MOBILE, Ala. — Day 1 of practices at the 2026 Senior Bowl is officially in the books, and with it came the first real separation between prospects who look ready for the NFL and those still searching for consistency. With NFL decision-makers lining the sidelines ad the stands, Tuesday served as a critical opening interview and several players wasted no time making strong first impressions.
Here’s a look at the biggest winners and losers from the first Senior Bowl practice.
Winners
Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan (biggest riser)
Moore might have helped himself more than anyone on Tuesday. He repeatedly collapsed the pocket with a powerful bull rush and showcased his strength setting the edge in run-defense reps. His win over Miami tackle Markel Bell drew attention, and his ability to convert speed to power stood out. Moore’s stock is trending sharply upward after a dominant opening practice.
This is Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore going up against a 6’9”, 345-pound tackle at the Senior Bowl and absolutely burying him
It’s a loaded EDGE class in the 2026 draft, but don’t forget about Moore. Explosive, refined hands, dense frame
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— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24)
January 28, 2026
T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
Parker reminded scouts exactly why his name still carries weight despite a quieter 2025 season. His power was on full display, most notably with a long-arm bull rush that overwhelmed Maryland offensive tackle Alan Herron. Parker also flashed an effective inside counter, showing he can win with more than just brute force. While teams will want to see added variety in his rush plan, Day 1 was a clear positive step.
Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois
Jacas stood out with consistent effort and burst off the edge. He showed good leverage in one-on-ones and didn’t look overwhelmed against top-tier competition. His motor and physicality popped early, helping him carve out momentum in a deep edge rusher group.
Rayshaun Benny, DL, Michigan
Benny quietly had one of the stronger trench performances of the day. He showed good hand usage and quickness off the snap, holding his ground against interior linemen and creating disruption in team drills. He looks comfortable playing fast and physical exactly what evaluators want to see.
Jake Slaughter, OL, Florida
In a practice where offensive linemen often struggle, Slaughter held his own. He displayed good balance, strong hands, and an ability to anchor against power rushers. His consistency stood out, especially in one-on-one drills, where he avoided the glaring losses that can linger in scouts’ memories.
Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
Hurst stole the highlight of the day with a spectacular one-handed catch in the end zone, but his impact went beyond just one rep. He consistently stacked defenders on vertical routes and showed confidence tracking the ball downfield. For a smaller-school prospect, Hurst made a loud statement that he belongs and belongs early.
Ted Hurst is going to make an OC very happy on Day 2 in April.
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— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_)
January 27, 2026
Losers
Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
Banks struggled to create separation or disruption up front. He was largely neutralized in one-on-ones and didn’t flash the explosiveness needed to stand out in a loaded defensive line group. There’s time to rebound, but Day 1 didn’t help his case.
Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt
While Pavia had moments, his overall day was uneven. Ball placement and timing were inconsistent, and his lack of size remains an unavoidable talking point. In a quarterback group where efficiency matters, Pavia didn’t clearly separate himself on the opening day.
Markel Bell, OT, Miami
Bell had a rough start, highlighted by a tough rep against Derrick Moore where his anchor gave way quickly. He struggled with power rushers and looked uncomfortable resetting once beaten. The physical tools are there, but Day 1 exposed some concerns.
Romello Height, Edge, Auburn
Height failed to consistently win in one-on-ones and didn’t show the explosiveness expected from his frame. In a week where edge rushers are already stealing the spotlight, Height will need a bounce-back performance to stay in the conversation.
Early takeaway
Day 1 of Senior Bowl practice reinforced a familiar truth: the edge rusher and wide receiver groups are loaded. Players like Moore, T.J., and Hurst used the opening session to elevate their draft profiles, while others now face pressure to respond quickly.
With two practices still ahead, nothing is settled but first impressions matter, and several prospects made theirs count.
