The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl concluded with its All-Star game on Sunday. Prior to the game, the National Team and American Team held six competitive practices. Standout players included Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore and TCU safety Bud Clark.
The 2026 NFL Draft took shape throughout the premier pre-draft event. Information was plentiful. We've identified five major takeaways from this year's Senior Bowl.
Deep EDGE class
The EDGE class dominated the conversation heading into Mobile. They did not disappoint. The EDGE crop collectively increased their pre-draft stock, underscoring that the 2026 NFL Draft will provide an excellent opportunity for teams looking to draft a pass rusher.
Michigan's Moore was an aforementioned standout. Texas Tech's Romello Height and Missouri's Zion Young also rushed the passer with consistency. There were some late dropouts at this position, but the overall group still displayed why they are the deepest position in the draft.
Undervalued WRs
The wide receiver group looked questionable on paper. They ended up arguably being the most surprising position in Mobile. A handful of wideouts improved their pre-draft stock through consistent performances at practice.
Georgia State's Ted Hurst firmly entered the day-two conversation by quieting the small-school narratives. Notre Dame's Malachi Fields was the best receiver in attendance. The most heartwarming story was written by John Carroll wide receiver Tyren Montgomery, as the D-III prospect put together some nice moments at practice. Josh Cameron and Reggie Virgil also made lasting impacts.
RB Group
It's difficult for running backs to make consistent impacts at the Senior Bowl. Pass catching and pass rushing drills tend to attract all of the attention. Despite that, a handful of ball-carriers managed to impress NFL scouts.
Oklahoma's Jaydn Ott rushed for 42 yards and a touchdown to help the American Team win the All-Star game. Arkansas' Mike Washington Jr. was stellar in pass protection at practice. Washington and Ott are jockeying for draft position at running back.
First-Round Prospects?
After a string of late de-commits, it was unclear who the first-round prospects in Mobile would be. As per usual, the practices reveal all. A pair of defensive talents in attendance performed like future first-round picks.
Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks was a game-wrecker when at his best. Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood was an excellent performer in coverage despite those drills being skewed to benefit the offense. Banks and Hood are top-32 prospects in this class.
Don’t Sleep on the TEs
The tight ends entered the Senior Bowl as a mystery. Several standouts eventually emerged. This TE class possesses size and pass-catching prowess in abundance.
Texas A&M's Nate Boerkircher never topped 200 receiving yards in five seasons of college football. Despite that, Boerkircher was an effective route runner and pass catcher, displaying untapped potential. Houston's Tanner Koziol and Syracuse's Dan Villari also uncovered and made plays in the red zone.