The Athletic Football Show – Building the Beast: Senior Bowl Recap (Feb 2, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this Super Bowl week edition of "Building the Beast", host Dave Helman sits down with draft expert Dane Brugler for a comprehensive Senior Bowl recap. The duo analyzes prospects’ performances during practices and the All-Star game, naming the week’s biggest risers, surprise standouts, and players who may have shifted their draft stock. The deep dive covers quarterbacks, skill positions, both lines, and defensive standouts, offering thoughtful context and behind-the-scenes scouting insight.

Key Discussion Points & Timestamps

Setting the Scene: Scouting Travel & Senior Bowl Context

• [02:25] Dave welcomes Dane back from his scouting circuit, highlighting the arduous travel and weather challenges scouts face.
• [03:43] Dane shares anecdotes about returning home to freezing Cleveland after trips to the Shrine and Senior Bowls, expressing both love for the process and appreciation for being home before the Combine grind resumes.

Quarterback Recap: Garrett Nussmeier “Back in the Mix”

[04:33–14:31]

• Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) emerged as the most consistent QB during the week, shaking off injury-riddled 2025 tape to look “more like the guy we were excited about heading into 2025.”
• Dane explains the effect of Nussmeier’s abdominal injury on his mechanics and performance, noting a return to form in Mobile:
  • “There were a lot of bad habits he picked up from the injury … Just a lot of mechanical things that were off and different and that really affected … the placement of the throws.” – Dane [06:22]
• Stock Outlook: Not a first-rounder, but solid Day 2 (third round) comp, similar to Jacoby Brissett/Mason Rudolph/Tyler Shuck:
  • “I think that anywhere on Day 2 is now a realistic spot.” – Dane [08:52]
• Dave ponders possible wild-card private workouts and late draft rise:
  • “If not first round, then … Tyler Shuck just feels like a very fair starting point.” – Dave [10:29]
• QB2/QB3 Race: Nussmeier is “duking it out” with Ty Simpson (Alabama) for that spot given the weak QB class.
  • “QB1 is set in stone. QB2 and 3, I think, are up for grabs ... Ty Simpson from Alabama, Garrett Nussmeier from LSU.” – Dane [12:09]
• Emotional note on Nussmeier’s journey:
  • “I’m just happy he gets to have that back and be part of the normal course of the draft process.” – Dave [13:19]

Running Backs: Standing Out in a Tough Setting

[14:42–19:35]

• Jaydn Ott (Oklahoma, formerly Cal): Rose from a “mystery” season/low usage at OU to shine in pass protection and as a tough runner.
  • “I want to see you in pass protection … he did that consistently.” – Dane [16:11]
• Kaylin Black (Indiana): National title “workhorse” showed up right after a parade and a 16-game season, earning NFL respect for his effort and reliability.
• Mike Washington (Arkansas): At 6’0”, 228 lbs, he's a big, physical back who "carried the entire line" on one memorable red zone run. Exciting power profile.

Wide Receivers: Big Names and Sleepers

[19:35–22:26]

• Malachi Fields (Notre Dame): “Stole the show” with a spectacular diving catch and combined big-body presence with impressive agility.
• Kevin Coleman (Missouri): Reliable hands, separation creator—firm mid-round prospect.
• Josh Cameron (Baylor), Reggie Virgil (Texas Tech), and Tyrone Montgomery (John Carroll): Each flashed pro traits; Montgomery particularly “did not look like a D-III athlete” in practice.
  • “His first two days of practice were awesome.” – Dane [22:02]

Tight Ends: Blockers Lead the Way

[22:26–25:00]

• Nate Boerkerker (Texas A&M; ex-Nebraska): Broke out as a punishing, reliable blocker.
  • “He might not be the most accomplished receiver … but if I can get him on the field in multiple tight end sets and count on him as a blocker, the rest of that stuff can come along.” – Dave [22:26]
• Deep, versatile TE class: Borkerker jumped to the “top of the next tier” (Rounds 3–5).

Offensive Linemen: Searching for Standouts

[25:15–30:13]

• Max Iheanacho (Arizona State, OT): Drew buzz with highlight-reel power and movement skills, but raw and not a plug-and-play starter.
  • "Both things can be true … he did play well this week … but his awareness, his hands, they're still up and down because he's still figuring things out." – Dane [26:11]
• Dane reiterates O-line group was weak, possibly inflating D-line hype.
• Interior OL: Jalen Farmer (Kentucky) and Jake Slaughter (Florida, Center) turned heads; Jennings Dunker (Iowa) was a "feel-good story" but projects to guard.

Defensive Front: Edge & Linebacker Talent Surges

[34:14–44:32]

• Defensive Ends / Edge:
  • Zion Young: Physically prototypical, “long, strong and man, he’s determined … started to blossom as a senior and that continued during Senior Bowl week.” – Dane [35:11]
  • Keon Crawford (Auburn): Undersized, but “non-stop” effort, adept at rushing the passer.
  • Vincent Anthony (Duke): Lean but productive; may fit an “Arden Key” specialist role.
  • Other standouts: Derek Moore (well-rounded, power), T.J. Parker (long arm, potential R1), Nadam Tucker (Western Michigan; high-motor, late-round sleeper), Romello Height, Gabe Akis.
• Defensive Tackles:
  • Caleb Banks: Special movement skills for his size; “might be the first defensive tackle drafted period.”
  • Lee Hunter (Texas Tech): Dominant practices, sat out game.
  • Ran Binny (Michigan): “Hard to block all week”—stock up to possible top-120 pick.
• Linebackers:
  • Kyle Lewis (Pitt): Undersized but elite quickness/play anticipation; practice hero in coverage drills.
    • “The Senior Bowl this week was set up perfectly for Kyle Lewis… speed, quickness, playing really decisive.” – Dane [48:10]
  • Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech): Ball magnet; “amazing how the ball finds him.”
  • Bryce Betcher (Oregon): Physical, “touch of insanity” that’s ideal for a LB.
  • Xavian Sorey (Arkansas): Instinctual, physical—stock up versus disappointing team context.
    • “He’s a guy that reads his keys and doesn’t think twice.” – Dane [51:58]

Defensive Backfield: Small Corners, Versatile Safeties, and Ballhawks

[53:00–63:28]

• CB Chandler Rivers (Duke): At 5’9”, 185 lbs, defies size concerns with sticky man skills, physicality, and motor.
  • “You see the numbers … and then you watch them play and you’re pulled right back in.” – Dane [54:16]
• Chris Johnson (San Diego State): “Most consistent” corner in Mobile; calm, smooth, controlled in coverage.
• Jalen Kilgore (South Carolina, Nickel/S): Versatile, not as freaky as predecessor Nick Emmanwori, but possible mid-round "tweener" with special teams upside.
• Bud Clark (TCU, S): 15 career INTs; showed range and playmaking—most consistent safety in practice.
• V.J. Payne (Kansas State, S): Long, rangy, flashes high skill; possible late Day 2/early Day 3 fit.
• Kick Specialists: Drew Stevens (Iowa, K) nails a 51-yarder in bad conditions, likely the top kicker in the class.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “It's a weak quarterback class ... Ty Simpson and Garrett Nussmeier are duking it out for QB2/QB3.” – Dane [12:09]
• “This is a deep, deep tight end class and I thought Borkerker helped himself ... getting towards the top of that next tier of tight ends.” – Dane [23:29]
• “Fields had the catch of the week ... a diving fingertip grab.” – Dane [20:15]
• “You see the range that [Bud Clark] plays with and he has a nose for the football, no doubt.” – Dane [61:03]
• "Give me the good football players. ... I don't care [about height]." – Dave on Chandler Rivers [55:54]

Segment Timestamps

• Welcome & Travel Recap: [02:25–03:43]
• Quarterback Deep Dive: [04:33–14:31]
• RBs, WRs, and TEs: [14:42–25:00]
• OL & DL Groups: [25:15–30:13]; [34:14–44:32]
• LBs & DBs: [47:50–56:47]; [59:58–61:37]
• Specialists: [63:06–63:28]

Final Thoughts

Dane Brugler and Dave Helman deliver a holistic, scout-driven wrap-up of the Senior Bowl’s impact on the 2026 draft class. From quarterback redemption arcs to sleeper FCS prospects, the episode is a treasure trove for draft fans, providing context on how single-week performances shift years of evaluations. Listeners are encouraged to keep following for comprehensive draft content through the offseason.

“Tell your friends, tell your co-workers … we will be here all through the spring. If you need to know what your team needs, we will be here.” – Dave [63:50]