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Five NFL Draft prospects who should be worried following Senior Bowl
Boston College Eagles offensive lineman Jude Bowry. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Five NFL Draft prospects who should be worried following their Senior Bowl performance

The 2026 Senior Bowl showcased numerous standout performances, highlighting the skills and potential of various prospects. 

However, amidst the excitement, five specific players struggled significantly, leading to a sharp decline in their draft stock. Their lackluster performances raised concerns among scouts and analysts, prompting a reevaluation of their potential value in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Five players whose stocks are declining

Boston College OT Jude Bowry 

Bowry struggled during one-on-one matchups, showing his inability to be left on an island. He lacks the foot quickness and lateral movement to win against next-level speed. He's a solid run blocker but is raw and needs development as a pass protector.

USC  WR Ja'Kobi Lane

Lane is athletically gifted but struggled during the Senior Bowl week to create separation consistently at the intermediate and deep levels of the field. He's likely becoming a mid-day three pick. 

Vanderbilt  QB Diego Pavia

Pavia wasn't horrible, but he wasn't flashy either; he was primarily average, but his major concern throughout the week was his height. He measured in at 5-foot-9, which is not ideal for a long-term starting quarterback in the NFL. He could slide to late day three or UDFA. 

Syracuse  TE Dan Villari

Villari struggled at all phases of the game during the week. He couldn't sustain blocks due to inadequate pad level and inability to generate power. His week resulted in multiple drops. 

Penn State  S Zakee Wheatley

Wheatley lacked the desired traits for an NFL safety during the week. He showed little physicality downhill and struggled at the point of attack. There were no impressive reps in coverage as well. 

Where do these prospects stand ahead of NFL Draft?

Overall, none of these prospects displayed the attributes needed to be considered franchise-caliber players or worthy of Day One or even early Day Two selections. They failed to demonstrate standout skills or an ability to positively influence their draft stock. 

Colton Edwards

Colton Edwards graduated from the United States Sports University in 2023. He brings three years and counting of college football personnel experience (Tennessee Tech 2024-2025 and currently at Western Michigan). Before joining Yardbarker, he brings vast experience as an NFL Draft Analyst from FanSided, Prime Time Sports Talk, and First Round Mock

This article first appeared on Southern Miss Golden Eagles On SI and was syndicated with permission.

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