The 2025 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Alabama tight end CJ Dippre plans on taking full advantage. Dippre recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Dippre also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his versatility as a pass-catcher and run blocker, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Dippre better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
Question: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
CJ Dippre: I was driving home to Birmingham from Tuscaloosa. I was coming back home. I found out about my Senior Bowl invite during Christmas break. It was awesome to hear that. The Reese’s Senior Bowl is one of the biggest pre-draft events, especially for us seniors.
The Senior Bowl is in Mobile and I played college football at Alabama. It’s just special. Playing in the state I finished my college career at, it doesn’t get any better than that. It’s awesome.
Question: That’s truly special. What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
CJ Dippre: I’m obviously looking forward to showcasing my skill set more than I have at Alabama over the past two seasons. I think there’s some untapped potential with my game. I’m also looking forward to competing with some of the top seniors in the country.
A lot of prospects who are going to be highly drafted will be participating. It’s a great chance for me to further establish myself and make new connections. I’m excited to get down there and figure it all out.
Question: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
CJ Dippre: I want to prove that I have a skill set that hasn’t really been showcased to its full capabilities. I’ve been known for my blocking ability in the run game and in pass protection. I didn’t give up many tackles or sacks. I’m definitely going to show everyone that I’m the real deal as a blocker.
I also want to highlight the pass-catching side of it. I want to prove that I am athletic and versatile. I can do a little bit of everything.
Question: Do you feel like you’re one of the better in-line blockers in this class? It sounds like you want to show the route-running side of it, too.
CJ Dippre: Yeah, I really do. 100% I am a great blocker. I love running all routes in the route tree, too. I’m a bigger-bodied guy, so I really appreciate the ones [routes] over the middle. I can make those tough catches in the areas receivers don’t always appreciate being placed in.
That five-to-15-yard range, anything over the middle, those stick routes, I love those. I give you an opportunity to get a big guy the ball in space. I’m not going to take a big hit over the middle, because I can absorb those. You see the truly great tight ends in the NFL thrive in those spots.
Question: Because you have that versatility, which tight ends would you compare yourself to at the next level?
CJ Dippre TE Alabama: I’d probably say George Kittle. He’s an outstanding blocker and pass catcher. He does everything so well. That’s how well-rounded I want to be. I have that same tenacity as a run blocker.
Kittle is obviously awesome when he gets opportunities to have the ball in his hands. I haven’t had the most opportunities to emulate that, but I know I can do it. I’m excited to show that I can do that.
Question: We’re excited to see you down in Mobile. Now that you’ve had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Maryland to Alabama?
CJ Dippre: It was definitely a great decision for me. I stayed close with a lot of people at Maryland, even some of the coaches and weight room staff. We talk quite frequently. Alabama gave me an opportunity to play in the SEC. This past season was inconsistent, not just for Alabama, but really everyone in the SEC.
We played against some amazing teams in some incredible environments, rivalry games, and things of that nature. Alabama helped me experience college football at the highest level. We played in big-game situations.
Question: Fun question before we let you go. What’s on CJ Dippre’s pre-game playlist?
CJ Dippre: There’s a lot of variety on there. I have some Rock & Roll, a little rap. I even have some country music on there. I have to keep my mind in the right place, but I also like to feel at ease. I don’t like tensing up, nor do I need music to feel extremely locked in.
I know that what I do Monday through Friday has me ready to play on Saturday. I’m comfortable with my preparation. That makes it easier for me to ensure I don’t feel super tense going into a game.
Question: Are there any NFL players you’re looking forward to swapping jerseys with at the next level?
CJ Dippre: There’s definitely a lot of them. I don’t know where I’ll end up getting drafted and what kind of opportunities I’ll have to do all of those great things. We’ll see where I end up. I grew up a big Pittsburgh Steelers fan. It’d be cool to swap jerseys with one of their top guys.
All of my Alabama buddies, my Maryland buddies, they’re definitely on my list as well. I can’t wait to play against those guys.
Question: This has been awesome. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for CJ Dippre?
CJ Dippre: A successful Senior Bowl means I stayed healthy. It means I did what I had to know, what I know I’m capable of doing. I’m excited to showcase my ability. I’m looking forward to practice. Those reps will give me an opportunity to flash my dual-threat skill set. That’s the mindset I’m going in with.
