10 Players With the Most to Gain at the 2026 Senior Bowl

By Jack Brentnall

The Senior Bowl often serves as a pressure point in the draft process, separating projection from proof against NFL-calibre competition. For some prospects, a strong week in Mobile can reignite first-round momentum, while for others it represents their first real opportunity to validate intriguing tape against elite peers.

Here are the 10 players with the most to gain in Mobile.

TJ Parker - EDGE, Clemson

Parker entered the year in the conversation for the top edge rusher in the class and a potential top 10 pick. That sort of form never materialised, and he struggled to match his impressive 2024 production in what was a down season for Clemson.

Opinion seems to be divided on Parker and in recent months he’s been overtaken on plenty of big boards by the likes of Cashius Howell and R Mason Thomas. The Senior Bowl is a great opportunity for Parker to answer his doubters, not least with both Howell and Thomas turning down their invitations. A big week in Mobile could see him pushed firmly back into the first round discussion.

Ted Hurst - WR, Georgia State

Hurst was incredibly productive during his time at Georgia State, averaging 15.4 yards per catch and 2.18 yards per route run in his career. He’s an explosive athlete with good route running chops, but the question remains about whether he can translate that form against top competition. The cornerback group in Mobile has several notable names, and if Hurst can impose himself in the one-on-ones he could start earning a lot more buzz.

Brenen Thompson - WR, Mississippi State

Speed always plays at wide receiver, and Thompson has it in spades. The Mississippi State man is one of the quickest receivers in the 2026 class and should get chance to really show that in the one-on-ones in Mobile. Yet this is also an opportunity for him to show scouts that he’s more than just a speedster and that he can win with craft and route detail.

Charles Demmings - CB, Stephen F. Austin

Demmings is one of the players I’ll be watching closely in Mobile. A former zero-star recruit who only started playing football as a high school senior, he has shown real flashes during his time at the FCS level, with real athleticism and fluid movement skills. Yet that relative inexperience does show at times in his technique, and NFL scouts will be keen to see whether he can hold up to the route running chops of some good receivers.

Caleb Banks - IDL, Florida

Banks is my highest graded prospect at the Senior Bowl, but he still has plenty to prove. He was hampered with a foot injury last offseason and a reaggravation early in the season limited him to just three games in 2025. While he showed flashes on his return, there is still going to be plenty that NFL teams want to see in terms of how he’s recovering. Foot injuries can be serious, especially when you’re talking about 330 lbs defensive tackles, so that’s a storyline to watch.

LT Overton - EDGE, Alabama

Is he an edge rusher? Is he a defensive tackle? Opinion is divided on what role Alabama edge rusher LT Overton fits at the NFL level, and the Senior Bowl is a great chance for him to answer his doubters. Can he prove that he has sufficient athleticism to play off the edge and beat tackles in space? Or does he look good enough on the interior to warrant consideration as a defensive tackle? This week will be a huge opportunity for him.

Seth McGowan - RB, Kentucky

McGowan has a lot to gain in Mobile, but unlike most of the other names on this list, the real impact will be off the field. McGowan began his college career at Oklahoma, before being dismissed from the team and serving jail time for robbery, conspiracy and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He has turned his life around since then, but NFL teams will obviously be looking to do their due diligence. If they are comfortable with McGowan’s transformation, he may climb boards.

John Michael Gyllenborg - TE, Wyoming

Gyllenborg was a player getting some buzz before the 2025 season, but Wyoming’s offensive struggles and injuries hampered his production, finishing the season with just 211 yards. Gyllenborg is a talented athlete who definitely has the potential to impress in the one-on-ones. If he can show up in Mobile then teams may be willing to overlook the 2025 tape.

Markel Bell - OT, Miami

Bell was part of an excellent Miami offensive line this season, serving as Carson Beck’s blindside protector. He will garner plenty of attention by virtue of his size (6’9” and 345 lbs), and he shows the length and strength that NFL teams want in the trenches. The big question is whether he has the agility and foot speed to play at tackle in the NFL. The one-on-ones should be a great test.

Chris Johnson - CB, San Diego State

San Diego State’s Chris Johnson was one of the biggest risers of the 2025 season, coming out of nowhere to earn top-50 hype. There will be plenty of eyes on him in Mobile though as he seeks to prove he can hang with top tier talent. Johnson allowed a passer rating of just 16.1 this season, but he had just one game against Power Four competition. The competition he faces at the Senior Bowl will be his toughest test yet. Can he continue his form and impress again.

JACK BRENTNALL

HEAD OF NFL DRAFT CONTENT

Previously the founder of The Jet Sweep, Jack joined The Touchdown as head of Draft Content in 2024. A Scouting Academy alumnus, Jack has been Covering the NFL Draft since 2020. Follow him on Twitter @Jack_Brentnall.

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