The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl kicks off Saturday, and if you’re a Colts fan-or just someone who loves tracking the draft process-this is a date to circle. For Indianapolis GM Chris Ballard, Mobile, Alabama, isn’t just a stop on the scouting trail.
It’s practically a proving ground. Since taking over in 2017, Ballard has made the Senior Bowl a central part of his draft strategy, and the numbers back it up: 33 of his 84 draft picks have come through this event.
That’s nearly 40% of his selections-an eye-opening stat that tells us this week matters.
The Senior Bowl isn’t your typical college All-Star game. It’s invite-only, featuring top-tier, draft-eligible talent from across the country.
And while the game itself gets the headlines, the real action happens during the week of practices. That’s where scouts and execs from all 32 NFL teams get up close with prospects in one-on-ones, team drills, and meetings.
It’s football stripped down to its essentials-no flashy schemes, just player vs. player, rep after rep.
For Ballard and the Colts, these practices offer something the tape can’t always show: how a player competes when thrown into an unfamiliar system, surrounded by unfamiliar teammates, against elite competition. It’s a stress test. And year after year, the Colts have found guys who thrive in it.
Look at the list of past Senior Bowl alumni who’ve landed in Indy: Laiatu Latu, Alec Pierce, JuJu Brents, Bernhard Raimann, Will Mallory, Shaq Leonard, Blake Freeland, Michael Pittman, Bobby Okereke-the list goes on. These aren’t just camp bodies. These are starters, contributors, and in some cases, foundational pieces.
So when Saturday’s All-Star game gets underway, don’t just watch for the highlight plays-watch for the little things. Who’s winning their reps in the trenches?
Who’s showing poise under center? Who’s catching the eyes of scouts during warmups and walkthroughs?
Because if history is any guide, there’s a good chance the Colts’ next draft class-and maybe even their next star-will be on that field.
And while the game is the final showcase, the real evaluations have been happening all week. The Colts’ scouting department has been locked in, taking notes, conducting interviews, and building their board. If you’re trying to get ahead of the curve on Indy’s draft plans, Mobile is the place to start.
Keep an eye on the standouts from this week’s practices. Odds are, some of them will be wearing the Horseshoe come this fall.