Senior Bowl Standouts: Day 3 Delivers Big Performances and Rising Draft Stock
The final day of Senior Bowl practices in Mobile didn’t disappoint. With NFL scouts lining the sidelines and draft stock on the line, several prospects stepped up in a big way-some solidifying their status, others rewriting the narrative entirely. Let’s break down the biggest risers and most impressive performances from Day 3.
Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt - Making Noise All Week
Kyle Louis has been one of the most consistent and impactful players in Mobile, and Day 3 was no exception. The Pitt linebacker, who plays a hybrid role between weakside linebacker and strong safety, has shown exactly why he's climbing draft boards.
In coverage drills and one-on-ones, Louis looked smooth and instinctive-no surprise given his background. But what really popped was his ability to diagnose and attack the run.
He’s not just flying around out there; he’s reading, reacting, and hitting with purpose. His range and fluidity allow him to cover ground in a hurry, and when he arrives, he brings some serious pop.
NFL teams are taking notice. Louis is now firmly in the Day 2 conversation, and with his versatility and athleticism, he’s the kind of modern linebacker that fits today’s game.
Bud Clark, S, TCU - A Ball Hawk with Range
Bud Clark came into the Senior Bowl with a reputation-15 career interceptions at TCU will do that. And this week, he proved those ball skills weren’t a fluke.
Clark was everywhere. His sideline-to-sideline range stood out in both team periods and individual reps.
He showed off quick hips, a smooth backpedal, and the ability to close in a flash. He’s not the biggest safety in the group, but he plays bigger than his frame, bringing the kind of physicality that coaches love.
According to Zebra Analytics, Clark covered more ground than any other safety in Mobile. Whether it was playing deep single-high, dropping into the box, or lining up as a nickel corner, Clark’s versatility was on full display.
He’s a six-year vet with the instincts and experience to be a real chess piece in an NFL secondary. His stock is trending up in a big way.
Thaddeus Dixon, CB, North Carolina - A Bounce-Back Performance
The first two days in Mobile were rough for Thaddeus Dixon. He struggled in coverage, giving up plays in one-on-ones and getting beat deep in team drills.
But Day 3? That was a different story.
Dixon responded with one of the best plays of the day-a clutch interception on a comeback route that sealed a scrimmage and fired up the entire National Team sideline. He followed that up with a strong showing in red zone one-on-ones, where he was physical, sticky in coverage, and didn’t allow a single touchdown.
That kind of resilience matters. Dixon’s bounce-back performance likely saved his draft stock from slipping and reestablished him as a player to watch heading into the pre-draft process.
Owen Heinecke, LB, Oklahoma - Embracing the Moment
Owen Heinecke’s path to the Senior Bowl took a strange turn after the NCAA ruled him ineligible for a fourth year due to a brief lacrosse stint at Ohio State. But rather than dwell on the ruling, Heinecke showed up ready to compete-and had his best day yet.
Heinecke’s instincts were on full display. He sniffed out screens, filled run gaps with authority, and held his own in red zone one-on-ones, where he mirrored tight ends and running backs effectively. His ability to create pass breakups and play with anticipation stood out.
He may have been forced into the 2026 draft class earlier than expected, but based on what he showed in Mobile, Heinecke belongs.
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida - A Physical Freak Making His Case
If you’re looking for the most physically imposing player in Mobile, look no further than Caleb Banks. At 6’5” and 335 pounds, Banks looks every bit the part-but it’s not just size. He’s lean for his weight, explosive off the line, and moves with rare agility for a man his size.
Banks was a nightmare for offensive linemen all week. His 35-inch arms made it tough for anyone to get into his pads, and his combination of power, flexibility, and active hands made him a consistent disruptor in one-on-ones.
And then there was the moment that had everyone talking-during a lighthearted punt-catching drill meant for coaches, a wayward ball ended up heading toward the players. Banks stepped in, snatched it out of the air like a seasoned return man, and took off toward the end zone, teammates swarming him in celebration. It was a fun, fitting end to a dominant week.
Banks may not have had the stats in 2025, but his performance this week could have locked him into the top half of the first round.
Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke - Red Zone Warrior
Chandler Rivers quietly had one of the better red zone performances of any corner on Day 3. Going up against bigger receivers, Rivers held his ground, using active hands and sharp instincts to contest multiple throws.
In team drills, he stayed disciplined in zone coverage and showed a refined press technique at the line. Rivers may not be the flashiest name in the class, but he's building a strong case to be a top-75 pick.
Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati - Always Open
Cyrus Allen came into Mobile under the radar, but he’s leaving with a lot more buzz. The Cincinnati wideout was one of the most consistent separators in team drills, showing off crisp route running and excellent body control.
On Day 3, he took it up a notch, making tough catches and creating space against tight coverage. With 13 touchdowns this past season, Allen’s knack for getting open is no coincidence. He’s a name to remember, especially for teams looking to add instant separation ability to their receiving corps.
Max Llewellyn, DE, Iowa - Spin Move Specialist
Max Llewellyn may have entered the week as a late-round projection, but he’s pushing his way up Day 3 draft boards with a pass-rush move that’s hard to ignore.
The Iowa defensive end consistently won with his spin move throughout the week, and Day 3 was his most productive yet-racking up at least four pressures in team periods. His length, burst, and ability to win inside and out make him a sneaky value pick for teams looking to develop rotational edge talent.
Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma - Undersized but Unstoppable
Gracen Halton doesn’t have prototypical size for a defensive tackle at 6’2”, 292 pounds, but he doesn’t play small. In fact, he’s been one of the more disruptive interior defenders in Mobile.
Halton brings violence with his hands and a deep bag of finesse moves-especially the spin, which he used to great effect all week. He’s quick off the snap, shoots gaps with ease, and has lived in the backfield during practices. He’s making a strong push for Day 2 consideration.
Honorable Mentions
Several other players flashed throughout the week and deserve recognition:
- Max Iheanachor (T, Arizona State) - Solid anchor and footwork
- Beau Stephens (G, Iowa) - Physical in the run game
- Justin Joly (TE, NC State) - Reliable hands and route running
- Luke Altmeyer (QB, Illinois) - Showed poise and timing
- Gennings Dunker (T, Iowa) - Strong punch and balance
- Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State) - Sticky in man coverage
- Sam Hecht (C, Kansas State) - Smart and steady
- Nate Boerkircher (TE, Texas A&M) - Versatile and tough
- Cian Slone (DE, NC State) - High motor, good bend
- Vinny Anderson II (WR, Wisconsin) - Quick release, good hands
- Markel Bell (T, Miami) - Massive frame, raw power
The Senior Bowl is always a proving ground, and this year’s group didn’t disappoint. With the Combine and Pro Days still to come, these performances will carry weight-and for some, this week in Mobile may be the moment that changed everything.