2) Deep with D-line talent

Without hesitation, Fabianich singled out the defensive end position as the game’s deepest. That mirrors the 2026 NFL Draft class at large, with the edge spot arguably the class’ best all-around position.

“Best spot, and it’s not even close,” Fabianich said.

Headlining the position are Texas Tech’s David Bailey, Clemson’s T.J. Parker, Missouri’s Zion Young, Alabama’s LT Overton and Miami’s Akheem Mesidor (who is playing in the national title game).

Fabianich singled out Parker as one to watch. Following a dominant 2024 season in which he racked up 19.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and six forced fumbles, Parker wasn’t quite as impactful in a disappointing season for the Tigers, despite a three-sack game against South Carolina.

“T.J. Parker couldn’t wait to sign up (for the Senior Bowl),” Fabianich said. “Really good kid. He said, ‘I gotta come. I didn’t have a very good year. I want to go.’ He’s only going to tear it up, man.”

Fabianich likes the mix of talents and body types at the position.

There are long, strong base ends such as Young, Penn State’s Dani Dennis-Sutton and Duke’s Vincent Anthony Jr. There are versatile edges such as Bailey, Parker and others. And there are the smaller, leaner rushers (and possible LB converts) such as Romello Height (Texas Tech), Keyron Crawford (Auburn) and Cian Slone (N.C. State).

“We have a number of guys (in that mold) who, at worst, they’re situational pass rushers,” Fabianich said, “but they’re the kinds of guys who, all of a sudden, they have 10 sacks and they’re in the Pro Bowl. I see a few of those in our game.”

3) Receivers ready for launch

There might not be many potential No. 1 wide receivers in the 20206 NFL Draft class at large. But there are a lot of talented complementary receivers, and Fabianich believes the Senior Bowl crop can showcase several of them.

“It’s a nice mix of Zs, a nice mix of Xs and slots — and we have some absolutely wicked slot receivers this year,” Fabianich said. “I think it’s just a really good group with some sleepers in it who I think are really going to blow up big time here.”

Fabianich singled out Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion as one of the leaders in the clubhouse, who boasts “strong physical traits, separation quicks and (is) great with the ball in his hands,” Fabianich said.

Want a speed guy? The Senior Bowl recently added Mississippi State’s Brenen Thompson, who could be one of the fastest players in college football. Fabianich thinks Thompson can run a 40-yard dash in the 4.25-second range.

Some of the top slot options include Missouri’s Kevin Coleman Jr. and SMU’s Romello Brinson, whom Fabianich thinks will surprise people in Mobile.

Ole Miss’ Harrison Wallace, Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields and Baylor’s Josh Cameron are more physically gifted players who also could gain some traction. Fabianich said Fields is “built like a Greek God” and he is mesmerized by Cameron’s ability to return punts in a nearly tight-end-sized frame.

Sleepers in the group include Georgia State’s Ted Hurst and Wisconsin’s Vinny Anthony II, whom Fabianich feels was held back by the Badgers’ QB play the past few years.

“Really excited for this group on the whole,” Fabianich said. “Think several are going to show out.”