Adam Peters kept a close eye on one position for Commanders at Senior Bowl practice, and they didn’t disappoint
The Commanders were watching EDGE prospects closely at the Senior Bowl, and it was the most impressive position group on Day 1.
The Washington Commanders kicked off the draft season by hiring their new defensive coordinator, Daronte Jones before the 2026 Senior Bowl, and now they can focus on watching draft prospects.
Draft prospects from around the country come to Mobile, Alabama, every year for the Senior Bowl to compete against each other and boost their draft stock. This year, the Commanders have plenty of positions to focus on, and they had plenty of representation at today’s first practice.
General manager Adam Peters kept a close eye on EDGE prospects as they went through drills and took notes on who stood out.
Biggest EDGE prospect winners on Day 1 of the Senior Bowl
Gabe Jacas, Illinois
Gabe Jacas was one of my underrated players to watch at the Senior Bowl, and wasted no time as my biggest winner of Day 1. It wasn’t just one highlight reel play, but consistent reps of dominating in different ways.
He had one play off the edge where he got around the tackle and had a strip sack on Garrett Nussmeier, and he built off of that momentum. Jacas also won on inside reps at 4i and 3-tech inside. I had a chance to talk to him after practice, and he credited his wrestling background for his success in finishing plays and attacking with his hands.
TJ Parker, Clemson
Clemson had a major letdown of a season, but so did TJ Parker, and he came to the Senior Bowl with something to prove. I expected him to dominate and show why he was a projected first-round pick before the season, and he did. Parker showed his length by sticking offensive tackles with his stiff arm, and they had nothing for it.
His size and strength are weapons, and he showed that he can still win consistently. Parker can make a lot of money this week if he continues to dominate over the next two days.
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Dani Dennis-Sutton is another player I spoke with after practice, and he showed me everything I wanted to see on Day 1 at the Senior Bowl. He’s bigger than I expected at 6-5, 268 pounds, and he showed all of it today by winning inside and outside with his strength and length.
Dennis-Sutton has an elite bend, especially for his size, and he plays with an unmatched motor that pops on film. He would be the dream pick at No. 71 overall for the Commanders, but he may outplay his current projection this week.
Derrick Moore, Michigan
Every year, there’s one play that goes viral on social media, and Derrick Moore may have already done that on the first day of practice. He had a textbook rep against offensive tackle Markel Bell, who is listed at 6-9, 347 pounds, and he put him in the dirt with ease.
Moore is 6-3, 254 pounds, and has the strength of a 270-pound defensive end, with great leverage and the ability to set the edge in the run game. His athleticism allows him to win in many ways, and I have him higher on my board than many others will.