Dillon Gabriel’s Senior Bowl Performance Sparks NFL Draft Buzz

MOBILE, Ala. — Dillon Gabriel, the NCAA career touchdowns record holder, turned heads at the Senior Bowl practice this week, not just for his on-field performance but for a unique helmet design that pays homage to his collegiate journey. Despite not breaking the NFL combine passing velocity record, Gabriel’s 74.9 mph throw sparked widespread discussion and over a million views online, as pundits debated its implications for his NFL draft prospects.

Gabriel, who has six years of college football experience, is set to play in the Reese's Senior Bowl on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Hancock Whitney Stadium. This game is a crucial showcase for college athletes to impress NFL scouts. Gabriel’s helmet will feature designs representing his time with the Oregon Ducks, UCF Knights, and Oklahoma Sooners, symbolizing his extensive and varied college career.

During his tenure at UCF, Gabriel appeared in 26 games, throwing 70 touchdowns and only 14 interceptions. He led the American Athletic Conference in passing yards and touchdowns in 2020. After transferring to Oklahoma, he continued to excel, leading the Big 12 in passing yards and touchdowns in 2023. His final season at Oregon was marked by an undefeated regular season and a Big Ten title, culminating in a third-place finish in Heisman voting.

Despite his age being a concern for some NFL teams, Gabriel’s performance at the Senior Bowl practices has been impressive, potentially boosting his draft stock. The NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 24, and Gabriel’s unique journey and recent showcase could make him a valuable pick for teams in need of a quarterback.