Senior Bowl Day 3 Recap: Defensive Linemen Shine, Final Impressions Take Shape
MOBILE, Ala. - The final practice session at the Panini Senior Bowl wrapped up with a familiar theme: the big men in the trenches once again stole the show. With NFL scouts, coaches, and executives lining the sidelines, Thursday offered prospects one last chance to solidify - or salvage - their draft stock before Saturday’s game. And while some players confirmed what they’d already put on tape earlier in the week, others used Day 3 to flip the script.
Let’s break down who made the most of the opportunity - and who’s heading into the weekend with more to prove.
Stock Up: Defensive Disruptors Lead the Way
Caleb Banks, iDL, Florida
After a rocky start to the week, Banks saved his best for last.
The Florida interior lineman showed off the kind of burst and finishing ability that had scouts buzzing during Thursday’s session. He stacked multiple wins in one-on-ones, notched a sack during team drills, and anchored well against the run.
Banks’ size has always been eye-catching, but on Day 3, he paired that frame with the kind of quickness and technique that suggests real upside at the next level. It was a strong closing statement - and a reminder of why he’s a name to watch come draft weekend.
Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
Height looked like a different player on Thursday.
He consistently turned the corner with speed and bend, showing the kind of pass-rush traits that translate on Sundays. While there are still questions about his ability to hold up in run defense, his ability to pressure the quarterback was on full display.
He didn’t just win reps - he won them cleanly, with a plan. That’s the kind of performance that keeps a pass-rusher in the conversation, even if there’s still development ahead.
Gracen Halton, iDL, Oklahoma
Halton brought the juice on Day 3.
His first-step quickness was a problem for interior linemen all practice long, and he consistently forced guards into recovery mode. He’s not the biggest body on the inside, but his athleticism and disruptive style stood out.
For teams looking for an interior penetrator who can create havoc on passing downs, Halton made a compelling case.
Rayshaun Benny, iDL, Michigan
Benny may have started the week quietly, but he finished with authority.
He found his rhythm during one-on-ones, using improved pad level and leverage to win reps both as a run defender and pass-rusher. In team drills, he showed the kind of balance and strength that allows him to impact multiple phases of the game.
Thursday helped round out a solid week for the Michigan product, and he leaves Mobile with momentum.
Bud Clark, S, TCU
Clark capped off a strong week with another interception in 11-on-11s.
His instincts and ball skills were evident throughout the week, but Thursday was another reminder of just how comfortable he looks in space. Whether reading the quarterback’s eyes or breaking on the ball with timing, Clark consistently put himself in the right position.
NFL teams value safeties who understand leverage and can play with anticipation - Clark checked both boxes.
Stock Down: Struggles in Space and Protection
Kage Casey, OT, Boise State
Thursday wasn’t kind to Casey.
He had a tough time handling speed off the edge during one-on-ones and couldn’t recover once beaten. His pass sets lacked the fluidity and anchor needed to hold up against NFL-caliber rushers, and the struggles carried over into team drills.
In a week where defensive linemen dominated, Casey’s final showing left questions about his ability to handle athletic edge threats.
Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
After a strong start to the week, Iheanachor came back to earth on Day 3.
He was less effective in both pass protection and the run game, losing several reps during one-on-ones and looking a step slow in team periods. It wasn’t a disastrous day by any means, but it did highlight areas that will need refinement.
The potential is still there - Thursday just served as a reminder that he’s not a finished product yet.
Jack Kelly, LB, BYU
Coverage was a clear issue for Kelly during the final practice.
He struggled in one-on-ones and didn’t make a consistent impact against the run in team drills. Linebackers have to be able to play in space in today’s NFL, and Thursday exposed some limitations in that area.
He’ll need a strong performance on game day to rebound.
Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
Wheatley never quite found his footing this week, and Thursday was more of the same.
He was beaten in coverage multiple times and didn’t register any standout moments during team drills. For a player who came into the week with some buzz, it was a disappointing stretch.
There’s still time to turn things around, but the practices didn’t go his way.
Final Thoughts: One Last Shot Before the Game
Practice week at the Senior Bowl is where the real evaluations happen, and Thursday was the final chapter in that book. For players like Caleb Banks and Bud Clark, it was a chance to put an exclamation point on a strong week. For others, it was a reminder that the margin for error is razor-thin.
Now, all eyes turn to Saturday’s game - the last live-action audition before draft boards start to take their final shape. And for a handful of prospects, one more big performance could be the difference between a late-round flyer and a real shot at climbing the ranks.