The 2026 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, has once again served as the ultimate proving ground for NFL hopefuls. For the Michigan Wolverines, this week was a resounding statement that the “Big House” continues to produce pro-ready talent, particularly in the trenches.

As the week of practices concluded and the game unfolded, three specific Wolverines—Derrick Moore, Rayshaun Benny, and late-addition Donaven McCulley—didn’t just participate; they dominated, significantly boosting their draft stock ahead of the NFL Combine.

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Derrick Moore: The “Monster” of Mobile

If there was a singular winner from the entire Senior Bowl roster this week, it was edge rusher Derrick Moore. Standing at 6’3″ and 254 pounds, Moore arrived with a reputation for power, but he left as one of the most feared defenders in the class.

During 1-on-1 drills, Moore’s “speed-to-power” conversion was the talk of the scouts’ row. His most notable moment came when he lined up against 6’8″, 345-pound offensive tackle Markel Bell. Moore utilized an explosive first step, transitioned into a heavy bull rush, and literally put the massive tackle “on his wallet.”

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Scouts noted that Moore played with an “incredible level of violence,” a hallmark of the Wink Martindale-coached defense in Ann Arbor. By the end of the practice week, Moore was being hailed as one of the biggest “risers” in Mobile, with analysts from PFF and NFL Network moving him firmly into the Day 2 (Round 2-3) conversation.

Rayshaun Benny: The Interior Anchor

While Moore provided the highlights on the edge, Rayshaun Benny proved to be an immovable force in the interior. Defensive tackles often go overlooked in the Senior Bowl because their work is less “flashy,” but Benny’s performance was impossible to ignore.

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During the final day of practice on Thursday, Benny recorded a drive-killing tackle for loss (TFL) during team drills that drew cheers from the sidelines. Scouts highlighted his “shock and shed” technique—the ability to engage an offensive lineman, control the block with superior hand placement, and shed it instantly to make a play on the ball. Though some evaluators initially labeled him as “undersized,” his “Greek god” build and raw strength proved that he can hold his own against NFL-caliber interior linemen.

Donaven McCulley: The Late-Game Spark

In a surprising turn of events, wide receiver Donaven McCulley was a late addition to the National Team roster, accepting his invite just days before the game. Despite missing the bulk of the practice sessions where most players build their “buzz,” McCulley made his presence felt when the lights were brightest.

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In Saturday’s Senior Bowl game, McCulley led the National Team in both receptions (4) and receiving yards (50). Standing at 6’5″, his catch radius and ability to adjust to the ball in the air provided a reliable safety net for quarterbacks like Garrett Nussmeier and Taylen Green. His performance was an exclamation point on a season where he served as Michigan’s most consistent aerial threat.

The Verdict

The consensus from Mobile is clear: Michigan’s defensive line remains its greatest export. Moore and Benny showcased the “Pro-Style” discipline that has become synonymous with Michigan football, while McCulley proved his 2025 production wasn’t a fluke.

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As these players head toward the NFL Combine, they do so with a massive amount of momentum. For Derrick Moore specifically, the Senior Bowl may have been the week that transformed him from a “sleeper” into a projected early-round contributor.