Senior Bowl Standouts: 10 Prospects Who Caught the Saints’ Eye in Mobile
MOBILE, Ala. - The Senior Bowl is always a key date on the NFL calendar, but for the New Orleans Saints, this week in Mobile was more than just another scouting stop - it was an opportunity to get hands-on. With seven assistant coaches involved in the game and the full scouting staff on site, the Saints had a front-row seat to evaluate some of the top senior talent in the country.
While the American and National teams will square off Saturday at Hancock Whitney Stadium, the real action has already been unfolding in the practices leading up to the game. And with three days of reps in the books, a few players have stood out in ways that align with the Saints’ roster needs heading into the offseason.
Let’s break down 10 prospects who made a strong impression - and might just be on New Orleans’ radar come draft day.
Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas
If the Saints are in the market for a power back who can move, Washington fits the bill. At 6-foot, 226 pounds, he’s built like a classic workhorse - but don’t let the size fool you.
Washington hit 21 miles per hour on one of his runs this week, a blazing number for a back of his stature. That rare blend of size and speed makes him a compelling option if New Orleans doesn’t go running back early in the draft.
He showed burst, vision, and the kind of physicality that translates well to the NFL level.
Zion Young, DE, Missouri
The Saints' defensive front could be in transition under new coordinator Brandon Staley, and that might open the door for a more versatile edge profile. Still, Young looks like the kind of pass rusher New Orleans has traditionally coveted.
At 6-foot-5 and 262 pounds, he consistently disrupted plays off the edge. He’s got the length, motor, and bend to be a real problem for opposing tackles.
If he’s still on the board in the second round, pairing him with Chase Young would give the Saints a young, explosive duo on the edge.
Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
Every year, the Senior Bowl produces a wide receiver who forces teams to take notice - and this year, that guy might be Hurst. The 6-foot-3, 207-pound wideout didn’t just show up; he owned his matchups all week.
While he’s not a burner, Hurst’s precise footwork and ability to win contested catches stood out. He led the FBS in 20-plus yard receptions over the last two seasons with 34, and that big-play ability showed up again in Mobile.
He’s a technician with a knack for making plays downfield - something the Saints could use.
Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Fields may not have had eye-popping stats in his lone season at Notre Dame, but he put together an impressive week in Mobile. At 6-foot-4, he brings a physical presence, but what really stood out was his smooth route running and ability to separate.
He made one of the highlight plays of the week with a diving grab deep down the field, splitting a corner and safety in stride. Fields looks like a high-upside outside receiver who’s just starting to tap into his potential.
Tyron Montgomery, WR, John Carroll
One of the best stories of the week, Montgomery came into the Senior Bowl as a relative unknown - a D3 receiver who didn’t even start playing football until late in college. But by the end of the week, he looked like he belonged.
At 5-foot-11, Montgomery showed quickness, body control, and strong hands. His background as a basketball player - including a stint as a walk-on at LSU - shows up in his leaping ability and spatial awareness.
He’s the kind of underdog story that makes the Senior Bowl special, and someone who could sneak into a camp and make noise.
Keylan Rutledge, OL, Georgia Tech
If you’re looking for a mauler in the trenches, Rutledge fits the mold. Coaches had to dial him back a bit during practice for being too aggressive - and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
The 6-foot-3, 316-pound guard brings a nasty streak that Saints fans might recognize from Trevor Penning. Rutledge worked across all three interior line spots during the week, and that versatility is a big plus.
With New Orleans needing help on the interior, he’s a name to keep in mind.
Jeremiah Wright, OL, Auburn
Wright had one of the most dominant reps of the week when he pancaked Alabama’s LT Overton in a one-on-one drill, sending his teammates into a frenzy. At 6-foot-5, 340 pounds, Wright is a mountain of a man who plays with leverage and power.
He started 12 games at right guard for Auburn last season and looked every bit the part of an NFL-ready lineman during practice. His consistency and physicality stood out, especially in pass protection.
Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana
Black might not have been a featured receiver in college, but he made a strong case this week as a third-down back with real pass-catching potential. At 5-foot-9, he’s got a low center of gravity and quick feet, and he looked natural catching passes out of the backfield.
Despite logging just four receptions at Indiana, he showed in Mobile that he might have more to offer in the passing game. The fact that he showed up to compete so soon after playing in the National Championship speaks to his drive.
Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
The Saints have some decisions to make at tight end this offseason, with Foster Moreau and Jack Stoll both set to hit free agency. Kacmarek could be a fit as a physical, run-blocking complement to Juwan Johnson.
At 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, he’s not going to wow anyone with his receiving numbers - just 15 catches for 168 yards last year - but his blocking was a strength both in college and throughout Senior Bowl week. He’s the kind of tight end who can help set the edge and add toughness to the offense.
Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
Linebacker might not be a top priority for New Orleans right now, but Louis made it hard to ignore him. At 5-foot-11 and 224 pounds, he’s a bit undersized, but he plays with serious pop.
ESPN’s Louis Riddick called him one of the tone-setters on the National team, and that’s exactly how he looked - flying around the field and bringing energy to every rep. Even if the Saints feel good about Danny Stutsman stepping into a bigger role, Louis could be a valuable depth piece and special teams contributor from day one.
Final Thoughts
The Senior Bowl is always a critical checkpoint in the pre-draft process, and for the Saints, this week offered a closer look at a group of prospects who could help reshape the roster. Whether it's finding a power back to complement Alvin Kamara, a developmental pass rusher, or a versatile offensive lineman, there were plenty of names that stood out in Mobile. Saturday’s game will offer one last live look, but for the Saints' staff, the real work - and the real impressions - have already been made.