Senior Bowl Day 2 Recap: Risers, Playmakers, and Defensive Disruptors Turn Heads in Mobile
MOBILE, Ala. - Day 2 of Panini Senior Bowl practices brought more than just warm-ups and walkthroughs - it brought separation. With NFL scouts lining the sidelines, the action on the field was fast, physical, and full of prospects making real moves up draft boards. A handful of players solidified their standout status from Day 1, while others threw their names into the mix with breakout performances.
Let’s break down the most notable moments from Wednesday’s practice - starting with the offense.
Offense: Wideouts Make Noise, Linemen Open Lanes, and a Few QBs Find Rhythm
The National Team’s offense had a rocky start in team drills, committing three false starts on the opening 11-on-11 series. But once the rhythm kicked in, several skill players made sure their names were remembered.
Tyren Montgomery (WR, John Carroll) continues to be one of the feel-good stories of the week - and not just because he’s a small-school guy making big plays. In 1-on-1s, he climbed the ladder for a deep touchdown over San Diego State’s Chris Johnson, then followed it up with a short slant that turned into a chunk gain after shaking North Carolina’s Thaddeus Dixon with a nasty release. He’s showing he belongs with the big-program guys.
Malachi Fields (WR, Notre Dame) might’ve had the biggest day of any receiver. His route-running was sharp, consistently getting separation in 1-on-1s, but the highlight was a full-extension, diving grab on a deep ball from Arkansas QB Taylen Green during 11-on-11s. That play turned heads - and probably caused a few scouts to double-check their notes.
Barion Brown (WR, LSU) had one of the cleanest wins of the day, breaking Texas corner Malik Muhammad’s ankles on an out route that drew audible reactions from the sideline. Later, he made a tough contested grab with Northwestern’s Fred Davis II draped all over him. Brown’s quickness and body control are standing out.
Vinnie Anthony II (WR, Wisconsin) was as reliable as they come. He caught everything thrown his way - in drills and team periods - and capped it with a 30-yard touchdown from North Dakota State’s Cole Payton during 1-on-1s.
Reggie Virgil (WR, Texas Tech) and Cyrus Allen (WR, Cincinnati) both made splash plays down the sideline in 1-on-1s. Virgil torched Dixon for a 35-yard score, while Allen used a slick double-move to beat Georgia’s Daylen Everette for a 40-yard gain.
Josh Cameron (WR, Baylor) isn’t winning with speed, but he’s winning. Period.
The thick-framed wideout has been a physical presence, catching everything thrown his way with strong hands and positioning. He’s not flashy, but he’s effective.
Adam Randall (RB, Clemson) had a bit of a rollercoaster day. He flashed as a pass-catcher in 1-on-1s but coughed up the ball during 11-on-11s after Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez punched it out. Ball security will be something to watch for him going forward.
In the trenches, the National Team offensive line quietly had a solid day, especially in the run game. Carver Willis (OT, Washington) and Gennings Dunker (OL, Iowa) both stood out during 1-on-1s, consistently winning reps and creating space.
At tight end, Nate Boerkircher (Texas A&M) made his presence felt. He reeled in a couple of tough catches in tight windows, including a 20-yard seam ball over Kansas State safety VJ Payne. The two had a competitive back-and-forth all day, acknowledging each other’s wins - the kind of iron-sharpens-iron battle scouts love to see.
Defense: Edge Rushers Dominate, Linebackers Fly, and DBs Bring the Heat
If Day 2 had a theme on defense, it was disruption - and plenty of it.
Derrick Moore (EDGE, Michigan) and Zion Young (EDGE, Michigan State) continue to be two of the most explosive players on the field. Their first steps are lightning-quick, and they’re not just speed guys - both showed power at the point of attack and made life miserable for the offensive tackles.
Vincent Anthony Jr. (EDGE, Duke), Logan Fano (EDGE, Utah), and Romello Height (EDGE, Texas Tech) all flashed in pass-rush drills, consistently collapsing the pocket and forcing quarterbacks to escape. Keyron Crawford (EDGE, Auburn) even notched a sack during team periods.
Inside, Zane Durant (DT, Penn State) and Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech) were a problem. Durant shot through a gap for a run stop, while Hunter continued his disruptive streak with another sack - this time on Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia. For a guy his size, Hunter moves like a much smaller man, and it’s paying off.
Gracen Halton (DT, Oklahoma) showed off his speed and angles, blowing up an outside run with a clean pursuit. Meanwhile, Florida’s Tyreak Sapp disrupted a screen by getting right in Garrett Nussmeier’s face before he could release the ball.
On another play, Caleb Banks (DL, Florida) got into the backfield so quickly on a handoff that he brought Nussmeier down - thinking he still had the ball. It was a light-hearted moment, but it underscored just how fast Banks is off the snap.
At linebacker, Kyle Louis (Pittsburgh) continues to be one of the stars of the week. He was sticky in coverage during 1-on-1s, but his run defense in team drills was even more impressive.
He blew up multiple plays, whether inside or on the edge. He’s putting together a complete resume.
Bryce Boettcher (LB, Oregon) also stood out with his sideline-to-sideline range. He read outside runs like a book and was often the first to the ball.
Jacob Rodriguez (LB, Texas Tech) had a signature day. He forced a fumble early on Randall, then capped practice with an interception - a fitting end for a player who’s been everywhere this week.
Keyshaun Elliott (LB, Arizona State) brought the physicality. He had some moments in coverage, but his tone-setting hits during pass-rush drills showed he’s not afraid to get downhill and deliver a blow.
In the secondary, Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State) continues to show why he’s one of the top-rated players in Mobile. At 6'0", 190 pounds, he’s got the frame and the footwork to match up with anyone. He’s been glued to receivers all week, and Wednesday was no different.
Malik Muhammad (CB, Texas) had a rough moment early against Barion Brown but bounced back with a nice pass breakup during 11-on-11s. That kind of resilience matters.
Bud Clark (S, TCU) had a complete day. He was sticky in man coverage during 1-on-1s, broke up a pass in team drills, and didn’t shy away from contact in the run game.
Jalen Stroman (S, Notre Dame) continues to impress in short-area coverage. He’s made life difficult for tight ends, blanketing short routes and showing the kind of physicality that could translate well to covering NFL-caliber TEs.
Final Word
With each rep in Mobile, the 2026 NFL Draft picture gets a little clearer. Day 2 of the Senior Bowl practices was a showcase of rising talent - from small-school sleepers to high-profile prospects confirming the hype. The defensive front dominated, the receivers dazzled, and a few players on both sides of the ball made definitive cases to hear their names called early this April.
And with one more day of practice to go, the competition is only heating up.