The 2025 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Ole Miss EDGE Princely Umanmielen plans on taking full advantage. Umanmielen recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Umanmielen also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his pass-rush arsenal, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Umanmielen better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Princely Umanmielen: I was in the meeting room. We had an extra meeting late at night. The coaching staff broke the news to me. I was happy. I had actually received an invite last year as well before deciding to return to school. I had an even crazier reaction last year (laughs). I felt overwhelmed and totally thankful.
JM: You deserved invites two years in a row! What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Princely Umanmielen: That I’m the best overall pass rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft.
JM: How would Princely Umanmielen write his own scouting report? Self-scout yourself for us.
Princely Umanmielen: I’m a very athletic defender. I’m usually too athletic for offensive tackles to handle. I’m fast and play with terrific game speed. I believe I have great instincts for the game. I play with great finesse, but I can also be aggressive.
JM: You had a career-high 10.5 sacks this season. You were borderline unstoppable. How would you describe your pass-rush arsenal? What are your go-to moves and counters?
Princely Umanmielen: I would describe it as fast (laughs). I try to waste no time getting to the quarterback. They get the ball out fast, so I have to be even faster. One of my go-to moves is the speed chop. I can counter off of that with a spin.
I bet a lot of people think I go into a rep planning to spin. There’s probably only been one time ever where I actually planned to spin pre-snap. It’s actually done off instinct.
JM: You’re such an effective rusher on tape. Would you compare yourself to any rushers in the league? Anyone you enjoy studying and learning from?
Princely Umanmielen: I love learning. I watch a lot of film on T.J. Watt and Jonathan Greenard.
JM: Those are great rushers to learn from. The jersey swap is a big deal at the next, Princely. Anyone you’re looking forward to adding to your collection?
Princely Umanmielen: Man, I never even thought about that (laughs). Probably Myles Garrett or Saquon Barkley. Wait, scratch that. I need Lamar Jackson! I don’t know if I can get Lamar Jackson though (laughs). Will they give it to me? We’ll see (laughs).
JM: You might have to work for that one (laughs). This has been an amazing conversation. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Princely Umanmielen?
Princely Umanmielen: It means I went out there and gave it 100% effort. I’m excited to put my best foot forward. I have designs on being dominant, especially against the offensive tackles in one-on-one drills.
