This week, top prospects for the 2026 NFL draft are gathering in Mobile, Alabama, for the Panini Senior Bowl. Kicking off with practices on Tuesday and culminating in a game on Saturday (2:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network), this annual invite-only event allows all 32 NFL teams to interact with over 100 prospects.
Practice sessions will last for two hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. You can follow practice coverage on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN App and again at 5 p.m. ET on ESPNU/ESPN App. Thursday practices will be broadcast at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU/ESPN App and at 5 p.m. ET on ESPNNews, with a re-air at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
NFL draft experts Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Field Yates will be there, and we asked them to analyze the top players to monitor, including the attending quarterbacks, and what these prospects should aim to demonstrate this week. plus, our team identified potential risers and shared predictions for the week’s outcomes. (Make sure to return to ESPN.com throughout the week for updates on top risers and standout players.)
Jump to:
Top prospects to watch
QB | WR/TE | More offense
Edge rusher | CB | More defense
Predicting risers
Which prospect are you most excited to see in Mobile?
Miller: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida. When healthy, Banks is impressive on film. yet, his recent season was marred by a foot injury that limited him to only three games. If he can participate this week, there’s a chance he could rekindle the Round 1 buzz he had before the season. At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, his unique speed-to-power ratio will be compelling to watch during individual drills against Senior Bowl offensive linemen.
Reid: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State. Johnson earned the title of Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year by intercepting four passes this season, including two returned for touchdowns. As a true craftsperson, the 6-foot, 185-pounder displays excellent foot agility that allows him to stay close in press coverage. He also demonstrates astute spatial awareness in zone situations. While he needs to address concerns about his vertical speed and his ability to contend with power-conference receivers, he’s already generating significant Day 2 interest and could solidify a top 50 spot with a strong performance in Mobile.
Yates: Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech. Let’s take a slightly different angle here. Rutledge is likely to be selected on Day 2, having started 26 games over the last two seasons for a Yellow Jackets squad that heavily utilizes gap schemes in their running game. At 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, he ranks among the most physical players in this draft, a characteristic he will exhibit during one-on-ones. Some players inherently draw attention with their playstyle, and Rutledge certainly does that for me; he might put a defender on their back several times this week, both in practices and during Saturday’s game.
Make one prediction about the Senior Bowl quarterbacks.
Reid: LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier will emerge as the standout passer this week as his anticipation and precision will shine in this environment. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 205 pounds, Nussmeier possesses a bold approach and is unafraid to throw into tight spaces across the middle or outside the numbers. His ability to adjust protections at the line will also be noticeable. After an unfortunate season hampered by injuries, Nussmeier will strive to regain the early-round attention he had entering 2025. Feedback from scouts indicates a possible Round 3 projection, but some analysts have him with Round 5 or 6 grades. I believe Nussmeier will enhance his standing this week.
Make one prediction about the pass catchers.
Yates: There will be a moment in practice when NC State tight end Justin Joly takes center stage. After transferring from UConn, Joly has proven to be a dynamic athlete and receiver. Though listed at 6-foot-3 and 263 pounds on NC State’s roster (official measurements will be confirmed next week), he possesses the timing and catch radius that make him a “just throw it in his direction” type of player. Keep him on your radar for Rounds 3-5 at the draft.
0:24
CJ Bailey throws 10-yard touchdown pass to Justin Joly
CJ Bailey throws 10-yard touchdown pass vs. Campbell Fighting
Make one prediction about the rest of the offensive group.
Miller: Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton is poised for a breakout. He carries the potential to stand out at the Senior Bowl after a lackluster season, finishing with 549 rushing yards on 123 carries in a struggling Nittany Lions offense. His explosiveness at 6 feet and 224 pounds makes him a highly sought-after asset when teams evaluate running back talent. With no clear RB2 behind Jeremiyah Love, Singleton may elevate himself into that discussion.
Make one prediction about the edge rusher group.
Reid: Texas Tech’s Romello Height will emerge as one of the biggest risers of the week, expected to create significant pressure during one-on-one drills due to his agility and determination. At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Height teamed up with David Bailey to establish a formidable pass rush, finishing the season with 10 sacks. though he’s somewhat lean and will turn 25 before next season, he has the potential for an immediate impact as a situational pass rusher in the NFL. I view him as a late-Day 2, early-Day 3 prospect.
Make one prediction about the cornerback group.
Miller: Known for cultivating NFL defensive backs, Georgia’s Daylen Everette will shine this week due to his exceptional size and SEC experience. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 190 pounds, he is sticky at the line and has accumulated five career interceptions. Everette’s prowess in press coverage is evident on tape. Given the limited high-end wide receiver talent at the Senior Bowl, he should excel in one-on-ones and when positioned near the line of scrimmage, potentially cementing his status as a third-rounder.
Make one prediction about the rest of the defensive group.
Yates: Kyle Louis from Pittsburgh will likely emerge as a significant winner this week. A standout linebacker for the Panthers, Louis is expected to transition to safety in the NFL due to his frame (6-foot-1, 220 pounds) — and I believe he possesses the skills to be a starter there. He showcases excellent ball skills with six interceptions in the last two seasons, along with undeniable tenacity. His energy will be palpable in practice, as will his ability to cover tight ends. I foresee him as a Day 2 pick.
Call your shot now: Which potential Day 3 sleepers will be big risers this week?
Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri. Coleman stood out as the Tigers’ primary wide receiver this season, catching 66 passes for 732 yards and one touchdown. At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, his yards-after-catch ability is remarkable. He is electrifying in open space and possesses exceptional acceleration. plus, he returned a punt for a touchdown this season, which highlights his elusiveness. It seems there’s always an undersized receiver that impresses in Mobile, and Coleman’s route-running and pure speed should be eye-catching. — Miller
Keyron Crawford, Edge, Auburn. While first-round lock Keldric Faulk is the most talked-about Auburn pass rusher, Crawford caught my attention during the Tigers’ season. He ranked fourth in the SEC with 43 pressures and is an agile athlete with impressive quickness off the edge, complemented by excellent hand usage. His signature swipe-and-chop technique should pose challenges for tackles in one-on-ones. Crawford might be selected anywhere from Round 3 to Round 5. — Yates
J’Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia. Taylor was a key player for the Cavaliers and one of the ACC’s biggest surprises this season. Transitioning smoothly from North Carolina Central, he led conference running backs with 14 touchdowns, finishing third with 1,062 rushing yards. Taylor is a durable, balanced rusher who also offers value as a receiver out of the backfield. It can be tough for running backs to make an impact in all-star settings, but Taylor, currently a fourth- or fifth-round prospect, could see his stock soar this week. — Reid
Tacario Davis, CB, Washington. Two years ago, when Davis was at Arizona, he was discussed as a possible Round 1 draft pick. At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, he followed coach Jedd Fisch to Washington but saw a decline in performance. still, his physical attributes remain impressive, and this week could remind scouts of his raw potential. As a standout in press coverage, Davis will likely stick to receivers at the line throughout practice. He currently holds a fifth-round grade. — Miller
0:20
Tacario Davis grabs interception vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
Tacario Davis grabs interception vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State. Hurst put together a strong final season that featured four games with over 100 yards and four more with catches exceeding 50 yards. A big-bodied receiver at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, he possesses remarkable movement abilities. Georgia State utilized him as both a deep threat and a screening target. Once he hits top speed, it’s genuinely impressive. This week will serve as a significant test against elite competition, and I believe he holds potential as a late-Day 2 or early-Day 3 selection. — Yates
Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State. He showcased solid performance against Texas Tech’s Bailey-Height duo and is recognized as a highly athletic tackle prospect. A former soccer and basketball player, Iheanachor has strong hands and quick feet, positioning him as a strong contender in one-on-one pass-rush drills. While he needs to enhance his strength as a run blocker, he stands out as one of this year’s top pass blockers. He is seen as a middle-round prospect but could easily climb into the top 100 following this week. — Reid
