Senior Bowl Day 2 Recap: Defense Steals the Show, Playmakers Emerge in Mobile
Day 2 of the Senior Bowl brought the heat-literally and figuratively. With temperatures climbing back into the 50s in Mobile, the energy on the field followed suit.
Pads were popping, tempers flared, and the intensity ratcheted up as prospects made their case in front of NFL scouts and decision-makers. And while the quarterbacks struggled to find a rhythm, the defense came out swinging and never let up.
Let’s break down the biggest takeaways from a jam-packed day of action.
Defensive Fronts Dominate the National Team Practice
If you were looking for offensive fireworks, you had to squint. The early National team session was all about the defense, and Texas Tech’s duo of Lee Hunter and Jacob Rodriguez led the charge.
Hunter, a powerful interior lineman, continued to impose his will in the trenches. He’s not going to wow you with finesse, but his raw strength is undeniable. He bulldozed his way through the line on multiple reps and would’ve had a clean sack on Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia if live tackling had been allowed.
As for Rodriguez, he was everywhere. The linebacker had the kind of practice that makes scouts take notice-forcing a fumble and snagging an interception during 11-on-11 drills. He’s been one of the most consistent and disruptive defenders in Mobile so far, and his stock is trending way up.
Pitt linebacker Kyle Louis also turned heads, flashing versatility by lining up with the safeties and holding his own in coverage against receivers during one-on-ones. He capped the day with a tackle for loss that drew a fired-up reaction from coaches and teammates alike.
Linebackers Continue to Shine Across Both Rosters
It wasn’t just the National team making noise. Linebackers from both squads were flying around, making plays all over the field.
Oregon’s Bryce Boettcher and Arizona State’s Keyshaun Elliott were constantly around the ball-whether it was blowing up run plays or getting their hands on passes. Arkansas’ Xavian Sorey added to the highlight reel with a physical interception, ripping the ball away on a contested catch.
The linebacker group as a whole has been one of the most impressive position groups through two days. They're fast, instinctive, and clearly came to compete.
Edge Rushers and Interior Linemen Bring the Heat
The defensive line play continued to be a major storyline, with several prospects stacking strong days.
Clemson’s T.J. Parker is doing some serious work to rebuild his draft stock.
He repeatedly walked offensive linemen back into the pocket, showing both power and motor. Missouri’s Zion Young is in a similar boat-consistently disruptive and winning his reps with authority.
Chris McClellan of Missouri brought the thunder during bag drills, earning a rep as one of the hardest hitters on the field. And Illinois’ Gabe Jacas has quietly put together a strong week, showing enough to likely lock himself into Day 2 consideration.
Secondary Steps Up: Sticky Coverage and Ball Skills on Display
The defensive backs weren’t to be outdone. Tennessee’s Colton Hood and San Diego State’s Chris Johnson bounced back with solid performances, notching several pass breakups.
Ohio State’s Davison Igbinosun continues to impress. At 6'2", 192 pounds, he’s got the size you want in an outside corner, and he’s done a good job staying clean in coverage-no small feat for a player who came into the week with some grabby tape.
The safety group hasn’t been tested deep often, but Kansas State’s VJ Payne, USC’s Kamari Ramsey, South Carolina’s Jalon Kilgore, and TCU’s Bud Clark have all shown steady play. Clark added an interception to his résumé today, further solidifying a quietly strong week.
Malachi Fields Makes His Mark with a Highlight Grab
It wasn’t a banner day for the quarterbacks, but Arkansas’ Taylen Green delivered what might’ve been the best throw of the week-a dime to Notre Dame wideout Malachi Fields.
Fields, who was often used in short-yardage and YAC situations at Notre Dame, showed he’s got more in the toolbox. He separated vertically, tracked the ball beautifully, and hauled in a contested grab that had scouts buzzing. At over six feet tall, Fields has the frame and now the tape to back up his NFL potential as a versatile target.
Mike Washington Jr. Turning Heads
One of the biggest risers through two days? Arkansas linebacker Mike Washington Jr.
The former high school wide receiver has had a winding college path-Buffalo to New Mexico State to Arkansas-but he’s showing why the journey was worth it. At 6'0", 228 pounds, he brings ideal size without sacrificing athleticism. His background as a receiver has translated to fluid movement in space and strong ball skills-traits that have been on full display in Mobile.
Scouting Notes and Standouts
- No Omar Khan, But Steelers Still Represented: Pittsburgh GM Omar Khan was again not spotted at practice, but assistant GM Andy Weidl and several scouts were in attendance. Weidl, who leans heavily into roster construction and talent evaluation, was locked in throughout the day.
- QB Watch: Alabama’s Ty Simpson was on hand, though not participating. He was seen watching from the stands, and with all 32 teams conducting interviews, it’s likely he was meeting with clubs despite not suiting up.
- Penn State Duo Rising: Defensive linemen Zane Durant and Dani Dennis-Sutton are both helping their draft stock with consistent, high-effort practices.
- Carver Willis Shows Versatility: Washington OL Carver Willis has lined up all over the line this week-both guard and tackle-and even nearly got a center rep before the horn ended the drill. He’s held his own against top-tier competition and was among the top offensive linemen in MPH tracked, hinting at potential as a pulling guard.
- Sam Roush: A Balanced Tight End Prospect: Stanford’s Sam Roush continues to be a fun watch. He’s a solid blocker who got to flash his receiving chops today. He’s the kind of well-rounded tight end that could quietly become a draft-day steal.
- QB Struggles Continue: Diego Pavia fumbled another under-center snap, the second in as many days. Garrett Nussmeier also had a fumble, though his came out of shotgun. Ball security is becoming a concern for both.
- WRs Flashing Late: Cincinnati’s Cyrus Allen has been a standout with his sudden route running and fluid movement in space. John Carroll’s Tyren Montgomery, a lesser-known name coming into the week, has made the most of his opportunity-showing both separation ability and strong hands in contested catch situations.
Final Thoughts
Day 2 in Mobile was all about the defense. From the trenches to the secondary, defenders consistently dictated the tempo and made life difficult for the quarterbacks. But there were still flashes of offensive brilliance-highlighted by Malachi Fields’ grab and the continued emergence of players like Mike Washington Jr. and Carver Willis.
With two more days of practices and the game itself still ahead, there’s plenty of time for more names to rise. But if today was any indication, this year’s Senior Bowl is going to leave a lasting impression on draft boards across the league.