by 2026 NFL Draft Risers took center stage in Mobile, Alabama, where the annual Senior Bowl once again proved to be a critical stop on the road to the NFL Draft. With the 2025 season in the rearview mirror, scouts and general managers packed the week to evaluate which prospects could thrive under pro-style coaching and NFL-level scrutiny. While some players faltered under the spotlight, a select group seized the moment—turning mid-round projections into early-round locks. If you’re searching for the next wave of NFL stars, these are the names to know before draft cards start flying in April.
Garrett Nussmeier: The Quarterback Who Found His Groove
Heading into the week, the quarterback class was under heavy fire for a lack of “blue-chip” depth, but LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier changed that tune quickly. Coming off an up-and-down season marred by injuries, Nussmeier arrived in Mobile with a chip on his shoulder and a rocket for an arm. He showed elite anticipation in the red zone and a veteran-like command of the huddle that had several AFC scouts scribbling furiously in their notebooks. By the end of the final practice session, Nussmeier solidified his status as one of the premier 2026 NFL Draft Risers, potentially climbing into the top-15 conversation.
Jacob Rodriguez: The New Heart of the Defense
If there was a “money-maker” on the defensive side of the ball, it was undoubtedly Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. Known primarily as a tackling machine in the Big 12, Rodriguez used the Senior Bowl to prove he’s a three-down player who can actually mirror NFL-caliber tight ends in space. His instincts were on full display during 7-on-7 drills, where he snagged two interceptions and broke up several high-velocity passes. Defense wins championships, and teams looking for a versatile signal-caller in the middle will view Rodriguez as one of the most reliable 2026 NFL Draft Risers on the board.
Trench Warfare: Max Iheanachor and Caleb Banks Dominate
The most “spicy” battles of the week happened in the pits, where Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor and Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks went head-to-head. Iheanachor, a raw but gargantuan athlete, showed massive improvement in his hand placement, stone-walling some of the best edge rushers in the country. On the flip side, the 335-pound Caleb Banks proved that “big men can move” by showing a devastating first step that left centers reaching at air. Both prospects are now firm Day 1 candidates and are arguably the biggest 2026 NFL Draft Risers in the trenches this year.
Small School, Big Game: The Tyren Montgomery Story
Every year, a “sleeper” emerges from the lower ranks to shock the Power 5 elites, and in 2026, that man is Tyren Montgomery from John Carroll University. The former LSU basketball walk-on turned wide receiver was nearly unguardable in one-on-one drills, using his 6-foot-4 frame and vertical leap to win contested catches against top-tier SEC cornerbacks. It’s rare for a non-FBS player to generate this much first-round buzz, but Montgomery’s elite athleticism makes him a unicorn in this class. Scouts are calling him the ultimate “low-risk, high-reward” pick among this year’s 2026 NFL Draft Risers.
“Montgomery didn’t just belong on the field with the blue bloods; he was the best athlete out there. The jump from John Carroll to the NFL looks a lot smaller after this week.”
Senior Bowl Losers: Who Left Money on the Table?
While the risers were celebrating, a few big names saw their stock take a tumble in the Alabama humidity. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, a Heisman finalist, struggled significantly with the official measurements, coming in under 5-foot-10—a height that many GMs consider a deal-breaker for a pocket passer. Similarly, USC wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane struggled to create separation against press coverage, raising concerns about his long speed. While these players still have the Combine to recover, they are currently trending in the opposite direction of the 2026 NFL Draft Risers.
The Verdict: A Defensive-Heavy Draft Looming?
As the dust settles in Mobile, it’s becoming clear that the 2026 class might be defined by its defensive depth and “project” offensive tackles. While the quarterback buzz is centered around a few key names, the real value for teams in the late first round will be the pass rushers and interior linemen who dominated this week. If your team needs a foundational piece for the future, they’ll likely be targeting these 2026 NFL Draft Risers to bolster their roster. The Senior Bowl has set the stage, and now the countdown to the Combine officially begins.
