Jan. 27, 2026, 6:30 a.m. ET

The Senior Bowl is the premier all-star game in college football. It’s where little-known players can shine to the public eye, and become a fan favorite early on in the pre-draft process.

This year’s event has kicked off this week—down, per usual, in Mobile, Ala. So as we get into the start of practices on Tuesday, let’s connect some potential dots to your Carolina Panthers.

Here, between both the American and National teams, are 10 prospects to watch during the 2026 Senior Bowl:

QB Taylen Green, Arkansas (American)

General manager Dan Morgan wants to add a developmental talent behind starting quarterback Bryce Young, and it would be beneficial to have a passer with ideal physical traits to counteract Young’s limitations. The 6-foot-6, 224-pound Green is an athletic specimen, with a strong arm and exciting tools to work with.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.WR Barion Brown, LSU (American)

Brown is one of the fastest players in the entire draft class, but he didn’t have many opportunities to showcase his run-after-catch skills at LSU. He did flash that ability during his days at Kentucky, and provides value as a returner—a spot the Panthers could make an upgrade at.

TE Justin Joly, NC State (National)

The search for a dynamic playmaker at tight end in Charlotte is well underway, and one possibility could be right next door.

Joly poses a similar build to Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts at 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, and offers great ball tracking ability and burst in the open field. He is also an impressive route runner who could make a name for himself this week.

OT Markel Bell, Miami (American)

It’s important to find developmental talent and depth along the offensive line. And with left tackle Ikem Ekwonu’s patellar rupture, the Panthers must consider their future on the blindside.

Bell (6-foot-9 and 340 pounds) moves impressively in the run game and has shown to be a complete wall in pass protection. While he may have some technique and weight distribution concerns, he is an intriguing player to watch this week.

OL Kage Casey, Boise State (National)

The Panthers’ offensive line also needs renewed depth in the middle. Casey was two-time first-team Mountain West selection at left tackle, but projects better as an interior lineman who could be a potential starting guard or center at the next level.

DL Caleb Banks, Florida (American)

One of the most talented players in Mobile this week, Banks is a force in the middle of the defensive trenches. He possesses elite gap penetration skills and integrity at the point of attack—along with great agility, power and explosiveness to win in one-on-one situations.

Banks could be in play for the early rounds if his medicals check out, and would be a welcomed addition to the unit.

EDGE Romello Height, Texas Tech (National)

The Panthers desperately need more juice off the edge.

Height was a standout defender for the Red Raiders’ stout defense. While he’s solid as a pass rusher, we must watch how he can hold up against the run.

LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech (National)

This is a huge opportunity for Rodriguez to show that he can, despite his smaller stature, be a quality contributor in the pros. The 6-foot-1, 230-pounder has been a takeaway machine—with six interceptions, five fumble recoveries and 12 forced fumbles over the last three years.

CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State (National)

Versatility is a key aspect under defensive coordinator’s Ejiro Evero’s defense, and Johnson provides much of it. He has the athleticism, tackling ability and football IQ to hang in either man or zone as an outside or nickel corner.

S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State (National)

The Panthers lack a true rangy ball hawk at safety. Wheatley offers ample ball skills and range to cover plenty of ground in the secondary.

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