The 2026 Senior Bowl kicks off next week, and opportunity awaits for over 130 NFL draft prospects who will participate in practices and an all-star game in front of NFL personnel.
"There's only one place you can go to watch this many draftable prospects at one place at one time," said Drew Fabianich, Senior Bowl executive director.
He added: "The draft starts in Mobile. … This is where players come to play, bottom line. And it's the best of the best."
Below is an overview of some of Fabianich's players to watch.
Which Prospect Will Impress Scouts the Most?
Fabianich's pick for the prospect that will impress scouts the most is Ted Hurst of Georgia State.
The 6-3, 185-pound wide receiver began his college career at Valdosta State before transferring to Georgia State for his final two seasons, where he was the leading receiver in 2024 and 2025. Hurst set a single-season school record in TD receptions in 2024 (9) and recorded a career-high 1,004 receiving yards in 2025.
"I think he's probably one of the most overlooked," Fabianich said. "Silky, quick separation … They've probably got him as like a high fourth [round pick] right now. He may end up being a middle second when it's all said and done."
Hurst finished in the top 20 in the nation in total receiving yards, receiving yards per game and receptions per game in 2025. In two seasons at Georgia State, he recorded 1,965 receiving yards and 15 TDs.
Which Prospect Has the Most Unique Backstory?
Fabianich described S Michael Taaffe (6-0, 189) of Texas as the player with the most unique back story, on and off the field.
"Straight walk on," Fabianich said. "Worked his way all the way up and runs the secondary at Texas. They were so much better when he was in there than when he was out of there when he was hurt."
In 53 game appearances at Texas, Taaffe recorded 222 total tackles, 9.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 7 INTs, 14 PD, 1 FF and 1 FR.
Taafe also earned the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy in 2025, an award presented to the FBS player who best combines exemplary service to others with leadership achievement on and off the field. Taafe leads substance abuse prevention efforts through Texas Against Fentanyl, and he raised over $100,000 for the Texas Flood Relief Foundation.
"What he did for the flood victims in Texas after that happened, that was impressive," Fabianich said.
He added: "I love those guys that have shown, 'hey, I don't give a damn if you think I'm too small, I don't give a damn if I was a walk on. Then I end up being a starter at an SEC school and get an invite to the Senior Bowl.'"
Who Are Some Under the Radar Prospects?
OL Delby Lemieux of Dartmouth, CB Charles Demmings of Stephen F. Austin and RB J'Mari Taylor of Virginia were mentioned by Fabianich as potential under the radar prospects.
Named a postseason All-American by various outlets in 2025, Lemieux (6-4, 280) was part of an offensive line that allowed the fifth-fewest sacks per game (0.80) among FCS programs.
"Great athlete, moves well, adjust well in space, protects well," Fabianich said.
Demmings (6-1, 190) recorded 5 pass defenses and 4 INTs during his final collegiate season, contributing to a defense that ranked second in total defense in FCS.
"Long corner, really good feet," Fabianich said.
Taylor (5-9, 204), who began his college career at North Carolina Central, rushed for 1,062 yards and 14 TDs during his only season at Virginia.
"Really good contact balance, hard to tackle," Fabianich said.
Which Position Group Has the Most Depth?
Fabianich didn't hesitate to share his belief that defensive end is the position with the most depth ahead of this year's Senior Bowl.
"Hands down," he said. "Not even close."
The group includes Michigan's Derrick Moore, Missouri's Zion Young and Penn State's Dani Dennis-Sutton.
In 53 game appearances with the Wolverines, Moore (6-3, 260) recorded 95 total tackles, 24.5 TFL, 21 sacks, 8 PD, 3 FF, 3 FR and 1 fumble recovery returned for a TD. Moore was a member of the national championship team in 2023, and he recorded a sack in the Rose Bowl victory over Alabama that season.
Young (6-5, 262), who started his career at Michigan State, recorded 84 total tackles, 22 TFL, 9 sacks, 5 PD, 3 FF and 1 fumble recovery returned for a TD across two seasons at Missouri.
In four seasons at Penn State, Dennis-Sutton (6-5, 265) recorded 127 total tackles, 34.5 TFL, 23.5 sacks, 8 PD, 2 INT, 7 FF and 2 FR.
"It's a 'wow,' it really is," Fabianich said of the group. "I'm thrilled to death that we've got them, and I think they're going to put on a show."
