Countdown to the 2026 Super Bowl
With just two weeks left to gear up for the 2026 Super Bowl, the excitement is already building.
The journey toward that major event, along with the 2026 NFL Draft, kicks off with the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. This annual gathering acts as the unofficial start of draft season, as numerous NFL hopefuls and scouts congregate to showcase their talents.
While some big names won’t be participating, there’s still a wealth of talent to keep an eye on. Here are nine players to monitor during this week’s Senior Bowl in Mobile.
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Caleb Banks, a potential starting defensive tackle, is a player to watch closely. Despite appearing in just three games last season due to a foot injury that eventually needed surgery, Banks possesses a promising mix of size, strength, and agility. His performance in Mobile could help solidify his draft position, so monitoring his pad level and recovery from injury will be crucial.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Jacob Rodriguez stood out as the backbone of one of the top defenses last year, contributing to a Heisman Trophy campaign. This week is vital for him to demonstrate the athleticism necessary to succeed as a three-down linebacker in the NFL. Can he hold up in man coverage against tight ends? And will he have the speed to keep pace with receivers? His answers to these questions will significantly impact his draft prospects.
TJ Parker, Edge, Clemson
TJ Parker was once projected as a top-10 pick in various early mock drafts last summer. However, his performance this season hasn’t quite lived up to expectations, leading to a drop in his stock. Currently, Parker hovers on the edge of the first round, as other pass rushers seem to be overtaking him in the rankings.
Romelo Hite, EDGE, Texas Tech
Another player to watch from Texas Tech is Romelo Hite, who has the potential to elevate his draft status alongside teammate Davis Bailey, who is already a recognized top pass rusher. However, Hite faces some size-related scrutiny, weighing just 234 pounds, and he’s on the older side, turning 25 at draft time. Still, his skills as a pass rusher cannot be overlooked.
Garrett Nussmeyer, QB, LSU
Garrett Nussmeyer was once viewed as a first-round prospect, but his stock has dropped drastically after a challenging, injury-riddled season for both him and LSU. Analysts now speculate he might land as low as Day 3 of the draft. This week could change perceptions, as scouts assess his abilities while noting he weighs only 202 pounds.
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Cornerback Chris Johnson is generating buzz heading into the Senior Bowl. Recognized as the Mountain West Player of the Year after a strong season that included four interceptions, his awareness and speed put him in a great position to rise in the rankings. Standing just over 6’0″, he has the physical attributes to impress.
Justin Jolly, WR, North Carolina State
While the Senior Bowl features many remarkable pass catchers, Justin Jolly is one to highlight. After transferring from Connecticut State, he excelled at North Carolina State, recording 49 catches for 489 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He checks in at 6’3″ and 251 pounds, making him a likely standout during one-on-one drills this week.
Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri State
There’s often a smaller receiver that captivates attention at the Senior Bowl, and this year, that could be Kevin Coleman Jr. Last season, he was Missouri’s leading receiver with 66 receptions for 732 yards. His combination of speed and route-running should shine during practice, potentially boosting his draft stock substantially.
Jennings Danker, OT, Iowa State
We’ve discussed several pass rushers, but let’s not forget about those tasked with blocking them, like Jennings Danker. Poised to be Iowa State’s next first-round offensive lineman, Danker has played both guard and tackle. How well he performs against top pass rushers this week may position him firmly in first-round discussions.
