After three days of intense competition and evaluation at the Panini Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, over 100 NFL hopefuls wrapped up what, for many, was the first major step in their journey to the 2026 NFL Draft. The practices offered a critical opportunity for prospects to showcase their skills in front of scouts, coaches, and executives from across the league. And while plenty of players made their mark, a select group stood out in a big way - either by dominating reps, flashing unique traits, or proving they belong in early-round conversations come April.
Here are 12 prospects who made the most of their time in Mobile and significantly boosted their draft stock.
Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
If you didn't know Iheanachor’s football background, you’d never guess he only started playing in 2021.
The 6-foot-5, 325-pound tackle looked like a seasoned veteran during 1-on-1s, consistently stonewalling edge rushers with a combination of length, balance, and surprising polish. His soccer and basketball roots show up in his movement - light feet, fluid hips, and the kind of athleticism that makes evaluators take notice.
He’s still raw in terms of experience, but he didn’t play like it. With this kind of upside, he’s pushing himself into early Day 2 territory.
Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
Slaughter has been a rock in the middle of Florida’s offensive line, and that same reliability was on display in Mobile.
At 6-foot-4, 305 pounds, he showed excellent bend, strong hands, and a solid anchor in pass protection throughout his 1-on-1 reps. There were a few reps he’d like back, but overall, he looked like the most complete center in this class.
His performance only reinforced that status.
Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati
In a deep receiver group, Allen still managed to pop.
He’s got serious juice - quick in and out of his breaks, dangerous after the catch, and not afraid to go up and get it. His double moves in 1-on-1s left defenders flat-footed, and he continued to flash in team drills.
Allen didn’t just look fast; he looked like a playmaker. His stock is trending up after a strong week.
Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Moore might’ve had the most dominant single day of any defender in Mobile.
On Day 3, he was flat-out unblockable. Whether it was speed off the edge, bull rushes, or finesse moves, he brought the full arsenal.
His signature moment? Tossing 6-foot-8, 358-pound Miami tackle Marekl Bell like a rag doll during 1-on-1s - a rep that had scouts buzzing.
Moore is now firmly in the second-round mix.
TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Parker came into the 2025 season with top-15 buzz, but a tough year for both him and Clemson knocked his stock down a peg.
He needed a strong showing in Mobile - and he delivered. His length was a major factor throughout the week, especially in team drills and 1-on-1s.
One standout rep saw him overpower Maryland tackle Alan Herron with just one arm. Parker reminded everyone why he was once so highly regarded.
Bud Clark, SAF, TCU
Some guys just have a nose for the football.
Clark is one of them. He was constantly around the ball in team sessions, reading plays quickly and reacting with confidence.
His highlight of the week? A one-handed interception in 1-on-1s against N.C.
State tight end Justin Joly. That kind of ball-hawking ability is going to get NFL teams’ attention.
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
At 320 pounds, Hunter brings the kind of interior presence that’s hard to ignore.
He’s built like a classic run-stuffer, and he lived up to that billing all week. But what really turned heads was the occasional flash of pass-rush upside - something that wasn’t a big part of his college tape.
If he can continue to develop that part of his game, he could sneak into the first round.
Quintayvious Hutchins, EDGE, Boston College
One of the week’s biggest surprises, Hutchins may be undersized at 6-foot-2, 229 pounds, but he packs a punch.
His explosiveness off the edge and ability to convert speed to power made life difficult for opposing tackles. Size will be a concern for some teams, but his motor, burst, and bend make him an intriguing Day 3 prospect with real upside.
Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Fields brought a complete skill set to Mobile.
He showed quickness in his routes and the ability to separate at all three levels. He also made one of the week’s most impressive catches - a deep ball from Arkansas QB Taylor Green that he tracked beautifully downfield.
With his size and agility, Fields made a strong case to rise up boards in the pre-draft process.
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Banks came into the week with some question marks after a lower leg injury cut his season short, but he erased any doubts in Mobile.
At 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, he moves with rare quickness for a man his size. Already known as a stout run defender, he flashed pass-rush ability during 1-on-1s, winning reps with burst and leverage.
Banks looked like a potential first-rounder.
Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
Louis is a playmaker - plain and simple.
He’s a bit undersized at 6-foot, 224 pounds, but his instincts, range, and ability to disrupt plays stood out all week. In today’s NFL, where speed and coverage ability are at a premium for linebackers, Louis fits the mold.
He consistently found the ball and made things happen.
Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
This edge class is deep, and Young made sure he didn’t get lost in the shuffle.
At 6-foot-5, 262 pounds, he brings power and versatility to the table. He drove Illinois tackle JC Davis into the turf with a bull rush and beat Max Iheanachor with an inside move - showing he can win in multiple ways.
Young helped his stock with a strong, well-rounded performance.
Final Thoughts
The Senior Bowl is always a proving ground - a place where small-school stars can shine and big-school names can reassert their value.
This year was no different. Whether it was a raw tackle dominating reps, a safety making circus interceptions, or an undersized edge rusher stealing the spotlight, the week in Mobile gave NFL teams plenty to think about.
With the draft just a few months away, these 12 players took a big step toward hearing their names called earlier than expected.
