The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl kicked off on Tuesday afternoon with the first day of practice. As they say, the NFL Draft starts in Mobile and there was a lot to like on the opening day. This should be a good week, with players competing and trying to prove themselves. Here are some players who caught my eye on Tuesday.
1. LB Kyle Louis, Pitt
It would not be surprising to see the Rams take a linebacker in the later stages of the NFL Draft in April. The Rams have a history of taking hybrid-style linebackers and Kyle Louis fits that bill. Louis was one of the more fun players to watch on Day 1 of the Senior Bowl. He had an interception in 1-on-1s and then forced a fumble in team drills. Louis is one of the better coverage linebackers in the class and he showed that on Tuesday. That skill set is what the Rams are currently missing at the position.
2. OT Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M
Given how Warren McClendon finished the season, it’s unlikely that the Rams draft will a tackle in the first two rounds. However, they lack depth at the position and could use another sixth man and swing tackle that they can develop. Crownover may have been one of the more impressive tackles on Day 1 in Mobile. He consistently won in 1-on-1s and then was solid in the team periods. The Texas A&M tackle is off to a strong week.
3. CB Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
A lot of my focus at the Senior Bowl will be at the cornerback position. Tennessee’s Colton Hood is in Mobile and could go at the end of the first round. With that said, if the Rams were to double-up at the position, Davison Igbinosun is an option on day two. He’s a longer cornerback with the Rams need and brings good speed. His physicality can lead to penalties, but he was sticky in coverage for most of the day and had a few nice pass breakups.
4. OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
The Rams may have found their answer at right tackle in Warren McClendon. However, it’s still hard to put all of their eggs in that basket. The Rams would be smart to tackle a tackle on day two that could at least provide some depth. Max Iheanachor may have been the best tackle on the day in team drills. Zion Young was impressive on the edge all afternoon and Iheanachor handled him well.
5. QB Cole Payton, North Dakota State
One player I am most intrigued to watch this week will be North Dakota State’s Cole Payton. When it comes to FCS players, there’s always a question of how they will perform against tougher competition. Payton did his job on Tuesday, which was to show that he belonged in Mobile. The North Dakota State quarterback is a lefty and has a bit of an elongated motion, but there is also a lot to like.
Others to Watch
- EDGE Zion Young, Mizzou
- CB Julian Neal, Arkansas
- EDGE Derrick Moore, Michigan
- iOL Jake Slaughter, Florida
- WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State
- WR Kevin Coleman, Mizzou
- iOL Logan Taylor, Boston College
- OT Kage Casey, Boise State
- iOL Beau Stephens, Iowa
- RB Nick Singleton, Penn State
It’s hard to mention everybody, but these are some other players that caught my eye throughout the day and I’ll be watching closely the rest of the week. Wide receivers like Ted Hurst and Kevin Coleman really stood out. Logan Taylor and Beau Stephens were fun to watch on the interior. While the Rams may not go with a running back, Nick Singleton was the best player in pass pro drills.
