The Senior Bowl is officially underway in Mobile, AL. That means we can begin to piece together the pre-draft process and formulate better evaluations of players, which, in turn, gives us a better feel for how NFL teams want to attack the offseason leading up to April.
Fortunately, I was able to get down to Mobile this week for the first time and take in practice. I assisted on a couple of interviews with Jason Harmon of Purple Daily, which gave me a unique perspective on some of these players.
Below are some tidbits from those interviews, as well as other notes and thoughts as well from Tuesday's practice.
T.J. Parker showed why he is likely to go in the first round
Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker provided one of the first big highlights of the day in 1-on-1 drills, showing off the power that can get him first-round consideration (he's currently No. 28 on the Consensus Big Board).
Great leverage + long arm pass rush rep here from Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker. He had some strong run defense reps as well. Good first day for him pic.twitter.com/1M4WxI8xJc
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 27, 2026
Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore provided the second huge highlight of the day
He may not go as high as Parker, but Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore had a rep that turned heads as well. Moore, No. 83 on the Consensus Big Board, dominated Michigan tackle Markel Bell on this play.
Derrick Moore ran through Markel Bell’s face 😳 pic.twitter.com/No2jbQpVmt
— Max Chadwick (@CFBMaxChadwick) January 27, 2026
NC State TE Justin Joly believes he can be utilized in many ways
The first interview we got was with North Carolina State tight end Justin Joly. He believes he has the versatility to help offenses in a variety of ways.
"I would say the versatility of being able to win one-on-ones," Joly said, "block and just do everything that they need me to do. I don't have to be a specific third-down player or red-zone player. I could be [an} all-down tight end when they need me."
Got to talk with NC State TE Justin Joly after National Team practice https://t.co/AYM9IKas4Npic.twitter.com/ieVRFPopFa
— Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) January 27, 2026
Arkansas RB Mike Washington, Jr. is passionate about football
When asked what he wants fans to know about him, Arkansas running back Mike Washington, Jr. made it clear that he is passionate about football and wants to help take care of an NFL organization.
"I love the game," Washington said. "I'm super passionate about the game. What comes with that is a dude who cares about the program, cares about the organization, and [takes pride in] carrying the rock for that organization."
Arkansas RB Mike Washington Jr is going to make an NFL fanbase very happy. pic.twitter.com/vP2w316K6q
— Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) January 28, 2026
Other tidbits and notes from the first day
- Mobile was a little chilly. Living in Des Moines, I didn't think I'd get cold. But with the second practice starting at 4 PM, the stadium began to cool down as the sun set. It wasn't unbearable (high of 52, low of 31 on Tuesday), but several of us Northerners were suprisingly uncomforable.
- I watched more of the line reps, but from what I saw, LSU quarterback Garrett Nusmeier was inconsistent on passes in 7-on-7 drills. This is a big week for the QB who had a down year in 2025.
- The American team's defensive line dominated team drills, giving running backs little room to showcase their abilities.
- Boise State offensive lineman Kage Casey struggled in the 1-on-1s that I saw. Casey was an intriguing prospect going into the week, but he will need to bounce back on Wednesday and Thursday.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 Senior Bowl takeaways from Day 1
