The 2026 Senior Bowl wrapped up on Saturday afternoon. The New Orleans Saints were heavily involved with the event and will likely select several prospects from it in April. Instead of looking at the numerous players who rose their stock, it’s more practical to reflect and view the three biggest takeaways of the event.
There are obviously numerous smaller takeaways that can be seen from the Senior Bowl, however, I narrowed it down to these three. I took one idea from each side of the ball, plus one that could encompass multiple positions.
With that said, it’s time to get into the three biggest takeaways from the Senior Bowl.
The 2026 NFL Draft wide receiver class is severly underrated
This wide receiver class is deeper than previously thought
People following the draft knew the wide receiver class was deep heading into the Senior Bowl, but they didn’t know to what extent. There’s a perfect mix of elite power four options and some under-the-radar prospects from smaller schools.
For example, John Carroll’s Tyren Montgomery and Georgia State’s Ted Hurst each impressed in Mobile. The Saints will likely take a receiver in the first couple rounds, but they should consider double-dipping and selecting another talented, underrated receiver in a later round.
There will be dominant defensive lineman available on day two
A majority of the top edge rushers chose not to participate in the Senior Bowl. This gave the second tier prospects like Missouri’s Zion Young, Clemson’s TJ Parker, and Illinois’ Gabe Jacas the spotlight. With this opportunity, they utterly dominated the opposing lineman. These players undoubtedly raised their stock, but will still likely be available on day two. This could allow the Saints to grab an offensive playmaker early and still select a dynamic playmaker opposite of Chase Young later.
A disappointing year doesn’t equal a bad player
Two players that had high expectations before the season and failed to deliver are LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and Oklahoma running back Jaydn Ott. Their draft stock was at an all-time low, but that didn’t stop them from showing out in Mobile.
Nussmeier and Ott’s performance should show teams and scouts that just because someone had a bad season doesn’t mean they aren’t a quality prospect. Situations matter, and these two weren’t put in an advantageous spot in 2025, but rebounded and will hear their names called in April.