The 2025 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Clemson tight end Jake Briningstool plans on taking full advantage. Briningstool recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Briningstool also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his traits and abilities at tight end, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Briningstool 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?
Jake Briningstool: I was at the facility. I was extremely fired up when I learned about the invite. The Senior Bowl is something I’ve grown up watching. I always dreamed of being a part of it. I’m super excited to be playing a role this year.
JM: What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Jake Briningstool: I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. So many great players have come through that Senior Bowl program. Jim Nagy and his staff have a terrific reputation. Looking at it this year, there’s a ton of talent scheduled to be in Mobile. It’s a great opportunity for me to showcase what I can do while being around other good players.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Jake Briningstool: All 32 teams are going to be in attendance. It’s a good opportunity for me to display my character. Firstly, that’s about how I carry myself as a person day in, day out. Secondly, I’m ready to display my ability on the field.
I think I have a unique skill set. I’m ready to put that on full display. That’s how I can make the most of my time in Mobile.
JM: How would Jake Briningstool write his own scouting report? Self-scout yourself for us. You just mentioned having a unique skill set.
Jake Briningstool: I think I’m a well-rounded tight end. I think I can play inside the box as well as flexed out into the slot role. Some of my strengths include route-running. I create separation at the top of my routes.
I have great hands as a safety blanket for the quarterback in the passing game. I also do a great job blocking in space, creating running lanes for wide receivers and running backs in space outside.
JM: Is there an area of your game you feel you have untapped potential in? Something you’re excited to show more of in Mobile?
Jake Briningstool: I think my tape is a little limited in regards to what I can do in space with the ball in my hands. I’m excited to get that opportunity at the Senior Bowl, to get the ball in my hands and create yards for myself.
JM: Would you compare yourself to any tight ends in the league? Anyone you enjoy studying and learning from?
Jake Briningstool: Every time I watch football, I’m watching the tight end position. It’s a super unique position. I wouldn’t compare myself to them, but I enjoy watching and learning from someone like Kyle Pitts, even going back to his days at Florida. He was able to achieve so much in college.
Another guy I love studying is Sam LaPorta with the Detroit Lions. He’s had a really good few years in the league so far. I love learning from those guys and seeing what works for them. Their skill sets have translated really nicely from college to the NFL.
JM: The jersey swap is a big deal at the next level, Jake. Anyone that catches your eye?
Jake Briningstool: Yeah, for sure. My boy Will Shipley from the Philadelphia Eagles. That’s one of my best friends from Clemson. It will be a wild moment whenever we play against each other and get to swap jerseys. That’s who I’m most looking forward to.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Jake Briningstool?
Jake Briningstool: It means I made the most of the opportunities I get in Mobile. Whatever comes my way, I want to maximize that. I’m not putting any expectations on myself or limiting what God can do in my life. I just want to go out there and make the most of my opportunities.
It’s going to be a good week. I’m going to be around a lot of great players. I’m ready to showcase my abilities and my character, how I carry myself off the field.
