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2026 Senior Bowl Day 3 Winners: Commanders’ NFL Draft prospects who impressed at practice to boost stock
© Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

2026 Senior Bowl Day 3 Winners: Commanders’ NFL Draft prospects who impressed at practice to boost stock

Originally posted on A to Z Sports  |  By Josh Taylor  |  Last updated Jan 30, 2026 12:18 PM ET

The Washington Commanders are in Mobile, Alabama, at the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl to get their eyes on the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, and are trying to get to know them before April.

General manager Adam Peters only has six picks to work with in the draft this year, so he has to maximize every single one of them with a roster that needs help. There are a handful of underdogs who made a name for themselves on the third and final day of the Senior Bowl that the Commanders need to target.

Day 3 winners at the 2026 Senior Bowl

Bud Clark, Safety, TCU

Bud Clark is a very experienced safety with over 2,400 snaps at TCU, and it's something the Commanders would love in Daronte Jones' defense. Clark flashed on the field and showed his ball skills at the Senior Bowl. He had 14 interceptions over the last four years, and four in 2025. There were multiple plays on the day where he showed his coverage ability, and he dropped back over the top for an interception. He also had a pass breakup to save a touchdown in a one-on-one drill. Clark was one of the most impressive defensive players all week long, but really won on day three.

Owen Heinecke, LB, Oklahoma

The Commanders need to revamp their LB room, and I came away really impressed by Owen Heinecke from Oklahoma. He was all over the field on the final day of the Senior Bowl and blew up multiple plays, including a screen play to the running back. I was impressed by his range and instincts to read the play and react right away. Heinecke is 6-1, 224 pounds, and plays very physically at the point of the catch. Even in the one-on-one passing drills against the running backs, he was steadily getting pass breakups, which isn't easy to do. He's on my radar to watch now for the Commanders.

Barion Brown, WR, LSU

Barion Brown had one of the best days by a WR on day three, and his route running was stellar. There were multiple times when he had defensive backs on skates, and he was constantly getting open. The biggest thing I wanted to see from him was his ability to fight for the ball during contact, since he's only 5-10, 176 pounds, and he had a great back shoulder catch in the endzone when he didn't have the room to separate. Brown is a speedster for sure, but he also showed the detailed route and his hands, which we didn't get enough of at LSU. This is a guy who will be available in the later rounds who could carve out a solid role in the NFL.

Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston

Tanner Koziol is a guy I had on my radar going into the Senior Bowl, and day three was his day to shine, and he showed why he can be dangerous in the NFL. His ability to high-point passes and just dominate in the endzone makes him a true weapon, and he did it consistently at practice. He's 6-6, 245 pounds, but he moves so smoothly, and can actually stretch the field vertically as well. Koziol led all players in contested catches since 2024, and it's easy to see why. He might not be a consistent run blocker as a rookie, but he will be a threat in the receiving game day one.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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