Top Offensive Prospects Boost Draft Stock at Senior Bowl

Quarterback, wide receiver, and running back standouts shine in all-star showcase

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:15pm

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The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl featured several offensive prospects who improved their NFL Draft stock with strong performances during the all-star game and practice week. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was named MVP, while wide receiver Tyren Montgomery from Division III John Carroll and running back Jaydn Ott from Oklahoma also turned heads with their play.

Why it matters

The Senior Bowl is a crucial event for NFL Draft prospects to showcase their skills in front of league scouts and coaches. Strong showings can significantly boost a player's draft position, while poor performances can cause their stock to slide. These standout offensive players have now put themselves firmly on the radar of NFL teams ahead of the draft.

The details

Nussmeier, once considered a potential first-overall pick, had an injury-plagued 2025 season that caused his draft stock to drop. But he rebounded at the Senior Bowl, throwing for 57 yards and rushing for a touchdown. Montgomery, a record-setting receiver at Division III John Carroll, proved he can compete with top talent, making several contested catches in practice. Ott, a former 1,300-yard rusher at Cal who struggled with injuries and a transfer to Oklahoma, had a dominant game performance with 42 rushing yards and a touchdown.

  • The 77th Senior Bowl took place on January 28, 2026 in Mobile, Alabama.
  • Nussmeier was named MVP of the Senior Bowl game on January 28, 2026.

The players

Garrett Nussmeier

A quarterback from LSU who was once considered a potential first-overall pick in the NFL Draft, but saw his stock slide due to an injury-plagued 2025 season. He rebounded with a strong performance at the 2026 Senior Bowl, throwing for 57 yards and rushing for a touchdown.

Tyren Montgomery

A wide receiver from Division III John Carroll University who set school records for receptions in a season (119) and career receiving yards (2,599). He impressed scouts at the Senior Bowl with his quick release, route-running, and ability to make contested catches.

Jaydn Ott

A running back who had a standout 2023 season at Cal, leading the Pac-12 in rushing, before injuries and a transfer to Oklahoma led to a less productive 2024 and 2025. He bounced back at the Senior Bowl, rushing for 42 yards and a touchdown, solidifying himself as a potential Day 3 draft pick.

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What they’re saying

“Nussmeier's performance throughout the Senior Bowl has earned him some well-deserved buzz.”

— Gabriel Kahaian

“Montgomery thrived at John Carroll University, a Division III program based in Ohio. He finished his final season with 119 catches for 1,528 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Blue Streaks.”

— Gabriel Kahaian

“Ott put up 42 yards on eight carries and added a rushing touchdown along the way. He looked like a determined, fluid runner with intention in every step.”

— Gabriel Kahaian

The takeaway

The 2026 Senior Bowl provided a crucial platform for several offensive prospects to boost their NFL Draft stock. Nussmeier, Montgomery, and Ott all capitalized on the opportunity, delivering standout performances that are sure to generate increased interest from teams ahead of the draft. Their success highlights the importance of the all-star showcase in helping players make the leap to the professional level.