Tell your friends (just not your leaguemates until next week)
by Cam White
Let’s cut to the chase. You’re here because you want to win your league. What better place to do it than in the RBs and TEs write-up of the Senior Bowl? That’s not entirely preposterous to think, as the past few Senior Bowls have given us Brian Robinson and Trey McBride in 2022, Chase Brown and Tyjae Spears in 2023, Kimani Vidal and AJ Barner in 2024, and RJ Harvey, Bhayshul Tuten, and Harold Fannin in 2025.
It’s important to start paying attention to the draft process for prospects each January, as NFL teams begin offering fans and analysts their first real insight into which college players have caught their attention. Players invited to the Senior Bowl are chosen directly by NFL teams, making it a strong indicator of draft interest. Many of these bowl participants will hear their names called on draft day, and those who stand out the most often go on to contribute at a level that makes them appealing targets in dynasty fantasy football.
Because of the horrendous snowstorm that swept across the northeast and southern parts of the states, RBs Jonah Coleman, Le’Veon Moss, and Jam Miller didn’t make the trip to Mobile, Alabama. Neither did TEs Michael Trigg or Marlin Klein. With room at the Senior Bowl, other RBs and TEs were late additions that we didn’t get to scout ahead of time.
Okay, enough said, right? Let’s get into the Running Backs and Tight Ends.
If you missed it, Part 1 of this series covering QBs and WRs can be found here.
2026 Senior Bowl Analysis: Running Backs and Tight Ends
Want more from Optimus Fantasy? Join our Discord!
2026 Senior Bowl Running Backs Breakdown
The Notable Running Back Standouts
Mike Washington, Arkansas
If any one player separated themselves from the pack more than any other this past week, it was Mike Washington.
Heading into the week, most in attendance were already impressed with his game. There were, however, elements that raised concern. There wasn’t a lot of film on Washington as a pass catcher at Arkansas, and his use in pass protection was minimal and unimpressive. Additionally, the route running we observed showed what appeared to be nervous footwork. However, by the time we all walked out of the stadium on Saturday, there were no more questions.
🗣️Mike Washington Senior Bowl Drill Compilation
— Cameron White (@whiteheatff.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 12:10 AM
Washington was exceptional all week in pass protection in 11-on-11 drills, and showed a previously unseen propensity for laying a solid block and getting into routes quickly. He also displayed more intentional footwork, making solid cuts in routes and shaking defenders to create separation. He was spot on at the catch point, showing late hands and getting himself into position to make catches. Towards the end of the week, he started leveraging his stout frame in passing situations as well, creating more separation with a physicality we had not seen.
If his draft stock wasn’t already high, it is after this past week. He profiles as a three-down back who can make an immediate and lasting impact on any team in the league and will be a hot commodity come rookie draft season.
Jaydn Ott, Oklahoma
I will let you know right out of the gate that Jaydn Ott was one of two running backs who consistently stood out during all three days of practice. Ott was one of the late-addition RBs we didn’t scout ahead of time, but he quickly displayed the traits on day 1 of practice that are evident in his collegiate film at Cal. After watching him in Mobile and getting into some film, I can safely say Jaydn Ott has the 3-down skillset we should target in fantasy.
Ott was the most polished RB in footwork across all footwork drills. He displayed the pass-catching ability that helped him achieve 46 receptions during his freshman year at Cal. In pass protection 1on1 drills, he stalwarts LBs trying to get to the QB.
Oklahoma Running Back Jaydn Ott: The Senior Bowl’s Biggest Riser
— Cameron White (@whiteheatff.bsky.social) February 14, 2026 at 4:11 AM
When I’m looking back at my written notes from each day of Team American practices on his 1-on-1 receiving and blocking related drills, I have things like:
“Ott good contact getting into the route. Wins with contact after getting pushed off last rep.”
Come scrimmage time, Ott was consistently running for positive yardage against a defensive front that was beating the offensive line in the trenches. Ott showed us he has the ability to evade defenders in the backfield. In my notes for scrimmages, I have things jotted down like:
“Ott is looking good again. Elusive.”
“Ott, great run.”
During the Senior Bowl game, while splitting time with the likes of Mike Washington, J’Mari Taylor, Kaelon Black, and Rahsul Faison, Jaydn Ott took eight carries for 42 yards and a touchdown. He caught one pass for nine yards. Ott started the game for Team American.
Ott didn’t get an invite to the combine. That is surprising to me. He received significant interest from people without cameras or microphones (NFL teams? Agents?), and I expected him to secure a combine invite.
Additional Running Backs to Monitor
J’Mari Taylor, Virginia
From a small school to the ACC, J’Mari Taylor showed why he was able to succeed in a bigger conference at a bigger program. He wasn’t flashy and lacks some of the pop you’d want to see in an every-down back, but he’s a guy who will get the job done at the next level. He’s an adequate pass catcher and blocker in pass protection, and he runs hard between the tackles. His compact frame makes him difficult to tackle and allows him to slither through traffic. While his size at 5-foot-9 and 204 pounds is a concern, he’ll likely be a late Day Two pick in the draft, with an opportunity to earn work throughout the season, ala Bhayshul Tuten.
Kaytron Allen, Penn State
There was a lot to like about Kaytron Allen in Mobile. Standing nearly six feet tall and weighing in at over 200 pounds, Allen is a power runner who hits with a low center of gravity between the tackles and can beat defenders to the edge consistently. If you need someone to grind out yards, Allen will get it done. However, if you were hoping for three-down-back upside, you won’t get it here. Allen’s chops as a receiver are mediocre at best. Suspect footwork in routes and a propensity for trying to catch the ball with his body make it unlikely Allen will see the field on passing downs, and likely will slot into a committee wherever he lands.
Get to know the names you’ll hear called on NFL Draft weekend without saying, “Who?!” with Optimus’ staff talking to all the guys you need to know.
Next up is Penn State RB Kaytron Allen
— Optimus Fantasy Football (@optimusfantasy.com) January 28, 2026 at 9:45 AM
Adam Randall, Clemson
The converted WR showed us this week why he was moved to RB this season. Adam Randall left a lot to be desired as a pass catcher, with poor route execution and all-around bad hands. However, the man can run. His big frame and powerful legs allow him to bowl over defenders and extend plays with his legs. He’s unlikely to be a three-down back, but he’ll land somewhere as part of a committee.
Seth McGowan, Kentucky
There were high hopes for Seth McGowan this week, but it seemed the moment was just too big for the Kentucky ball carrier. A litany of dropped passes, blown routes, fumbles and poor route running likely sent McGowan packing to Day Three or a UDFA tag after the draft.
Nick Singleton, Penn State
The knock on Nick Singleton has been that he is a one-dimensional player better suited for a committee. That rang true this week, with him displaying an inability to operate efficiently between the tackles and in short-yardage situations. His stock likely further dropped with the reports of a broken foot suffered at Thursday’s practice. Recovery time and availability for pro days and the Combine will play a role in where he goes, but it looks more and more like Singleton will be a Day Three dart throw.
2026 Senior Bowl Tight Ends Analysis
Multiple tight-end sets are becoming more prominent in the NFL. Just look at the Rams last year, who ran 3 tight-end sets at one of the highest rates in the league and were considered by many to be a Super Bowl favorite. With added opportunities for tight ends to see snaps on the field in the future, we should start paying attention to TEs as viable flex options.
As I mentioned earlier, the Senior Bowl tight end (TE) group lost Michael Trigg and Marlin Klein. Trigg is good enough not to need the Senior Bowl and is likely a Day 2 prospect at the latest. On to the players who were at the Senior Bowl!
Top-Tier Senior Bowl Tight Ends
Tanner Koziol, Houston
Tanner Koziol checked into the Senior Bowl at 6-foot 6.5-inches tall, weighing 245lbs, with a handspan of 9 5/8ths inch, and an arm length of 34 and 1/8th inch. Koziol is a physical freak, which was apparent on tape and during the week of the Senior Bowl practices. He is a fluid route-runner for his size, with good hand position when catching the ball.
Koziol vacuumed in an average of 84 balls for catches in the past 2 years. His tape at Ball State and Houston was legit, as we saw him make plays all week as a pass catcher, including this red zone drill TD.
Tanner Koziol was making highlight plays all week (film below).
Sam Roush looks like a 3 down TE.
Kacmarek, Cuevas, Hibner, and Joly all had reliable hands. I’d pay attention to Joly and Cuevas during the draft cycle, they could rise.
— Cameron White (@whiteheatff.bsky.social) January 31, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Koziol is a TE we will want shares of in fantasy football. He is a pass-catching TE and will likely be fantasy relevant sooner than later.
Sam Roush, Stanford
Roush profiles to be a 3-down TE in the NFL. He checked in at the Senior Bowl at 6’5″ and was the heaviest TE at 259lbs. He was the 3rd fastest TE at the Senior Bowl according to Zebra metrics. His bloodline is full of football talent. His grandfather, great-uncle, and uncles played in the NFL, and his father was a cornerback at Duke. This kid was born to play football.
He was a solid blocker and a more than capable receiver when working in the short and intermediate areas. I liked his ability to block, release, and turn into a threat in the passing game. If he can land on a team where the #2 pass-catching role is up for grabs, I will be very interested in his fantasy potential in year 1. If he has to wait his turn somewhere, he’s probably a taxi squad candidate for your dynasty roster.
👀Stanford TE Sam Roush, 3rd fastest TE at the Senior Bowl.
— Cameron White (@whiteheatff.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 6:52 PM
Justin Joly, NC State
If you want a tall TE, Joly isn’t your guy as he checked in at 6’3″. If you want an impressive pass catcher with YAC ability, his name is Justin, and it’s pronounced Joe-Lee. With nearly 10.5″ hands and 33″ arms
Joly is an intriguing prospect for NFL teams and fantasy managers.
QB Sawyer Robertson to TE Justin Joly in the red zone during scrimmages.
Joly has massive mitts at nearly 10.5 inches. On tape he is a YAC threat. I thought he was the best “weapon” of all the TEs going into the Senior Bowl. For me, he is still the best all-around weapon of the Senior Bowl TEs.
— Cameron White (@whiteheatff.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 6:49 PM
During scrimmages, Joly was primarily targeted in run-game situations. He was also used as a weapon on jet sweeps. I mentioned he’s short, but he’s also compact, weighing in at 251 lbs, tied for the 3rd heaviest TE at the Senior Bowl.
Going into the Senior Bowl, I thought Joly was the best weapon out of all the TEs. Coming out, I still feel that way, and he rounds out my first tier of Senior Bowl TEs.
Sleeper Tight End Prospects
Will Kacmarek, Ohio State
Kacmarek was a late addition to the Senior Bowl’s roster. He is as tall as Koziol and just as heavy, but with slightly smaller hands and arm length. Kacmarek was a former DE in HS, and profiles as a 3-down TE. I thought he did everything well, from blocking to route running and pass catching. He didn’t pop enough for me to have any strong takes on his fantasy potential. Let’s wait and see what NFL teams think of him. He was the 2nd fastest TE at the Senior Bowl according to Zebra tracking.
Josh Cuevas, Alabama
In our interview with Cuevas, he mentioned that he joked with Alabama QB Ty Simpson about targeting him more during games. Going into the Senior Bowl, I had him in my second tier of Senior Bowl TEs. I really liked his blocking going into the Senior Bowl and have come away with the impression that he could be a 3-down TE. I liked his route running in the intermediate areas of the field. As I mentioned with Kacmarek, it’s best to avoid Cuevas until we see what NFL teams think of his abilities during the draft.
John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming
John Michael Gyllenborg, “JMG”, caught the second most passes for the Wyoming Cowboys over the last 2 years. Wyoming averages just over 30 passing attempts per game over the last two years, leaving little room for JMG to put up gaudy receiving lines.
At the Senior Bowl, JMG was the fastest TE, clocking in at 18.5mph. His speed was evident in the film I watched while preparing for the Senior Bowl. I came away impressed with his blocking ability, which, given that Wyoming ran the ball more than it passed over the last two years, isn’t surprising. JMG is a sleeper we should pay attention to if there’s buzz building around him over the spring and summer.
Senior Bowl TE Speed Leaders!
JMG is a complete TE. He’ll be a draft riser throughout the next few months.
— Optimus Fantasy Football (@optimusfantasy.com) January 29, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Matthew Hibner, SMU
This will be brief, as Hibner likely profiles as a pass-catching TE only at the NFL level due to his size. Hibner checked in at 6’4″ and 239lbs. He was a late addition to the Senior Bowl. I liked what I saw from him as a pass-catcher and route runner enough for him to make it into the article. A former college TE that I chatted with at the Senior Bowl said Hibner stood out the most to him. That’s worth something as we decide who we’ll pay attention to during the 2026 draft cycle.
Let’s cut to the chase. You’re here because you want to win your league. What better place to do it than in the RBs and TEs write-up of the Senior Bowl? That’s not entirely preposterous to think, as the past few Senior Bowls have given us Brian Robinson and Trey McBride in 2022, Chase Brown and Tyjae Spears in 2023, Kimani Vidal and AJ Barner in 2024, and RJ Harvey, Bhayshul Tuten, and Harold Fannin in 2025.
It’s important to start paying attention to the draft process for prospects each January, as NFL teams begin offering fans and analysts their first real insight into which college players have caught their attention. Players invited to the Senior Bowl are chosen directly by NFL teams, making it a strong indicator of draft interest. Many of these bowl participants will hear their names called on draft day, and those who stand out the most often go on to contribute at a level that makes them appealing targets in dynasty fantasy football.
Because of the horrendous snowstorm that swept across the northeast and southern parts of the states, RBs Jonah Coleman, Le’Veon Moss, and Jam Miller didn’t make the trip to Mobile, Alabama. Neither did TEs Michael Trigg or Marlin Klein. With room at the Senior Bowl, other RBs and TEs were late additions that we didn’t get to scout ahead of time.
Okay, enough said, right? Let’s get into the Running Backs and Tight Ends.
If you missed it, Part 1 of this series covering QBs and WRs can be found here.
2026 Senior Bowl Analysis: Running Backs and Tight Ends
Want more from Optimus Fantasy? Join our Discord!
2026 Senior Bowl Running Backs Breakdown
The Notable Running Back Standouts
Mike Washington, Arkansas
If any one player separated themselves from the pack more than any other this past week, it was Mike Washington.
Heading into the week, most in attendance were already impressed with his game. There were, however, elements that raised concern. There wasn’t a lot of film on Washington as a pass catcher at Arkansas, and his use in pass protection was minimal and unimpressive. Additionally, the route running we observed showed what appeared to be nervous footwork. However, by the time we all walked out of the stadium on Saturday, there were no more questions.
🗣️Mike Washington Senior Bowl Drill Compilation
— Cameron White (@whiteheatff.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 12:10 AM
Washington was exceptional all week in pass protection in 11-on-11 drills, and showed a previously unseen propensity for laying a solid block and getting into routes quickly. He also displayed more intentional footwork, making solid cuts in routes and shaking defenders to create separation. He was spot on at the catch point, showing late hands and getting himself into position to make catches. Towards the end of the week, he started leveraging his stout frame in passing situations as well, creating more separation with a physicality we had not seen.
If his draft stock wasn’t already high, it is after this past week. He profiles as a three-down back who can make an immediate and lasting impact on any team in the league and will be a hot commodity come rookie draft season.
Jaydn Ott, Oklahoma
I will let you know right out of the gate that Jaydn Ott was one of two running backs who consistently stood out during all three days of practice. Ott was one of the late-addition RBs we didn’t scout ahead of time, but he quickly displayed the traits on day 1 of practice that are evident in his collegiate film at Cal. After watching him in Mobile and getting into some film, I can safely say Jaydn Ott has the 3-down skillset we should target in fantasy.
Ott was the most polished RB in footwork across all footwork drills. He displayed the pass-catching ability that helped him achieve 46 receptions during his freshman year at Cal. In pass protection 1on1 drills, he stalwarts LBs trying to get to the QB.
Oklahoma Running Back Jaydn Ott: The Senior Bowl’s Biggest Riser
— Cameron White (@whiteheatff.bsky.social) February 14, 2026 at 4:11 AM
When I’m looking back at my written notes from each day of Team American practices on his 1-on-1 receiving and blocking related drills, I have things like:
“Ott good contact getting into the route. Wins with contact after getting pushed off last rep.”
Come scrimmage time, Ott was consistently running for positive yardage against a defensive front that was beating the offensive line in the trenches. Ott showed us he has the ability to evade defenders in the backfield. In my notes for scrimmages, I have things jotted down like:
“Ott is looking good again. Elusive.”
“Ott, great run.”
During the Senior Bowl game, while splitting time with the likes of Mike Washington, J’Mari Taylor, Kaelon Black, and Rahsul Faison, Jaydn Ott took eight carries for 42 yards and a touchdown. He caught one pass for nine yards. Ott started the game for Team American.
Ott didn’t get an invite to the combine. That is surprising to me. He received significant interest from people without cameras or microphones (NFL teams? Agents?), and I expected him to secure a combine invite.
Additional Running Backs to Monitor
J’Mari Taylor, Virginia
From a small school to the ACC, J’Mari Taylor showed why he was able to succeed in a bigger conference at a bigger program. He wasn’t flashy and lacks some of the pop you’d want to see in an every-down back, but he’s a guy who will get the job done at the next level. He’s an adequate pass catcher and blocker in pass protection, and he runs hard between the tackles. His compact frame makes him difficult to tackle and allows him to slither through traffic. While his size at 5-foot-9 and 204 pounds is a concern, he’ll likely be a late Day Two pick in the draft, with an opportunity to earn work throughout the season, ala Bhayshul Tuten.
Kaytron Allen, Penn State
There was a lot to like about Kaytron Allen in Mobile. Standing nearly six feet tall and weighing in at over 200 pounds, Allen is a power runner who hits with a low center of gravity between the tackles and can beat defenders to the edge consistently. If you need someone to grind out yards, Allen will get it done. However, if you were hoping for three-down-back upside, you won’t get it here. Allen’s chops as a receiver are mediocre at best. Suspect footwork in routes and a propensity for trying to catch the ball with his body make it unlikely Allen will see the field on passing downs, and likely will slot into a committee wherever he lands.
Get to know the names you’ll hear called on NFL Draft weekend without saying, “Who?!” with Optimus’ staff talking to all the guys you need to know.
Next up is Penn State RB Kaytron Allen
— Optimus Fantasy Football (@optimusfantasy.com) January 28, 2026 at 9:45 AM
Adam Randall, Clemson
The converted WR showed us this week why he was moved to RB this season. Adam Randall left a lot to be desired as a pass catcher, with poor route execution and all-around bad hands. However, the man can run. His big frame and powerful legs allow him to bowl over defenders and extend plays with his legs. He’s unlikely to be a three-down back, but he’ll land somewhere as part of a committee.
Seth McGowan, Kentucky
There were high hopes for Seth McGowan this week, but it seemed the moment was just too big for the Kentucky ball carrier. A litany of dropped passes, blown routes, fumbles and poor route running likely sent McGowan packing to Day Three or a UDFA tag after the draft.
Nick Singleton, Penn State
The knock on Nick Singleton has been that he is a one-dimensional player better suited for a committee. That rang true this week, with him displaying an inability to operate efficiently between the tackles and in short-yardage situations. His stock likely further dropped with the reports of a broken foot suffered at Thursday’s practice. Recovery time and availability for pro days and the Combine will play a role in where he goes, but it looks more and more like Singleton will be a Day Three dart throw.
2026 Senior Bowl Tight Ends Analysis
Multiple tight-end sets are becoming more prominent in the NFL. Just look at the Rams last year, who ran 3 tight-end sets at one of the highest rates in the league and were considered by many to be a Super Bowl favorite. With added opportunities for tight ends to see snaps on the field in the future, we should start paying attention to TEs as viable flex options.
As I mentioned earlier, the Senior Bowl tight end (TE) group lost Michael Trigg and Marlin Klein. Trigg is good enough not to need the Senior Bowl and is likely a Day 2 prospect at the latest. On to the players who were at the Senior Bowl!
Top-Tier Senior Bowl Tight Ends
Tanner Koziol, Houston
Tanner Koziol checked into the Senior Bowl at 6-foot 6.5-inches tall, weighing 245lbs, with a handspan of 9 5/8ths inch, and an arm length of 34 and 1/8th inch. Koziol is a physical freak, which was apparent on tape and during the week of the Senior Bowl practices. He is a fluid route-runner for his size, with good hand position when catching the ball.
Koziol vacuumed in an average of 84 balls for catches in the past 2 years. His tape at Ball State and Houston was legit, as we saw him make plays all week as a pass catcher, including this red zone drill TD.
Tanner Koziol was making highlight plays all week (film below).
Sam Roush looks like a 3 down TE.
Kacmarek, Cuevas, Hibner, and Joly all had reliable hands. I’d pay attention to Joly and Cuevas during the draft cycle, they could rise.
— Cameron White (@whiteheatff.bsky.social) January 31, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Koziol is a TE we will want shares of in fantasy football. He is a pass-catching TE and will likely be fantasy relevant sooner than later.
Sam Roush, Stanford
Roush profiles to be a 3-down TE in the NFL. He checked in at the Senior Bowl at 6’5″ and was the heaviest TE at 259lbs. He was the 3rd fastest TE at the Senior Bowl according to Zebra metrics. His bloodline is full of football talent. His grandfather, great-uncle, and uncles played in the NFL, and his father was a cornerback at Duke. This kid was born to play football.
He was a solid blocker and a more than capable receiver when working in the short and intermediate areas. I liked his ability to block, release, and turn into a threat in the passing game. If he can land on a team where the #2 pass-catching role is up for grabs, I will be very interested in his fantasy potential in year 1. If he has to wait his turn somewhere, he’s probably a taxi squad candidate for your dynasty roster.
👀Stanford TE Sam Roush, 3rd fastest TE at the Senior Bowl.
— Cameron White (@whiteheatff.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 6:52 PM
Justin Joly, NC State
If you want a tall TE, Joly isn’t your guy as he checked in at 6’3″. If you want an impressive pass catcher with YAC ability, his name is Justin, and it’s pronounced Joe-Lee. With nearly 10.5″ hands and 33″ arms
Joly is an intriguing prospect for NFL teams and fantasy managers.
QB Sawyer Robertson to TE Justin Joly in the red zone during scrimmages.
Joly has massive mitts at nearly 10.5 inches. On tape he is a YAC threat. I thought he was the best “weapon” of all the TEs going into the Senior Bowl. For me, he is still the best all-around weapon of the Senior Bowl TEs.
— Cameron White (@whiteheatff.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 6:49 PM
During scrimmages, Joly was primarily targeted in run-game situations. He was also used as a weapon on jet sweeps. I mentioned he’s short, but he’s also compact, weighing in at 251 lbs, tied for the 3rd heaviest TE at the Senior Bowl.
Going into the Senior Bowl, I thought Joly was the best weapon out of all the TEs. Coming out, I still feel that way, and he rounds out my first tier of Senior Bowl TEs.
Sleeper Tight End Prospects
Will Kacmarek, Ohio State
Kacmarek was a late addition to the Senior Bowl’s roster. He is as tall as Koziol and just as heavy, but with slightly smaller hands and arm length. Kacmarek was a former DE in HS, and profiles as a 3-down TE. I thought he did everything well, from blocking to route running and pass catching. He didn’t pop enough for me to have any strong takes on his fantasy potential. Let’s wait and see what NFL teams think of him. He was the 2nd fastest TE at the Senior Bowl according to Zebra tracking.
Josh Cuevas, Alabama
In our interview with Cuevas, he mentioned that he joked with Alabama QB Ty Simpson about targeting him more during games. Going into the Senior Bowl, I had him in my second tier of Senior Bowl TEs. I really liked his blocking going into the Senior Bowl and have come away with the impression that he could be a 3-down TE. I liked his route running in the intermediate areas of the field. As I mentioned with Kacmarek, it’s best to avoid Cuevas until we see what NFL teams think of his abilities during the draft.
John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming
John Michael Gyllenborg, “JMG”, caught the second most passes for the Wyoming Cowboys over the last 2 years. Wyoming averages just over 30 passing attempts per game over the last two years, leaving little room for JMG to put up gaudy receiving lines.
At the Senior Bowl, JMG was the fastest TE, clocking in at 18.5mph. His speed was evident in the film I watched while preparing for the Senior Bowl. I came away impressed with his blocking ability, which, given that Wyoming ran the ball more than it passed over the last two years, isn’t surprising. JMG is a sleeper we should pay attention to if there’s buzz building around him over the spring and summer.
Senior Bowl TE Speed Leaders!
JMG is a complete TE. He’ll be a draft riser throughout the next few months.
— Optimus Fantasy Football (@optimusfantasy.com) January 29, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Matthew Hibner, SMU
This will be brief, as Hibner likely profiles as a pass-catching TE only at the NFL level due to his size. Hibner checked in at 6’4″ and 239lbs. He was a late addition to the Senior Bowl. I liked what I saw from him as a pass-catcher and route runner enough for him to make it into the article. A former college TE that I chatted with at the Senior Bowl said Hibner stood out the most to him. That’s worth something as we decide who we’ll pay attention to during the 2026 draft cycle.
Let’s cut to the chase. You’re here because you want to win your league. What better place to do it than in the RBs and TEs write-up of the Senior Bowl? That’s not entirely preposterous to think, as the past few Senior Bowls have given us Brian Robinson and Trey McBride in 2022, Chase Brown and Tyjae Spears in 2023, Kimani Vidal and AJ Barner in 2024, and RJ Harvey, Bhayshul Tuten, and Harold Fannin in 2025.
It’s important to start paying attention to the draft process for prospects each January, as NFL teams begin offering fans and analysts their first real insight into which college players have caught their attention. Players invited to the Senior Bowl are chosen directly by NFL teams, making it a strong indicator of draft interest. Many of these bowl participants will hear their names called on draft day, and those who stand out the most often go on to contribute at a level that makes them appealing targets in dynasty fantasy football.
Because of the horrendous snowstorm that swept across the northeast and southern parts of the states, RBs Jonah Coleman, Le’Veon Moss, and Jam Miller didn’t make the trip to Mobile, Alabama. Neither did TEs Michael Trigg or Marlin Klein. With room at the Senior Bowl, other RBs and TEs were late additions that we didn’t get to scout ahead of time.
Okay, enough said, right? Let’s get into the Running Backs and Tight Ends.
If you missed it, Part 1 of this series covering QBs and WRs can be found here.
2026 Senior Bowl Analysis: Running Backs and Tight Ends
Want more from Optimus Fantasy? Join our Discord!
2026 Senior Bowl Running Backs Breakdown
The Notable Running Back Standouts
Mike Washington, Arkansas
If any one player separated themselves from the pack more than any other this past week, it was Mike Washington.
Heading into the week, most in attendance were already impressed with his game. There were, however, elements that raised concern. There wasn’t a lot of film on Washington as a pass catcher at Arkansas, and his use in pass protection was minimal and unimpressive. Additionally, the route running we observed showed what appeared to be nervous footwork. However, by the time we all walked out of the stadium on Saturday, there were no more questions.
🗣️Mike Washington Senior Bowl Drill Compilation
— Cameron White (@whiteheatff.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 12:10 AM
Washington was exceptional all week in pass protection in 11-on-11 drills, and showed a previously unseen propensity for laying a solid block and getting into routes quickly. He also displayed more intentional footwork, making solid cuts in routes and shaking defenders to create separation. He was spot on at the catch point, showing late hands and getting himself into position to make catches. Towards the end of the week, he started leveraging his stout frame in passing situations as well, creating more separation with a physicality we had not seen.
If his draft stock wasn’t already high, it is after this past week. He profiles as a three-down back who can make an immediate and lasting impact on any team in the league and will be a hot commodity come rookie draft season.
Jaydn Ott, Oklahoma
I will let you know right out of the gate that Jaydn Ott was one of two running backs who consistently stood out during all three days of practice. Ott was one of the late-addition RBs we didn’t scout ahead of time, but he quickly displayed the traits on day 1 of practice that are evident in his collegiate film at Cal. After watching him in Mobile and getting into some film, I can safely say Jaydn Ott has the 3-down skillset we should target in fantasy.
Ott was the most polished RB in footwork across all footwork drills. He displayed the pass-catching ability that helped him achieve 46 receptions during his freshman year at Cal. In pass protection 1on1 drills, he stalwarts LBs trying to get to the QB.
Oklahoma Running Back Jaydn Ott: The Senior Bowl’s Biggest Riser
— Cameron White (@whiteheatff.bsky.social) February 14, 2026 at 4:11 AM
When I’m looking back at my written notes from each day of Team American practices on his 1-on-1 receiving and blocking related drills, I have things like:
“Ott good contact getting into the route. Wins with contact after getting pushed off last rep.”
Come scrimmage time, Ott was consistently running for positive yardage against a defensive front that was beating the offensive line in the trenches. Ott showed us he has the ability to evade defenders in the backfield. In my notes for scrimmages, I have things jotted down like:
“Ott is looking good again. Elusive.”
“Ott, great run.”
During the Senior Bowl game, while splitting time with the likes of Mike Washington, J’Mari Taylor, Kaelon Black, and Rahsul Faison, Jaydn Ott took eight carries for 42 yards and a touchdown. He caught one pass for nine yards. Ott started the game for Team American.
Ott didn’t get an invite to the combine. That is surprising to me. He received significant interest from people without cameras or microphones (NFL teams? Agents?), and I expected him to secure a combine invite.
Additional Running Backs to Monitor
J’Mari Taylor, Virginia
From a small school to the ACC, J’Mari Taylor showed why he was able to succeed in a bigger conference at a bigger program. He wasn’t flashy and lacks some of the pop you’d want to see in an every-down back, but he’s a guy who will get the job done at the next level. He’s an adequate pass catcher and blocker in pass protection, and he runs hard between the tackles. His compact frame makes him difficult to tackle and allows him to slither through traffic. While his size at 5-foot-9 and 204 pounds is a concern, he’ll likely be a late Day Two pick in the draft, with an opportunity to earn work throughout the season, ala Bhayshul Tuten.
Kaytron Allen, Penn State
There was a lot to like about Kaytron Allen in Mobile. Standing nearly six feet tall and weighing in at over 200 pounds, Allen is a power runner who hits with a low center of gravity between the tackles and can beat defenders to the edge consistently. If you need someone to grind out yards, Allen will get it done. However, if you were hoping for three-down-back upside, you won’t get it here. Allen’s chops as a receiver are mediocre at best. Suspect footwork in routes and a propensity for trying to catch the ball with his body make it unlikely Allen will see the field on passing downs, and likely will slot into a committee wherever he lands.
Get to know the names you’ll hear called on NFL Draft weekend without saying, “Who?!” with Optimus’ staff talking to all the guys you need to know.
Next up is Penn State RB Kaytron Allen
— Optimus Fantasy Football (@optimusfantasy.com) January 28, 2026 at 9:45 AM
Adam Randall, Clemson
The converted WR showed us this week why he was moved to RB this season. Adam Randall left a lot to be desired as a pass catcher, with poor route execution and all-around bad hands. However, the man can run. His big frame and powerful legs allow him to bowl over defenders and extend plays with his legs. He’s unlikely to be a three-down back, but he’ll land somewhere as part of a committee.
Seth McGowan, Kentucky
There were high hopes for Seth McGowan this week, but it seemed the moment was just too big for the Kentucky ball carrier. A litany of dropped passes, blown routes, fumbles and poor route running likely sent McGowan packing to Day Three or a UDFA tag after the draft.
Nick Singleton, Penn State
The knock on Nick Singleton has been that he is a one-dimensional player better suited for a committee. That rang true this week, with him displaying an inability to operate efficiently between the tackles and in short-yardage situations. His stock likely further dropped with the reports of a broken foot suffered at Thursday’s practice. Recovery time and availability for pro days and the Combine will play a role in where he goes, but it looks more and more like Singleton will be a Day Three dart throw.
2026 Senior Bowl Tight Ends Analysis
Multiple tight-end sets are becoming more prominent in the NFL. Just look at the Rams last year, who ran 3 tight-end sets at one of the highest rates in the league and were considered by many to be a Super Bowl favorite. With added opportunities for tight ends to see snaps on the field in the future, we should start paying attention to TEs as viable flex options.
As I mentioned earlier, the Senior Bowl tight end (TE) group lost Michael Trigg and Marlin Klein. Trigg is good enough not to need the Senior Bowl and is likely a Day 2 prospect at the latest. On to the players who were at the Senior Bowl!
Top-Tier Senior Bowl Tight Ends
Tanner Koziol, Houston
Tanner Koziol checked into the Senior Bowl at 6-foot 6.5-inches tall, weighing 245lbs, with a handspan of 9 5/8ths inch, and an arm length of 34 and 1/8th inch. Koziol is a physical freak, which was apparent on tape and during the week of the Senior Bowl practices. He is a fluid route-runner for his size, with good hand position when catching the ball.
Koziol vacuumed in an average of 84 balls for catches in the past 2 years. His tape at Ball State and Houston was legit, as we saw him make plays all week as a pass catcher, including this red zone drill TD.
Tanner Koziol was making highlight plays all week (film below).
Sam Roush looks like a 3 down TE.
Kacmarek, Cuevas, Hibner, and Joly all had reliable hands. I’d pay attention to Joly and Cuevas during the draft cycle, they could rise.
— Cameron White (@whiteheatff.bsky.social) January 31, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Koziol is a TE we will want shares of in fantasy football. He is a pass-catching TE and will likely be fantasy relevant sooner than later.
Sam Roush, Stanford
Roush profiles to be a 3-down TE in the NFL. He checked in at the Senior Bowl at 6’5″ and was the heaviest TE at 259lbs. He was the 3rd fastest TE at the Senior Bowl according to Zebra metrics. His bloodline is full of football talent. His grandfather, great-uncle, and uncles played in the NFL, and his father was a cornerback at Duke. This kid was born to play football.
He was a solid blocker and a more than capable receiver when working in the short and intermediate areas. I liked his ability to block, release, and turn into a threat in the passing game. If he can land on a team where the #2 pass-catching role is up for grabs, I will be very interested in his fantasy potential in year 1. If he has to wait his turn somewhere, he’s probably a taxi squad candidate for your dynasty roster.
👀Stanford TE Sam Roush, 3rd fastest TE at the Senior Bowl.
— Cameron White (@whiteheatff.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 6:52 PM
Justin Joly, NC State
If you want a tall TE, Joly isn’t your guy as he checked in at 6’3″. If you want an impressive pass catcher with YAC ability, his name is Justin, and it’s pronounced Joe-Lee. With nearly 10.5″ hands and 33″ arms
Joly is an intriguing prospect for NFL teams and fantasy managers.
QB Sawyer Robertson to TE Justin Joly in the red zone during scrimmages.
Joly has massive mitts at nearly 10.5 inches. On tape he is a YAC threat. I thought he was the best “weapon” of all the TEs going into the Senior Bowl. For me, he is still the best all-around weapon of the Senior Bowl TEs.
— Cameron White (@whiteheatff.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 6:49 PM
During scrimmages, Joly was primarily targeted in run-game situations. He was also used as a weapon on jet sweeps. I mentioned he’s short, but he’s also compact, weighing in at 251 lbs, tied for the 3rd heaviest TE at the Senior Bowl.
Going into the Senior Bowl, I thought Joly was the best weapon out of all the TEs. Coming out, I still feel that way, and he rounds out my first tier of Senior Bowl TEs.
Sleeper Tight End Prospects
Will Kacmarek, Ohio State
Kacmarek was a late addition to the Senior Bowl’s roster. He is as tall as Koziol and just as heavy, but with slightly smaller hands and arm length. Kacmarek was a former DE in HS, and profiles as a 3-down TE. I thought he did everything well, from blocking to route running and pass catching. He didn’t pop enough for me to have any strong takes on his fantasy potential. Let’s wait and see what NFL teams think of him. He was the 2nd fastest TE at the Senior Bowl according to Zebra tracking.
Josh Cuevas, Alabama
In our interview with Cuevas, he mentioned that he joked with Alabama QB Ty Simpson about targeting him more during games. Going into the Senior Bowl, I had him in my second tier of Senior Bowl TEs. I really liked his blocking going into the Senior Bowl and have come away with the impression that he could be a 3-down TE. I liked his route running in the intermediate areas of the field. As I mentioned with Kacmarek, it’s best to avoid Cuevas until we see what NFL teams think of his abilities during the draft.
John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming
John Michael Gyllenborg, “JMG”, caught the second most passes for the Wyoming Cowboys over the last 2 years. Wyoming averages just over 30 passing attempts per game over the last two years, leaving little room for JMG to put up gaudy receiving lines.
At the Senior Bowl, JMG was the fastest TE, clocking in at 18.5mph. His speed was evident in the film I watched while preparing for the Senior Bowl. I came away impressed with his blocking ability, which, given that Wyoming ran the ball more than it passed over the last two years, isn’t surprising. JMG is a sleeper we should pay attention to if there’s buzz building around him over the spring and summer.
Senior Bowl TE Speed Leaders!
JMG is a complete TE. He’ll be a draft riser throughout the next few months.
— Optimus Fantasy Football (@optimusfantasy.com) January 29, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Matthew Hibner, SMU
This will be brief, as Hibner likely profiles as a pass-catching TE only at the NFL level due to his size. Hibner checked in at 6’4″ and 239lbs. He was a late addition to the Senior Bowl. I liked what I saw from him as a pass-catcher and route runner enough for him to make it into the article. A former college TE that I chatted with at the Senior Bowl said Hibner stood out the most to him. That’s worth something as we decide who we’ll pay attention to during the 2026 draft cycle.
