Senior Bowl Standouts: 10 Players Climbing Trevor Sikkema’s Draft Board
The 2026 NFL Draft is gaining momentum following an exciting Senior Bowl, where several players elevated their draft stocks. Here’s a closer look at ten standout athletes who showcased their talents in Mobile, Alabama.
Senior Bowl Standouts: Players Rising on Trevor Sikkema’s Draft Board
Max Iheanachor – Arizona State
The offensive tackle Max Iheanachor shone brightly at the Senior Bowl. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 325 pounds, he demonstrated impressive movement skills. He achieved a remarkable 78.5 pass-blocking grade, allowing no sacks during the season. His performance positions him as a potential top 50 draft pick.
Malachi Fields – Notre Dame
Wide receiver Malachi Fields established himself as a significant prospect at 6-foot-4, 218 pounds. His combination of size and athleticism has drawn attention, especially with a top highlight reel catch during practice. Fields’ 76.2 receiving grade showcases his ability, and he is expected to rise into early Day 2 discussions.
Cyrus Allen – Cincinnati
Cyrus Allen, a wide receiver standing at 5-foot-11, gained recognition for his exceptional practices. With a season total of 670 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, his 25.2% threat rate highlights his explosive capabilities. Coaches are now taking notice of Allen’s potential post-Senior Bowl.
Tyren Montgomery – John Carroll University
Transitioning from basketball, Tyren Montgomery captivated scouts with his raw athleticism. Although new to football, his impressive drive and explosive playing style caught the eye of many. His journey from a walk-on basketball player to a potential NFL prospect is inspiring.
Sam Hecht – Kansas State
Center Sam Hecht emerged as one of the week’s consistent performers. He achieved an impressive 80.0 overall grade and excelled in controlling the line of scrimmage. Hecht’s physical traits position him as one of the top center prospects in this draft class.
Owen Heinecke – Oklahoma
Linebacker Owen Heinecke’s tenacity on the field is noteworthy. At 6-foot-1 and 224 pounds, he consistently showcased strong run defense, recording grades above 70.0 for three consecutive seasons. Heinecke’s relentless play could attract attention on Day 3 of the draft.
Dametrious Crownover – Texas A&M
Offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover displayed significant improvement during practice. Measuring 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, his footwork has developed, helping him handle rushers effectively. Crownover’s performance suggests that teams may overlook his previous low ranking in favor of his physical potential.
Keyland Rutledge – Georgia Tech
Keyland Rutledge is a formidable presence on the offensive line. With a 76.8 run-blocking grade, he is adept at moving defenders and showed impressive skills in both run and pass protection. His competitive spirit stands out among peers in the trenches.
Gabe Jacas – Illinois
Edge defender Gabe Jacas entered the week as a top-60 prospect. His impressive showing in Mobile—coupled with versatility from various defensive alignments—positions him as a potential top-50 selection. Jacas recorded notable defensive grades this past season, including an 88.1 pass-rush score.
Derrick Moore – Michigan
Derrick Moore, an edge defender, showcased his physical style of play despite being classified as a finesse rusher. Measuring 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds, he remains aggressive at the line of scrimmage, earning a remarkable pass-rush grade of 92.4.
These players have all made significant impressions at the Senior Bowl, influencing their trajectories leading into the 2026 NFL Draft. As teams evaluate their options, these rising prospects will certainly remain on their radar.
