Top Defensive Prospects Shine at Senior Bowl

Several linebackers, safeties, and edge rushers boosted their draft stock with standout performances in Mobile.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl featured several top defensive prospects who improved their draft stock with impressive showings. Linebacker Kyle Louis from Pittsburgh, safety Bud Clark from TCU, and defensive end Nadame Tucker from Western Michigan were among the standouts, showcasing their athleticism, playmaking ability, and potential to be impact players at the next level.

Why it matters

The Senior Bowl is a crucial evaluation event for NFL teams, providing a chance to see top prospects compete against each other in a professional setting. Strong performances can significantly boost a player's draft stock, potentially leading to them being selected higher than expected. These defensive standouts have put themselves firmly in the conversation to be early-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

The details

Kyle Louis, the Pittsburgh linebacker, recorded 201 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks over the past two seasons. He displayed his athleticism and coverage skills at the Senior Bowl, leading to concerns about his ability to be an effective run-stopper at 5'11", 224 pounds. TCU safety Bud Clark finished his college career with 214 tackles, 15 interceptions, and two touchdowns, earning multiple Big 12 honors. At 6'2", he has an imposing frame and thrives against the run. Western Michigan's Nadame Tucker, a defensive end, led the FBS in 2025 with 21 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks. After transferring from Houston, he proved he can dominate at the Senior Bowl, recording two sacks including a strip sack.

  • The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl took place in Mobile, Alabama.
  • The event occurred in early February 2026, providing a crucial evaluation opportunity for NFL teams ahead of the upcoming draft.

The players

Kyle Louis

A linebacker from the University of Pittsburgh who recorded impressive stats over the past two seasons, including 201 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks.

Bud Clark

A safety from TCU who finished his college career with 214 tackles, 15 interceptions, and two touchdowns, earning multiple Big 12 honors.

Nadame Tucker

A defensive end from Western Michigan who led the FBS in 2025 with 21 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks, and proved his ability to dominate at the Senior Bowl.

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What they’re saying

“Kyle Louis put on a show at the Senior Bowl. The New-Jersey-native recorded 201 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks over the past two seasons at Pittsburgh.”

— Gabriel Kahaian (statenews.net)

“Bud Clark was able to make a significant splash in front of scouts in Mobile last week. Clark has been a physical presence in the secondary for the Horned Frogs the past six seasons, making his mark on the gridiron.”

— Gabriel Kahaian (statenews.net)

“Nadame Tucker proved he can hang with nearly anyone. He was borderline unblockable at the Senior Bowl, recording two sacks including a fourth-quarter strip sack.”

— Gabriel Kahaian (statenews.net)

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April, where these defensive standouts will look to hear their names called early as they aim to make an immediate impact at the professional level.

The takeaway

The 2026 Senior Bowl showcased the depth and talent of this year's defensive draft class, with several prospects like Kyle Louis, Bud Clark, and Nadame Tucker boosting their stock through dominant performances. These players have the potential to be immediate contributors at the next level and could be key targets for teams in need of help on the defensive side of the ball.