Former projected top-10 NFL Draft pick and controversial Heisman Trophy runner-up highlight Senior Bowl quarterbacks to watch
This year’s crop of quarterbacks for the Reese’s Senior Bowl aren’t the strongest, but they have some intrigue nonetheless.
The NFL Draft process is a long and arduous one for many reasons, but it gets its unofficial start with the Senior Bowl.
Each year, over 100 players head down to Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl all-star game. It’s more than just the game, as the practices are the most important aspect from an on-field perspective. Each year, the biggest position group to watch is at quarterback.
While in other years, there have been multiple first-round caliber quarterbacks, this year doesn’t have that. What it does have is some intriguing names that can spike their draft stock with a great week.
LSU Tigers’ Garrett Nussmeier
After the 2025 NFL Draft, when the first mock drafts came out for 2026, Nussmeier was a very popular option. Some of them had Nussmeier in the top-10, even as high as first overall. After a really poor season where he suffered a season-ending injury, Nussmeier’s stock has cratered.
What scouts and analysts did like about Nussmeier was his pocket presence and ability to throw with anticipation. He doesn’t possess the strongest arm in the world, but it’s good enough to operate an offense. Nussmeier isn’t going to go in the first round, but can he begin his NFL Draft process with enough of a bang to elevate himself up into the third round?
Vanderbilt Commodores’ Diego Pavia
After spending time in junior college and New Mexico State, Pavia came to Vanderbilt in 2024 and took the SEC by storm by leading the Commodores to a seven-win season, but there was a lot to be excited about, including a win over the Alabama Crimson Tide. Then, he doubled down and led the Commodores to a 10-win season, and even earned himself a trip to New York City, where he finished as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.
Unfortunately for Pavia, things haven’t gone well since his second-place finish. He was caught talking poorly about the Indiana Hoosiers and said, “F*** all the voters.” It was a public relations nightmare for Pavia, and this is a crucial opportunity to change the narrative and make a positive statement. A great week on and off the field could get him drafted.
NDSU Bison’s Cole Payton
Payton is arguably the most intriguing quarterback going to Mobile, mainly due to his lack of experience. It’s an odd thing to say about a player who is 23-years-old, but he sat behind Cam Miller for his first four seasons, and threw just 58 passes before this past season.
Once he got in the game, the lefty showcased a live arm and made really good decisions with the football. The lack of overall playing time, paired with it being at the FCS level, makes him a really odd evaluation. Is he worth a draft pick as a developmental prospect at his age? This week will show a lot.
Other quarterbacks
- Baylor Bears’ Sawyer Robertson
- Arkansas Razorbacks’ Taylen Green
- Illinois Fighting Illini’s Luke Altmyer
Minnesota Vikings News
Minnesota Vikings will have a significant advantage at the Senior Bowl, and it could pay major dividends in April’s NFL Draft
Two Minnesota Vikings assistants will be coaching in the Senior Bowl, and it could give the Vikings a leg up.
