Senior Bowl Recap: Taaffe's Defense Wins in Mobile

The 2026 Senior Bowl is in the books, with the American Team defeating the National Team 17-9 in Mobile, Alabama.

For the Red River prospects involved, the scoreboard mattered less than the “winners circle” validation they received from scouts.

The Quarterback of the Defense: Michael Taaffe

Texas safety Michael Taaffe entered the week needing to prove his athleticism. He left as a confirmed field general.

Starting for the American Team defense, Taaffe was instrumental in holding the National squad to single digits. His communication on the back end was audible even on the broadcast, constantly adjusting alignments. While he didn’t fill the stat sheet with interceptions, his ability to “quarterback” a defense of strangers effectively shut down deep passing lanes.

The Verdict: Taaffe proved his “high floor.” He is a plug-and-play safety who won’t lose you a game—exactly the kind of mid-round asset Super Bowl contenders draft.

The One-Cut Efficiency: Jayden Ott

Oklahoma’s new transfer running back Jayden Ott showcased exactly why the Sooners brought him in.

Despite a split backfield, Ott averaged over 5 yards per carry in limited reps. His decisive, one-cut running style was a stark contrast to other backs who danced in the backfield. For an Oklahoma offense looking to rebuild its identity, Ott’s no-nonsense efficiency in Mobile was a promising preview of 2026.

Deion Burks: The Missing Piece

As noted in our notebook, Deion Burks was on the roster but limited. His absence from the highlight reel reinforces the narrative that his Combine 40-yard dash will be his make-or-break moment.