This MAC football program is becoming an unexpected NFL hotbed

Per NFL.com, draft prospects will participate in drills over a four-day period, with defensive linemen among the first position groups at 3 p.m. EST on Feb. 27.

As ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel noted on social media, Alexander is “Another Toledo product rising fast in the draft.”

The Eagles drafted Mitchell at No. 22 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He finished second in the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, emerging as a lockdown corner and helping Philadelphia win a second Lombardi Trophy.

But it’s not just Mitchell.

If selected, Alexander would become the seventh Toledo defender to be drafted since 2017 and fifth in the past four years. (h/t Stathead)

Rams defensive end Desjuan Johnson had two sacks in 2024, including the playoffs, while Colts cornerback Samuel Womack had two interceptions and nine passes defended.

Bengals safety Tycen Anderson has become one of the league’s best special teamers, ending 2024 tied for the fifth-most special teams tackles (10), per Pro Football Focus data.

Since 2017, the Rockets have been arguably the best Mid-American Conference (MAC) program, posting the most wins among conference teams (63).

It makes sense that NFL scouting departments would be attracted to Toledo. The Rockets will have broader appeal if Alexander has even half the impact as Mitchell.

Alexander has a steeper climb to make up the rankings of the top prospects than his former Toledo teammate.

Last year, NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah ranked Mitchell No. 19 in his initial top 50 2024 NFL Draft prospects, and he finished seven spots higher at No. 12 in his final analysis.

Alexander was unranked in Jeremiah’s first 2025 top 50, but an impressive Senior Bowl has already made him a riser in the pre-draft process.

Jeremiah praised his athleticism and size in Mobile. Jeremiah wrote, “He has long arms (34 inches) and is a rangy interior defensive lineman. His body type reminds me of Chiefs All-Pro DT Chris Jones.”

Early in 2024 against UMass, Alexander snuffed out a 3rd-and-2 shovel pass, forcing a punt.

In a wild six-overtime 48-46 GameAbove Sports Bowl win over Pittsburgh, Alexander had arguably the play of the game when he intercepted Pitt quarterback Julian Dugger and returned the ball 58 yards for a touchdown.

Toledo’s emergence as a fertile ground for NFL prospects reminds us that players don’t need a traditional powerhouse college to be noticed.

Talent speaks volumes. And Toledo has plenty of it.