His physique sort jogs my memory of Chiefs All-Professional DT Chris Jones.”
Early in 2024 towards UMass, Alexander snuffed out a Third-and-2 shovel cross, forcing a punt.
In a wild six-overtime 48-46 GameAbove Sports activities Bowl win over Pittsburgh, Alexander had arguably the play of the sport when he intercepted Pitt quarterback Julian Dugger and returned the ball 58 yards for a landing.
Toledo’s emergence as a fertile floor for NFL prospects reminds us that gamers do not want a standard powerhouse faculty to be seen.
Expertise speaks volumes. And Toledo has loads of it.
