Early Standouts from the First Two Days of 2026 Senior Bowl Practices

The first two practices of the 2026 Senior Bowl week offered exactly what scouts crave: high-tempo, competitive reps that reveal who can handle NFL-style coaching, spacing, and speed. With one-on-ones and team periods providing constant evaluation points, six prospects separated themselves early. Three offensive players flashed pro-ready traits, while three defenders consistently popped with disruptive plays, takeaways, and translatable movement skills.

Offensive Players to Watch

1. Taylen Green, QB — Arkansas

Scouting Grade: Developmental Starter Traits / High-End Backup Floor

Round Projection: Round 3–4

Green’s practice tape jumped out because the tools are obvious: a live arm, “plus” athleticism, and the ability to create when structure breaks. Over the first two days, he showed improved command of timing concepts while still threatening defenses with his legs when protections were stressed. The ball came out with velocity, and he looked comfortable attacking intermediate windows in rhythm.

Evaluation: Green’s ceiling is tied to consistency. He needs to improve his footwork, touch layering, and staying on schedule, but the traits are starter-caliber. The Senior Bowl setting highlighted his ability to absorb coaching and respond rep-to-rep, which matters as much as the highlight throws.

2. Malachi Fields, WR — Notre Dame

Scouting Grade: Immediate Role Player with WR2 Upside

Round Projection: Round 2–3

Fields was one of the most reliable targets through the opening practices, consistently stacking quality reps against press coverage and winning at the catch point. He separated with tempo and physicality rather than pure speed, showing strong hands and body control in contested situations. In team periods, he looked like a quarterback-friendly receiver. He was where he was supposed to be, when he was supposed to be there. And most of all, had the most reliable hands of all the receivers in the first two practices. 

Evaluation: Fields profiles as an outside target who can also slide into big-slot work depending on a team’s system. His early-week performance strengthened the idea that he can contribute early as a chain mover and red-zone option.

3. Jude Bowry, OT — Boston College

Scouting Grade: Starting Tackle Traits / Early Swing Tackle Value

Round Projection: Round 3–5

Bowry’s first two days were defined by steadiness. He handled speed with better depth and patience than many expected and showed the anchor to absorb power without giving up the chest. In one-on-ones, he flashed improved hand timing and recovery balance, staying connected through contact rather than lunging.

Evaluation: Bowry’s value rises because he looks playable in multiple pass sets and doesn’t panic when stressed. That’s the profile of an early NFL contributor, even if his long-term home ends up being RT or a swing tackle role initially.

Defensive Standouts

4. Derrick Moore, EDGE — Michigan

Scouting Grade: Impact Rotational EDGE with Starter Upside

Round Projection: Round 2–3

Moore was one of the most consistently dominant pass rushers in the first two practices. His long-arm move repeatedly collapsed the pocket, and he strung together wins with power, leverage, and a relentless motor. The signature rep was a standout win over massive OT Markel Bell, where Moore’s extension and force neutralized the tackle’s hands and walked him back.

Evaluation: Moore’s game translates. Speed-to-power, length, and violence in his hands are traits teams pay for, and he showed them against legit competition.

5. Bud Clark, DB — TCU

Scouting Grade: Starting Nickel / Versatile DB

Round Projection: Round 3–4

Clark made his presence felt on Day 2 with an interception and multiple pass breakups, consistently playing the ball with confidence and timing. He stayed disciplined in coverage, triggered quickly downhill, and looked comfortable matching routes from depth without drifting out of phase.

Evaluation: Clark’s calling card is playmaking without recklessness. His blend of ball skills plus controlled aggression fits the modern NFL’s demand for DBs who can cover and finish.

6. Kyle Louis, LB/S — Pitt

Scouting Grade: Three-Down Linebacker Traits/Hybrid Safety role

Round Projection: Round 2–3

Louis caught the eye of evaluators immediately, flashing elite speed and coverage ability in space. He delivered a splashy two-day stretch that included an interception and a forced fumble during the early, competitive practices. His range showed up in team drills, where he closed throwing windows and arrived with authority at the point of contact.

Evaluation: Louis looks built for today’s NFL: he can run, cover, and create turnovers. Those are the linebackers that stay on the field on third down.

Early Takeaway

After two practices, the early story of Senior Bowl week is clear: Taylen Green looks like a quarterback with real upside if the details keep improving, Malachi Fields has been a steady “QB’s best friend,” and Jude Bowry is building legitimate tackle momentum. 

Defensively, Derrick Moore has set a tone as a power rusher, while Bud Clark and Kyle Louis have already put turnovers on tape, which is the fastest way to rise on all draft boards this week.