2026 Senior Bowl Practice Report: Standouts & NFL Draft Risers

The 2026 edition of the Reese’s Senior Bowl wraps up its final practice session on Thursday before culminating with the game on Saturday. As is the case every year, the practice week is where the true evaluation takes place, and it remains the portion of the event I value most from an NFL scouting perspective.

Several prospects separated themselves during the week in Mobile, and as I do annually, this report focuses on the players who stood out the most during practice sessions and, more importantly, those who meaningfully enhanced their NFL Draft stock heading into the next phase of the pre-draft process.

Garrett Nussmeier — QB, LSU

Garrett Nussmeier has been consistent in Senior Bowl practices this week, and while Diego Pavia has arguably outplayed him so far, Nussmeier remains one of the most closely watched quarterbacks in Mobile after a sharp swing in his draft stock over the past year. Once viewed as a potential first-round pick following a breakout 2024 season, his momentum stalled after an injury-affected 2025 campaign in which he played just nine games and navigated a coaching change.

Measuring 6’1”, 202 pounds at weigh-ins, size will be a limiting factor for some teams, but his practice work has been steady as he continues to work back from roughly three months away from meaningful game action. He currently carries a Day Two grade, with how early he comes off the board tied to his participation at the NFL Combine and LSU Pro Day, where his background growing up around the game with an NFL offensive coordinator father shows in how he approaches the process.

Ted Hurst — WR, Georgia State

Hurst delivered one of the defining plays of the week with a high-level one-handed grab that showcased his length, body control, and ball skills. At 6’3”, 207 pounds, he consistently showed the ability to stack corners vertically and adjust late to the football. His route pacing stood out, particularly on curls and comebacks, where he sank his hips well for a taller receiver and created functional separation. While he lacks true burner speed, his 61% contested-catch rate over the past two seasons and reliable hands profile him as a possession receiver with vertical value. Added strength against press coverage will determine how high he climbs, but his Senior Bowl week significantly boosted his draft stock.

Tyren Montgomery — WR, John Carroll (D-III)

Montgomery was the clear small-school riser of the week and one of the most intriguing prospects in Mobile. A former LSU basketball walk-on who transitioned through Nicholls State before landing at Division III John Carroll, Montgomery consistently won in one-on-one drills with short-area burst, agility, and competitiveness at the catch point. His ability to separate and finish against higher-profile defensive backs validated his production - 119 catches, 1,528 yards, and 15 touchdowns in 2025. Montgomery entered the week as an afterthought nationally, but his practice tape alone put him firmly on the NFL scouting radar as a developmental slot/Z receiver with upside.

Malachi Fields — WR, Notre Dame

Fields reminded evaluators in Mobile why his name has stayed relevant in NFL Draft circles. At 6’4”, 220 pounds, he looks the part of a prototypical X receiver. This week, he has consistently flashed strong hands, solid body control, and fluid route-running. While his college production never reached elite levels, the traits have always been NFL-caliber. His highlight reel diving catch on day two of the Senior Bowl drew mass attention on social media, but the more telling rep was a cleanly executed comeback route, where he sold vertical, stayed fluid at the breakpoint, and snapped it off with timing. There are some scouts who have an early-day-two grade on Fields, but he could elevate into the late-day-one range if he continues to stack good days through this All-Star and NFL Combine process.

Derrick Moore — EDGE, Michigan

Moore was one of the most disruptive defensive linemen during the week, consistently winning with power, leverage, and improved rush sequencing. He steamrolled Miami OT Markel Bell with a well-timed bull rush and flashed again as a run defender, using length and play strength to control the point of attack. Moore finished the 2025 season with 11 sacks, 41 pressures, and a top-15 PFF defensive grade, and his Senior Bowl performance reinforced that growth. At 6’3”, 260 pounds, he’s no longer just a speed-to-power rusher. His added inside counters and improved get-off have elevated his profile. He’s solidifying himself as a high-upside edge with early day two or even late day one potential.

TJ Parker — EDGE, Clemson

Parker entered the week with questions after a dip in 2025 production, but his power profile showed up immediately in practice. He unloaded his signature long-arm bull rush to walk Maryland OT Alan Herron straight back into the pocket and followed it with a clean inside counter on another rep. His strength and leverage remain calling cards, though teams will want to see more diversity in his rush plan. If Parker can continue layering counters off his power move, he has a chance to regain momentum after entering the year with top-10 buzz.

Kyle Louis — LB, Pittsburgh

Louis doesn’t fit the traditional linebacker mold at just under 6’0” and 224 pounds, but his coverage ability separated him from the pack. He operated as a nickel linebacker hybrid, showing quick processing, burst downhill, and excellent ball skills in coverage drills. One rep in particular stood out, where he mirrored a running back on an option route and undercut the throw for a pass breakup. His skill set profiles best in sub-packages, but his versatility and coverage instincts make him a rising name in this class.

Colton Hood — CB, Tennessee

Hood entered the week as one of the highest-rated prospects in Mobile and was tested accordingly. In a high-leverage one-on-one rep against SMU WR Jordan Hudson, Hood stayed in phase, located the ball, and knocked away a fade for a decisive win. While he had some ups and downs earlier in practice, his confidence, competitive nature, and ball skills stood out. Questions remain about his long speed and limited film due to multiple transfers, but Hood used Senior Bowl practices to reinforce his first-round traits.

Zion Young — EDGE, Missouri

Young backed up his confidence with production during practice week. After shaking off early rust, he consistently won in one-on-one drills with length, bend, and play strength, beating tackles like Max Iheanachor and Jude Bowry. At 6’5”, 263 pounds with 33½-inch arms, Young brings an NFL body type and disruptive presence. His energy, motor, and physical tools stood out, and his Senior Bowl showing helped solidify him as a Day Two edge prospect with upside.