Senior Bowl Day 2: Four Standouts on the Rise - And Why the Saints Should Be Watching Closely
Day two of the Senior Bowl wrapped up in Mobile, and if you’re a New Orleans Saints fan, now’s the time to start paying attention. The Saints have a strong presence at the event, with scouts and staff all over the field evaluating talent. And with the team likely to add multiple prospects from this week’s practices to their roster come draft time, it’s smart to get familiar with the names making noise.
A handful of players have already started separating themselves from the pack, showing the kind of traits that turn heads in war rooms across the league. Here are four prospects who made a serious impression on Wednesday - and who could very well be wearing black and gold next season.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Pitt - Making Plays, Making Noise
Linebackers who consistently create turnovers don’t stay under the radar for long, and Jacob Rodriguez is proving that in real time. On Wednesday, he put together the kind of practice that demands attention: two forced fumbles and an interception. That’s not a fluke - it’s a continuation of what he did all season, where he racked up seven forced fumbles and four picks.
Rodriguez has faced questions about whether his playmaking ability would translate against NFL-caliber competition. So far in Mobile, he’s answering with authority.
He’s instinctive, aggressive, and always around the ball - the kind of linebacker that can change the momentum of a game in one snap. His stock is rising fast, and if he keeps this up, he could find himself sneaking into the second round.
Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame - Big Frame, Big Catch Radius
If you’re looking for a prototypical X receiver, Malachi Fields checks every box. He’s 6'4", 222 pounds, and plays like it. Fields brings a physical presence to the outside, using his size and strong hands to win contested catches and dominate in the red zone.
His highlight on Wednesday came on a deep ball from Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green - a full-extension diving grab that showed off his catch radius and body control. Fields is currently projected as an early Day 3 pick, but he’s trending upward. Another strong showing could push him into Day 2 territory, especially for teams looking for a boundary receiver who can win one-on-one.
Tyren Montgomery, WR, John Carroll - Small School, Big Leap
Tyren Montgomery has been one of the more intriguing storylines of the week. Coming out of Division III John Carroll, he wasn’t on many mid-round radars heading into Mobile. But that’s changing quickly.
Montgomery made an impression on day one, and he followed it up with another strong outing on Wednesday. He’s not just flashing - he’s stacking good days and showing he belongs with top-tier competition. There’s still work to be done to lock in his draft position, but he’s firmly in the conversation now as a potential early-to-mid round pick.
Max Iheanachor, OT, Pitt - Raw Talent, Real Tools
Offensive linemen don’t always get the spotlight at the Senior Bowl, especially in one-on-one drills where the deck is stacked in favor of edge rushers. But Max Iheanachor is making sure people notice.
Despite only playing football for five years, Iheanachor is showing advanced technique and athleticism that’s rare for someone with his limited experience. He’s held his own - and then some - against some of the top pass rushers in Mobile. His combination of size, footwork, and upside is turning heads, and if he continues to develop, he could be a surprise first-round pick come April.
What This Means for the Saints
With the Saints in clear need of reinforcements across multiple positions, especially at linebacker, wide receiver, and along the offensive line, these four players should be firmly on their radar. The Senior Bowl is where rosters start to take shape, and New Orleans has a history of finding contributors from this event.
Whether it’s Rodriguez’s playmaking, Fields’ physicality, Montgomery’s rise, or Iheanachor’s upside, each of these prospects brings something the Saints could use. And if they keep trending the way they are, don’t be surprised if one - or more - ends up in New Orleans next season.