This week has been a momentous opportunity for 2026 NFL Draft prospects who are trying to improve their draft stock at the Senior Bowl. The three days of practice that come before the game are the best opportunity for prospects to prove that they are top prospects for this year’s draft class. NFL prospects, this week has been an extended job interview, allowing NFL scouts and teams to evaluate them in a controlled environment. On the other hand, for every player who can raise their draft stock, there are players like Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia who can drop their draft stock through these direct evaluations. However, several prospects have given their draft stock a big boost at the Senior Bowl.
TCU safety Bud Clark
During the Senior Bowl practices this week, TCU safety Bud Clark has become a breakout star. Clark has earned the nickname “Ball Magnet” due to his ability to produce turnovers, including a one-handed interception on Wednesday and a leaping sideline interception on Thursday. In addition, Clark’s versatility has impressed coaches and scouts, as he can play deep safety, nickel, and as a downhill defender in the box. Along with his performance in team drills, Clark has been impressive in one-on-one drills against some of the best players in the country. After this week, Clark will leave the Senior Bowl as a top-five safety for the 2026 NFL draft.
Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis
University of Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis has been impressive at the Senior Bowl, and he has been named the National Linebacker of the Week, beating out several other prospects. During one-on-one and team drills, Louis has demonstrated elite pass coverage skills, with great instincts and multiple interceptions. Louis’s ability to make plays in space has led many experts to view him as an elite safety prospect rather than a traditional linebacker. Despite being undersized as a linebacker, Louis has shown he is an aggressive downhill defender who delivers big hits with bad intentions.
Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr.
During the 2025 college football season, Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. was a breakout player for the Razorbacks. During Senior Bowl practices, he has shown he is a top-tier running back prospect. This week, Washington has impressed scouts with his elite speed and his ability to accelerate instantly. In addition, Washington has shown he is capable of being a three-down back, with his combination of running, receiving, and pass-protection skills during the week. With a frame of a little over 6’0″ and 228 pounds, he has shown the ability to run through contact and dismantle defensive players like a human bowling ball.
North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton
North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton has elevated his value from a sleeper prospect in the 2026 NFL draft class to a very intriguing project quarterback. During the week, Payton has shown he has one of the most powerful arms, and many have said his left arm is like a cannon, along with his ability to put velocity on the ball effortlessly. Early in the week, Payton impressed scouts with his ability to connect on deep passes. Still, he also demonstrated the capacity to make poor decisions while throwing into tight passing windows. In addition, Payton has stood out with his 6’3″ and 233-pound build, which has led scouts to believe that he can be an effective running threat in the NFL.
Miami center James Brockermeyer
While Miami Hurricanes center James Brockermeyer has faced criticism for being undersized with his 6’3″, 297-pound build, he has made up for his lack of size by being one of the most technically sound linemen at the Senior Bowl. Brockermeyer’s outstanding performances during one-on-one drills have significantly raised his draft stock, with his ability to use his hands effectively, along with a balanced base and strong hands. In addition, Brockermeyer demonstrated the ability to shut down physically superior defensive line prospects, including fending off bull rush attempts. During the week, Brockermeyer impressed scouts with his core strength and impressive footwork.
Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker
Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker has re-established himself as a first-round draft prospect despite his drop in sack production from 2024 to 2025 at Clemson. Parker has effectively used his “long-arm” technique to consistently generate a pass rush against offensive tackles in practices this week. In addition, Parker has shown a refined toolbox as a pass rusher, with speed moves and counter moves, along with an impressive ability to use power consistently to defeat blockers. To go along with his impressive week as a pass rusher, Parker has demonstrated the ability to set an edge in the run game and to defeat double teams on the line of scrimmage.
Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter
Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter has built a reputation for having a huge frame and the ability stop opposing run games. Hunter’s frame, with a height of over 6’3″ and a weight of 320 pounds, Scouts expected Hunter to be a prospect who is hard to block. However, in addition to his impressive size, Hunter has demonstrated elite athleticism. During the week, Hunter has surprised opposing line prospects with his explosive movements out of his stance, his ability to destroy double teams, and his speed in closing on opposing quarterbacks. Hunter is leaving the Senior Bowl with expectations as a high-floor run stuffer with untapped potential as a pass rusher.
Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks
Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks came into the Senior Bowl carrying a shroud of doubt by NFL scouts due to his injury-plagued 2025 college football season. But during this week of practice, Banks has shown that he is a legitimate first-round contender. Banks showed some rust early in the week, but by Wednesday, NFL scouts described him as being unblockable. As part of his performance, Banks impressed scouts with his heavy hands, ability to beat blockers with his speed, and consistently dominant play. Banks’ massive 6’6, 335-pound frame has scouts identifying him as a lineman who can play effectively anywhere along the interior defensive line in the NFL.
John Carroll wide receiver Tyren Montgomery
John Carroll University wide receiver Tyren Montgomery came into the Senior Bowl as the undisputed Cinderella prospect in the 2026 NFL draft pool of prospects. Montgomery was a walk-on on the LSU basketball team and did not play football in high school. However, after transferring to NCAA Division 3 John Caroll, he put up eye-popping stats in 2025 after playing competitive flag football for three years. During the season, Montgomery caught 119 passes for 1.528 yards and 15 touchdowns. This week, Montgomery has impressed scouts with his basketball-like releases while running routes, and he has made big plays against some of the best defensive players in the country. Due to his smooth movements, Montgomery is drawing comparisons to Puka Nacua and Terry McLaurin.
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