Top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft are gathering in Mobile, Alabama, this week for the much-anticipated Panini Senior Bowl. The event, which is invite-only, kicks off with practice sessions on Tuesday and wraps up with the main game on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET, broadcast live on NFL Network. This year’s showcase presents an invaluable opportunity for all 32 NFL teams to connect with more than 100 promising players.
The Senior Bowl practice sessions will be held over two hours from Tuesday to Thursday. Viewers can tune in for live coverage on ESPN2 and ESPNU during various times throughout the week. Notably, NFL draft analysts including Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Field Yates are on site, scheduled to analyze player performances and provide insights into top prospects, including the quarterbacks.
Among the noteworthy players to watch, analysts highlighted defensive tackle Caleb Banks from Florida, who, despite an injury-riddled season limiting his playtime, possesses an impressive combination of speed and power that could reignite his Round 1 buzz if he performs well at the Senior Bowl. Cornerback Chris Johnson of San Diego State also caught attention after a standout season where he intercepted four passes, showing promise as a top 50 draft pick with a solid showing this week.
On the offensive side, Garrett Nussmeier, quarterback from LSU, is expected to shine due to his exceptional accuracy and anticipation, which could help him improve on his draft projections following a challenging previous season. In the realm of pass catchers, NC State tight end Justin Joly is seen as a potential standout, with his catching ability and athleticism set to impress scouts.
Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton is expected to break out among running backs, showcasing the skills that could elevate him in the rankings, especially in a class where a clear RB2 is yet to be established. Texas Tech’s Romello Height, a promising edge rusher, is predicted to garner attention for his ability to create pressure in one-on-ones, potentially positioning him as a valuable situational pass-rusher at the next level.
Defensively, Georgia’s Daylen Everette is projected to emerge as a prominent cornerback at the Senior Bowl, thanks to his experience and elite size, setting him up for success against less experienced receive corners. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis, expected to transition to safety, is likely to turn heads with his ball skills and energy throughout practices.
Prospects who could see their stock rise include Missouri’s Kevin Coleman Jr. and Auburn’s Keyron Crawford, both of whom have the potential to standout based on their performance during the week. For running back J’Mari Taylor from Virginia, his impressive stats from the past season could translate into a successful showing, boosting his draft status. Washington’s Tacario Davis, once a highly regarded prospect, aims to remind scouts of his potential this week.
Overall, the Senior Bowl represents an exciting opportunity for these players to showcase their talents and improve their draft prospects, offering hope as they prepare for the next level. The fluctuating evaluations throughout the week could create new storylines as analysts and fans alike look for the emerging stars of the 2026 NFL Draft.