Jan. 29, 2026, 8:01 p.m. ET

One of the early stages of the 2026 NFL Draft’s pre-selection process is now complete, as Senior Bowl practices have come to a close. As is the case every winter down in Mobile, Ala., a number of prospects shined at the all-star event—and helped their respective stocks for the spring.

But which players should’ve really stood out to the Carolina Panthers and their fans?

Here are the 10 names we should keep in mind following this year’s sessions . . .

WR Lewis Bond, Boston College (American)

If you’re looking for a dynamic playmaker who can win at the line of scrimmage, Bond is your guy.

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On top of his soft hands, he plays with great short-area quickness in open space, the burst to run away from tackle pursuits and the route-running nuance to create consistent separation. Look for Bond to be a riser in this class in the coming weeks.

WR Tyren Montgomery, John Carroll (National)

Montgomery has “Route Technician” in his Twitter/X bio for a reason.

The productive Division III pass catcher came into Mobile as a true unknown . . . until he made a number of highlight-reel plays throughout the week. Outside of a few drops on Thursday, Montgomery upped his case—showing that he can win as a smooth route runner with excellent footwork.

OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State (American)

One of the most tenacious and physical players from the event was Iheanachor, who got under the skin of several defensive linemen during the week. The 6-foot-6, 330-pounder flashed a sound anchor, great hand placement and quality movement skills.

With left tackle Ikem Ekwonu’s season in doubt, Iheanachor would be a great middle-round add for Carolina.

OL Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech (National)

One of the beauties of the Senior Bowl is that offensive linemen will get looks at multiple spots across the line. Rutledge was a player who got reps at both guard spots and center, proving he could be a versatile interior lineman with chops at any of those positions.

He’s a physical player who offers a good anchor, power and the movement skills you look for from the inside. The Panthers’ offensive line is known for its nastiness and physicality, so Rutledge would fit right in.

C James Brockermeyer, Miami (American)

Brockermeyer may have had one or two negative reps all week, and those came against Mobile’s very best. He fought for grips inside the chest plate—and once he did, he would twist and turn opposing defensive linemen at will.

The first-team All-American did well with reach blocks and zone concepts while displaying adequate agility and an impressive anchor. He may be a potential pick for Carolina, especially if they lose starting center Cade Mays to free agency.

DL Caleb Banks, Florida (American)

One word—dominant.

Banks looked like the player who was hyped up to be a top-15 selection during the preseason—winning with unreal quickness and flexibility. He was the ultimate penetrator and, by far, one of the best players on the field.

DL Lee Hunter, Texas Tech (National)

Hunter may have been the top performer in Mobile.

The 6-foot-3, 320-pounder showcased his long arms and brute power at the point of attack. He can get into the backfield consistently by using incredible gap integrity, bull rushes and impressive quickness.

EDGE Gabe Jacas, Illinois (American)

Teams in need of explosive, quick-winning pass rushers with run game value can look no further than Jacas—who offered some stout edge-setting ability and a flashy skill set. He displayed impressive flexibility around the corner as well as active hands.

Jacas could be a target on Day 2 of the draft for a team like the Panthers, who need more juice at outside linebacker.

LB Bryce Boettcher, Oregon (National)

Boettcher did an excellent job of beating pulling guards to their spot, fitting the run and showcasing range downhill or sideline to sideline. He also put in some impressive coverage reps in one-on-ones.

S Bud Clark, TCU (National)

As a ballhawk, Clark feels like the perfect safety to play under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s defense.

He made plays on the pigskin throughout the week—exhibiting ample range, ball skills and football intelligence.

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