The 2025 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Maryland safety Dante Trader Jr. plans on taking full advantage. Trader Jr. recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Trader Jr. also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his positional versatility in the defensive backfield, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Trader Jr. 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?
Dante Trader Jr.: It wasn’t your typical moment (laughs). I think one of our analysts just walked up and told me (laughs). I was like damn, it hit me hard. I knew I was in the running for an invite. I was on the preseason watchlist.
I knew if I did everything I needed to do this season, I’d get a Senior Bowl invite. I kinda froze when I got the news. I was like damn, everything I wanted to do this season, I did them. That was my reaction.
JM: It sounds like you had a moment of reflection. What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Dante Trader Jr.: It was a no-brainer. I watch the Senior Bowl every year. I watch it on TV, I see all the clips on social media. It’s the most prestigious bowl game for seniors who declare for the NFL draft.
I just wanted to put myself in a position to compete against the best prospects in the nation. It’s all about showcasing my abilities.
JM: What specifically are you looking to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Dante Trader Jr.: I want to display my versatility. I want to show off some abilities the scouts don’t know I have. Every team has their own scheme and you have to fit that scheme. Luckily for me, I’ve played in multiple systems. I want to showcase a little bit of everything, but mainly my versatility and my ability to organize a defense. I want my football IQ to shine through.
JM: Building on that, how would you describe your scouting report? Talk to me about your abilities and traits, the things that allow you to be versatile and organize a defense. You’re versatile on tape, you played man and zone. Self-scout for us.
Dante Trader Jr.: I’m definitely versatile. I’ve had a lot of great teammates over the years. That’s how I first got on the field. It started during my freshman season. They started me at free safety because I was a little lighter [weight].
I had trouble just learning one side [free safety] though. I don’t like limiting myself. That’s when I started learning boundary corner, nickel, and how to play inside the box. Certain opponents like Minnesota and Wisconsin motivated me to get bigger so I could play inside the box more effectively.
I learned how to play multiple positions. Each position demands a different skill set. That’s what made me a versatile defensive back.
JM: So you plan on playing multiple positions in Mobile, and at the next level?
Dante Trader Jr.: I’m not really going in with any expectations. Whatever position I fit best, that’s where I’m going to play. I just want to help the team. I’ll play wherever they line me up in Mobile, boundary corner, free safety, even “STAR,” where I had limited reps at Maryland.
I typically played boundary corner or free safety, but I played a little nickel towards the end of the season. I had fun fitting the run, blitzing, and playing zone coverage.
JM: Would you compare yourself to any defensive backs in the game right now? Anyone you enjoy studying and learning from?
Dante Trader Jr.: I wouldn’t say I compare myself, but I had to compare my style of play, I would say Budda Baker. Every defensive back is different. Budda is very explosive. I’d like to say I at least have a similar style of play, but I can’t say I’m Budda Baker. I go all out and lay it all on the line. I’m willing to do whatever it takes for my team.
JM: What does Dante Trader Jr.’s pregame playlist look like?
Dante Trader Jr.: I mix it up. When I’m on the bus or in the locker room, I listen to some Wale or Lil’ Baby. When we get closer to game time and wanna calm my nerves down, I start listening to a little gospel. It’s two extremes (laughs).
JM: This has been a lot of fun. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Dante Trader Jr.?
Dante Trader Jr.: It means I dominated every day. I’m going to put my best foot forward. There’s going to be a lot of elite talent in Mobile. I’m excited to compete. I don’t wanna put any bad reps on tape in front of the scouts.
That would be a successful Senior Bowl for me. Having the ability to even attend this year’s event is special to me. I’m thankful for this opportunity to compete.
