Top 10 Senior Bowl Stars Climbing NFL Draft Boards
From February 1 to February 3, 2026, NFL Draft prospects showcased their skills at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. This prestigious event offers players the chance to bolster their draft stock through practices and a game. Here’s a look at ten standout performers who are rising on NFL Draft boards.
Top 10 Senior Bowl Stars Climbing NFL Draft Boards
Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati
Cyrus Allen impressed throughout the week in Mobile. Known for his excellent quickness and smooth route running, Allen had made contributions across all four seasons at Cincinnati. Once viewed as a late-round pick, his strong performance at the Senior Bowl could elevate him into the middle rounds.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Jacob Rodriguez, a standout at Texas Tech, recorded 128 tackles and 11 takeaways in 2025. His performance during the week included a fumble recovery and an interception. As he approaches 24 years old, Rodriguez is emerging as a foundational piece for defenses needing impactful off-ball linebackers.
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
After facing injuries earlier in the season, Caleb Banks entered the Senior Bowl looking to rebuild his draft stock. His week in Mobile showcased his competitive spirit and effective pass rush. Banks consistently demonstrated strong technique and powerful play, making him a likely first-round draft pick again.
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
Joining his Texas Tech teammate Rodriguez, Lee Hunter also turned heads at the Senior Bowl. Originally projected as a fringe first-rounder, Hunter’s performance elevated his visibility. His dominant presence in team drills illustrated his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
T.J. Parker capitalized on the absence of prominent edge rushers at the Senior Bowl. Despite a dip in sack totals last season, he showcased his unblockable style. Parker’s strong showing has reaffirmed his place as a candidate for the first round.
Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburg
Kyle Louis, standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 224 pounds, displayed remarkable speed and playmaking ability at the Senior Bowl. His three interceptions during practice highlighted his anticipation and explosiveness. Louis’s unique skill set makes him a compelling option, despite concerns about his size.
Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
Gabe Jacas, a standout at Illinois, proved his edge-rushing capabilities at the Senior Bowl. With 19 sacks over the last two seasons, he effectively combined speed and power against offensive tackles, bolstering his reputation among scouts.
Bud Clark, S, TCU
Bud Clark was a standout safety throughout the week, demonstrating his impressive range and coverage skills. His ability to break up passes and effectively handle the run game may elevate him from a day-three pick to a more prominent selection in a deep safety class.
Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
Ted Hurst’s journey from FCS to the Senior Bowl has been notable. After accumulating 127 receptions for 1,965 yards and 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons, Hurst showcased his ability to compete with higher-tier talent. His standout one-handed touchdown catch during practice drew widespread attention.
Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Max Iheanachor demonstrated significant improvement, becoming the best offensive tackle by the end of the week. He possesses the necessary size and athleticism coveted by NFL teams. His capacity to protect the passer and contribute to the run game positions him well for a top-50 selection.
These ten prospects exemplified the talent present at the Senior Bowl, each making a compelling case for their potential draft positions. As teams look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, these athletes are certainly climbing the boards.
