FantasyPros NFL Draft Show (Ep. 1948)

2026 NFL Draft Special | Senior Bowl Preview: Top QB and RB Prospects Who Can Skyrocket Their Draft Stock
Released: January 23, 2026
Hosts: Seth Wilcock and Derrick Brown

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode is Part 2 of the Senior Bowl preview, focused on the draft’s top quarterback and running back prospects who could surge up draft boards with strong showings in Mobile. Seth and Derrick break down key evaluation points, risks, and upside for each prospect, providing actionable context for dynasty fantasy players and NFL draft enthusiasts. The discussion is candid, analytical, and sprinkled with personal observations and memorable, unfiltered moments from the hosts.

Quarterbacks: Who Can Stand Out in Mobile? (00:49 - 32:22)

Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)

• Background: Once projected as a top overall pick after a stellar 2024 (4,000 yds/29 TDs), but 2025 marred by injury (2,000 yds/12 TD/5 INT in just nine games), coaching changes, and loss of key playmakers.
• Skill Set: Arm talent, velocity, NFL throw capability when healthy; however, limited mobility and pocket presence.
• Major Concerns: Chronic knee issues (Osgood-Schlatter-related patellar tendinitis), durability, lack of clear medical intel, big drop-off in production and mechanics after injuries.
• Comp: Brock Purdy/Andy Dalton archetype at his best, but only if healthy.
• Take:

  “If we got the 2024 version of Garrett Nussmeier in the NFL and for the rest of eternity, dude, he's an NFL starter... I just don't know if we ever see that again, dude. And it's sad. It is.” – Derrick (08:27)

Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt)

• Background: Docked for abrasive demeanor (“acted like a punk” post-Heisman snub), but led Vandy to first-ever 10-win season, 2nd in Heisman voting (3,500 pass yds/29 TD, ~900 rush yds/10 TD).
• Skill Set: Dual-threat, quick twitch, but undersized (barely 6’), max-effort thrower, limited arm strength—“Dollar Store Bryce Young.”
• Scheme Fit: Needs an offense using boots/motion. Short stature impacts field vision and limits ability to work the middle.
• Projection:

  “If Javier is six foot, dude, I'm six-three.” – Derrick (12:27)
  “I think he's more probably a fourth round draft pick.” – Derrick (18:46)

Cole Payton (North Dakota State)

• Background: Athletic FCS dual-threat with just one year of starting experience (2,700 pass yds/16 TD, nearly 800 rush yds/13 TD).
• Traits: Good size, speed, and “effortless arm velocity.” Analytical darling across adjusted completion, aDOT, yards/attempt, and big-time throw rate (21:32).
• Film/Projection: Shows flashes of anticipatory passing and strong play-action capability. Needs to adjust to NFL speed and tighter windows, but boasts “NFL traits.”
• Take:

  “If I'm an NFL GM and I have a fourth round pick and Diego Pavia and Cole Payton are both on...I'm taking Cole Payton over Diego Pavia.” – Derrick (20:32)
  “10 toes down.” – Derrick, defending Payton’s upside (26:59)

Taylen Green (Arkansas)

• Background: Productive over four years at Boise State & Arkansas (10,000 pass yds/59 TD, 2,400+ rush yds/35 TD), but little on-field success for team.
• Skill Set: Elite measurables (6’6”, 224, sub-4.5 speed), but “adventure” as passer—slow trigger, spotty accuracy, mostly a build-up-speed scrambler, not a true QB-run game weapon.
• Projection: Viewed as a developmental backup or change-of-pace option; sitting behind Payton and Pavia in Derrick’s rankings.
• Take:

  “I would order them Peyton, Pavia and then Taylen Green.” – Derrick (32:13)

Running Backs: Power, Skills, and Depth (32:22 - 59:23)

Jonah Coleman (Washington)

• Background: Consistent contributor at Arizona and Washington (1,000+ yd season, 17 TDs, strong receiving numbers).
• Profile: Short but thick (5’9”, 228), power runner with solid vision—comparable to Devin Singletary or Kyren Williams.
• Analytics:

  “Over the last three years, [Coleman] has ranked 54th, 13th and 15th in yards after contact per attempt. He’s also been top ten in elusive rating two of three years.” – Derrick (35:00)

• Pass Pro:

  “He has got some pass pro reps that can make you go from six to midnight.” – Derrick (37:34)

• NFL Role:

  “Jonah Coleman has a starter skill set, no doubt.” (35:00)

Mike Washington (Arkansas)

• Background: Transfer journey led to breakout at Arkansas (1,000+ yds, 6.4 ypc, 5th SEC rushing yards).
• Traits: Prototypical size, upright runner, “runs mean”—considered a “tone-setting” RB.
• Comparisons: Chris Ivory-level upside.
• Take:

  “If you were to ask me who are my top two running backs that I love the most out of this Senior Bowl grouping, it's Jonah Coleman and Mike Washington.” – Derrick (39:23)

Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton & Kaytron Allen

• Singleton: Once billed as a Saquon-level recruit. Early production, top-end speed, but fell off dramatically in 2025 (lost starting job after James Franklin’s firing).
  • Question: Lacks wiggle, limited lateral agility, needs OL help.
  • Comp:

    “He’s a linear player... the dollar-store version of David Johnson. It’s C.J. Prosise.” – Derrick (46:43)

• Allen: Steady, patient, record Penn State rusher, but low burst, below-average testing, not scheme versatile; “RB3” type ceiling.
• Debate:

  “You think he’s higher than that (late Day 3)?” – Seth (48:56)
  “He’s just good at football, dude. I can’t really explain it, but I think he just has great vision and patience.” – Seth, on Allen’s intangibles (49:22)

Adam Randle (Clemson)

• Background: Converted WR, key part of Clemson’s offense as a runner and receiver after position switch.
• Traits/Red Flags: Tall, high-cut, upright runner (“runs like a WR that turned into an RB, not a great way”), lacks tackle-breaking ability, limited prototype success at NFL level.
• Comp:

  “He reminds me so much of Jalen Samuels.” – Derrick (54:27)
  “There’s no examples [of positive WR-to-RB conversion].” – Derrick (51:37)

Seth McGowan (Kentucky)

• Background: Older prospect, checkered past (Oklahoma dismissal, jail stint), but breakout at Kentucky despite bad QB play.
• Traits: Runs “angry,” one-cut downhill, classic change-of-pace back. Not a burner, but rugged, spot starter profile.
• Comps:

  “He reminds me of Isaiah Pacheco, man. Similar, similar Isaiah Pacheco with a little bit less [athleticism].” – Derrick (57:40)

• Context: NFL interviews will include off-field questions due to past legal issues.
• Projection:

  “If you were to tell me we flip over the cards and injuries and what have you… he serves as a starter for an NFL backfield... I wouldn't be shocked at all, man.” – Derrick (59:08)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Pavia’s Personality:
  “He acted like a punk…if you're leading an NFL franchise…that kind of stuff impacts.” – Derrick (11:26)
• On WR-to-RB Converts:
  “People are going to lead the conversation with ‘wide receiver converted to running back’ in a positive light... There’s no examples.” – Derrick (51:37)
• On Evaluating Injured Prospects:
  “Injury reporting, the collegiate level is just God awful… it's a black box – NFL teams are going to know this and I think we're going to see that projected in his draft capital.” – Derrick (04:20)
• Analytics Deep Dives: Various, see Cole Payton breakdown (21:32–23:01).
• Fun/Memorable:
  “Just McDonald's hotcakes, baby, he's serving up here.” – Seth, on Derrick’s contrarian Penn State RB takes (49:56)
  “He runs like he's pissed off at the ground. Dude, he reminds me so much of... Isaiah Pacheco.” – Derrick on McGowan (57:04, 57:40)

Key Timestamps

• Quarterbacks

  • Garrett Nussmeier – 01:38–10:09
  • Diego Pavia – 10:09–18:46
  • Cole Payton – 18:46–27:08
  • Taylen Green – 27:30–32:22

• Running Backs

  • Jonah Coleman – 34:15–37:56
  • Mike Washington – 39:23–41:24
  • Singleton & Allen – 42:02–49:36
  • Adam Randle – 49:49–54:27
  • Seth McGowan – 54:59–59:23

Useful Takeaways

• QB class is thin and fraught with risk: Nussmeier’s medicals, Pavia’s size/attitude/skills, and Payton’s small-school résumé all pose wrinkles for NFL projection. None are slam-dunks; traits are there, but ceilings and floors diverge sharply.
• Running back class offers depth but lacks elite upside after the RB1 spot: Jonah Coleman and Mike Washington stand out as best “do-it-all” bets. Penn State’s duo is polarizing—productive but with red flags on athletic ceiling and adaptability.
• Traits and analytics can punch up narratives: Both hosts urge listeners to look deeper than box scores (see: Payton) or reputational narratives (see: Singleton), and to ask tough questions of situational production and scheme fit.
• The Senior Bowl will be huge for these prospects: Particularly for QBs with limited/poor 2025 tape or from small schools, and RBs looking to answer athleticism/durability questions or differentiate in pass protection and receiving drills.

This Senior Bowl primer is an essential listen (or read!) for dynasty players and draft junkies who want to catch risers BEFORE their names get hot.