Senior Bowl Practice Standouts
The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl week has come to a close. Below are the standout performers from the week of practices. These are the players who either raised their draft stock or solidified their projections through strong, consistent performances against top tier competition.
Zion Young — Defensive End, Missouri
Young showcased his versatility and athleticism, consistently generating pressure whether lined up with his hand in the dirt or standing up as an edge rusher. His ability to disrupt opposing tackles throughout the week may have cemented his status as one of the top pass rushers in this draft class.
Mike Washington Jr. — Running Back, Arkansas
One of only five SEC backs to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in the 2025 season, Washington displayed a powerful blend of size, speed, and physicality. At 6’1”, 220 pounds, he also showed soft hands out of the backfield, making him a well rounded option NFL teams will value.
Caleb Banks — Defensive Line, Florida
Banks was a steady and physical presence in the middle of the defensive line, holding his own against comparable competition. Even when reps didn’t initially go his way, his ability to recover and compete through the whistle stood out, giving him a legitimate path to early NFL contribution.
Lee Hunter jogging to the next position drill during Senior Bowl practice in Mobile, AL
Chris McClellan — Defensive Line, Missouri
McClellan emerged as a surprise standout, consistently flashing strength and interior disruption throughout the week. After recording 48 total tackles and six sacks in 2025, he reinforced that he can collapse pockets and bring value to an NFL defensive line rotation.
Jeremiah Wright — Offensive Line, Auburn
Wright played with an edge. He is aggressive, physical, and nasty in the best way possible. His one on one rep against LT Overton forced evaluators to reevaluate his ceiling, and his power as a run blocker positions him to further elevate his stock at the Combine and Pro Day.
Tyren Montgomery — Wide Receiver, John Carroll
Montgomery put together a solid week, with Tuesday and Wednesday standing out as his strongest days. Coming off a 119 catch, 1,500 yard season, the 6’1” receiver showed good hands and decent route running, placing himself firmly on NFL radars.
Lee Hunter — Defensive Line, Texas Tech
National Team head coach Clint Hurtt stated that Hunter has “every tool” to succeed, and it showed on the practice field. Hunter consistently played on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage and was the most dominant interior defensive lineman throughout the week.
Photo by Vasha Hunt - Imagn Images
Tyren Montgomery (7) catches a pass during Senior Bowl practices and evades defenders.
Sawyer Robertson — Quarterback, Baylor
Robertson was the most consistent quarterback during Senior Bowl practices, showing poise, touch, and command of the offense. After throwing for nearly 3,700 yards with 31 touchdowns in 2025, he reinforced his projection as either a reliable NFL starter or a high level backup.
Kyle Louis — Linebacker, Pittsburgh
Louis was a constant presence on a National Team defense that dominated practices. With 79 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions in 2025, his ability to cover and defend the run makes him a modern linebacker NFL teams covet.
Jacob Rodriguez — Linebacker, Texas Tech
Rodriguez solidified himself as one of the top linebackers in the draft after a very productive week. The former quarterback turned linebacker piled up nearly 130 tackles, four interceptions, and seven forced fumbles in 2025, showcasing elite instincts and a relentless “see ball, get ball” mentality.