The road to the 2026 NFL Draft officially gets rolling this week with the start of Senior Bowl practices in Mobile, Alabama. It’s a pivotal stretch-not just for prospects looking to climb draft boards, but for teams like the New York Giants, who are searching for value well beyond the top of the draft.
Yes, all eyes are on the fifth overall pick, but the Giants don’t currently hold a third-round selection. That makes the middle and late rounds more important than ever.
And the Senior Bowl? It’s the perfect stage to find players who can outperform their draft slot-guys like Daniel Bellinger, Theo Johnson, or Dru Phillips, who’ve proven that Day 3 talent can turn into Sunday contributors.
Let’s break down what to watch as practices get underway.
1. Can Any Quarterbacks Separate from the Pack?
This year's quarterback class is still sorting itself out behind presumed top pick Fernando Mendoza. Right now, Alabama’s Ty Simpson holds the inside track to be the second QB off the board. But nothing is set in stone, and the Senior Bowl is where separation can start to happen.
LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier might be the most intriguing name here. He’s not the biggest guy at 6'1", 202 pounds, and injuries-including patellar tendonitis and a torso issue-pushed him out of the national spotlight this past season.
But he’s a coach’s kid with a live arm and a knack for making throws on the move. If he puts together a strong week, he could easily leapfrog Simpson and reenter the first-round conversation.
Then there’s Cole Payton out of North Dakota State. He’s a fifth-year senior with just 58 pass attempts over his first four seasons, but don’t let that fool you.
At 6'2 3/8", 229 pounds, he’s built like a dual-threat quarterback and has the tools to back it up-big arm, mobile, and physical. He flashed on tape last year, especially in Grey Zabel’s film, and now has a chance to prove he belongs in the national conversation.
If either of those guys pops this week, it could open the door for the Giants to explore a trade down from their early second-round spot. That’s a big “if,” but this is the kind of week where draft boards start to shift.
2. Can the Offensive Linemen Hold Up?
The trenches always matter, and this year’s Senior Bowl was supposed to be loaded with top-tier pass rushers. Unfortunately, Rueben Bain Jr., Akheem Mesidor, and David Bailey have all withdrawn, taking some star power off the edge.
Still, there’s plenty of talent left to test the offensive line group. Players like Romello Height (Texas Tech), T.J.
Parker (Clemson), Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State), Lee Hunter (Texas Tech), Caleb Banks (Florida), and Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech) will bring the heat. If any offensive lineman can hold their own against that group, scouts will take notice.
One name to circle: Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor. He’s raw-only started playing football in 2021 after transitioning from soccer-but his athleticism jumps off the tape. At 6'6", 310 pounds, he moves like a tight end and has the kind of upside that could push him into Day 2 of the draft if he shows well this week.
On the flip side, if any defender dominates in this environment, especially against unfamiliar competition and NFL-style schemes, it could be a sign they’re ready to contribute early at the next level.
3. The Matchups in the Secondary
This year’s wide receiver class is deep, diverse, and full of specialized skill sets. You’ve got big-bodied targets like Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields, jump-ball specialists like USC’s Ja’Kobi Layne, and burners like Brenen Thompson-though Thompson recently withdrew from the game.
That variety makes for must-watch matchups against a secondary group that’s quietly loaded with talent. San Diego State’s Chris Johnson, South Carolina safety Jalon Kilgore, and Georgia State’s Ted Hurst are just a few of the names with a chance to raise eyebrows this week.
These practices are all about the one-on-one battles. Can a corner stay in phase against a speedster?
Can a safety diagnose and react in real time? Can a receiver create separation against press coverage?
Every rep is a chance to impress, and the guys who win consistently here usually see their stock rise.
4. Who Becomes That Guy?
Every year, someone comes out of nowhere and forces scouts to go back and rewatch their tape. Last year, it was Grey Zabel-an under-the-radar offensive lineman from North Dakota State who dominated the week and ended up as the 18th overall pick. Fast forward, and he’s now starting at left guard for the NFC Champion Seahawks.
This year, keep an eye on Houston tight end Tanner Koziol. At 6'6 1/2", 245 pounds, he’s a former basketball player with the kind of catch radius and fluid movement that screams mismatch.
He’s not from a small school, but he’s not a household name either. That could change quickly if he starts making highlight-reel plays in practice.
The Senior Bowl is tailor-made for players like Koziol-guys with tools, upside, and a chance to prove they belong in the conversation with the best of the best.
5. Who Shows Up for the Giants?
The Giants have traditionally scouted the Senior Bowl heavily, and with good reason. It’s one of the few opportunities to see prospects in a “best-on-best” setting, playing against unfamiliar opponents and learning under NFL-style coaching.
But this year’s setup is a little different. With the Giants still in the process of finalizing their coaching staff, GM Joe Schoen and John Harbaugh won’t be making the trip to Mobile. That raises the question: Who will be representing the organization?
Whoever it is, the value of being on the ground can’t be overstated. It’s not just about the tape-it’s about seeing how players carry themselves in practice, how they respond to coaching, and how they interact with teammates. Those little things can make a big difference when it comes to deciding who fits your locker room and culture.
Bottom Line
The Senior Bowl is always a crucial checkpoint in the draft process, and for a team like the Giants-armed with a top-five pick but lacking in the middle rounds-it’s a golden opportunity to find value. Whether it’s a quarterback making a leap, a lineman proving he can anchor against top talent, or a small-school standout demanding attention, this is where the draft starts to take shape.
Let the scouting begin.