Skip to main content
Advertising

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Senior Bowl NFL Draft Risers: Offense

Here’s a look at the top offensive prospects that improved their draft stock while participating in the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl.

garrett

The 77th Senior Bowl came to a close after the American team took down the National team 17-9 this past Saturday in Mobile, Alabama. In the past, countless draft prospects have utilized the all-star showcase to boost their draft value and launch their careers. This year was not any different. Let's take a look at some offensive prospects who climbed draft boards following the Panini Senior Bowl.

QB Garrett Nussmeier - LSU

garrett2

First, we are starting with the MVP of the Senior Bowl, Garrett Nussmeier. The LSU-product came away as a consensus winner from the week's program. Before the 2025 season, Nussmeier was considered the No. 1 quarterback in class and a possible first-overall pick in April. An injury-plagued season and poor team performance followed, causing the quarterback's draft stock to slide into the middle rounds. Nussmeier's performance throughout the Senior Bowl has earned him some well-deserved buzz.

The 6-foot-1 signal-caller started for the American team and opened with a three-yard rushing touchdown. He finished the day throwing 5-of-8 for 57 yards while showing poise under pressure and command in the pocket. Nussmeier's core injury from last year appeared to be behind him. There isn't a clear No. 2 in this year's quarterback class, but Nussmeier's Senior Bowl performance has firmly put him in the conversation.

WR Tyren Montgomery - John Carroll

montgomery

Although Nussmeier was named MVP of the game, wide receiver Tyren Montgomery stole the show during practice. 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. Montgomery left the university setting John Carroll's single-season reception record (119) and career receiving yards record (2,599).

When Montgomery arrived in Mobile, he quickly set himself apart from the rest of the group. His quick release off the line gives him an early edge in running routes and his basketball background allows him to high-point balls, coming down with multiple contested catches throughout the week. While Montgomery's age will factor into his evaluation (he turns 25 in July), he proved beyond doubt that he belongs in the league. Look for him to be selected on Day Three of the 2026 NFL Draft.

RB Jaydn Ott - Oklahoma

ott

Out of all the prospects, I do not think a single one benefited more than Jadyn Ott. Ott's college career is a bit puzzling at first glance. As a sophomore in 2023, he led the Pac-12 in rushing attempts (246) and rushing yards (1,315), scoring 12 touchdowns in the process for the Golden Bears. Injuries in 2024 led to a less productive season and ultimately a transfer from California to Oklahoma the following year. While in Norman, the back only appeared in seven games, with 21 attempts and 68 yards to his name. Many questioned how a once conference-leading back became an afterthought in Oklahoma's offensive system. Regardless of the answer, Ott looked to the Senior Bowl to repair his draft stock and he took full advantage.

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. The senior also caught a nine-yard pass, reminding scouts of his ability as a pass catcher. The former first-team All-Pac-12 selection turned a solid practice showing into a dominant game performance, a display that is sure to pay off in the draft. Ott solidified himself as a Day Three selection with the possibility of hearing his name called in the fifth round.

Latest Headlines

Advertising