The Senior Bowl is more than just a showcase-it's a proving ground. Every year, a few players arrive in Mobile with something to prove, and by the end of the week, they've rewritten their draft stock entirely.
The key? Consistency.
It’s not just about flashing talent in one rep or making a splash play-it’s about stacking good days, showing growth, and making scouts take notice with what we like to call the “drumbeat.” And after two days of practice, a handful of prospects are already making serious noise.
Here’s a look at the biggest winners from Day 2 of the Panini Senior Bowl:
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Rodriguez doesn’t jump off the field physically-he’s not the biggest, fastest, or strongest linebacker in Mobile.
But what he lacks in measurables, he makes up for with instincts, anticipation, and football IQ. On Wednesday, he was everywhere.
Whether it was diagnosing plays early, shooting gaps, or disrupting passing lanes, Rodriguez was a constant presence. He may not be a first-rounder, but he’s making a strong case to be a Day 2 pick.
More importantly, he’s showing he can step into an NFL defense and contribute from day one.
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
If you’re looking for the most dominant player on the field Wednesday, look no further than Caleb Banks.
At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, he was simply too much for offensive linemen to handle. Banks was a wrecking ball in drills, using his size and surprising quickness to collapse pockets and blow up run plays.
This is the version of Banks evaluators were hoping to see during the 2025 college season-but it’s showing up now, and at the perfect time. With another strong outing on Thursday, he could lock himself into the first round-and possibly the top 20.
That ripple effect could push other top-tier talent down the board, which might benefit teams like Dallas that are picking in the teens or early 20s.
Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
Dunker didn’t have a flawless day-he dropped one rep in one-on-ones-but outside of that, he was outstanding.
He continues to show he’s not just an athlete, but a lineman with real versatility. Dunker’s footwork and balance suggest he can hold up at tackle, while his physicality and demeanor scream interior mauler.
That kind of flexibility is gold for NFL teams. Coming into the week, he was viewed as a top-100 prospect.
After what he’s put on tape in Mobile, it’s hard to imagine him lasting past the top 50.
T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Parker brought the heat again on Day 2, winning multiple reps in one-on-one drills and flashing serious power in team sessions. He’s not the bendiest edge rusher in this class, and he still needs to polish up his counter moves, but there’s no denying the impact he’s making.
Parker’s bull rush is already NFL-ready, and his motor runs hot. Whether or not he’ll be in play for teams picking around No. 20 will likely depend on how he tests in the pre-draft process, but it’s becoming increasingly likely he’ll hear his name called in the top 40.
Tyren Montgomery, WR, John Carroll
Every year, there’s a small-school receiver who turns heads in Mobile.
This year, it’s Montgomery. He’s been making highlight-reel catches all week, including a jaw-dropping 50/50 snag over Chris Johnson that had scouts buzzing.
Montgomery has shown he belongs with the big boys, and he’s not just a feel-good story-he’s a legitimate Day 2 prospect. The hands, body control, and ability to win contested catches are all there.
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
One-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl tend to favor receivers, so when a cornerback consistently holds his own, it stands out.
That was Chris Johnson on Wednesday. Even when receivers made spectacular grabs, Johnson was right there-blanketing them, staying in phase, and making them earn every inch.
His ability to mirror routes and stay glued to his man all day long has made him one of the week’s biggest risers.
The Senior Bowl is far from over, but the early returns are in. These six players have already made a strong impression, and if they keep building on this momentum, they’ll be climbing draft boards in a hurry. The drumbeat is getting louder.