Senior Bowl hosts NFL Draft watch party as local prospects await their moment

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Right here in Mobile, a local connection is taking center stage during the NFL Draft.

The Senior Bowl hosted its annual draft party at Topgolf Mobile, bringing together players, fans, and community members for one unforgettable night.

At the heart of it all — South Alabama wide receiver Devin Voisin, the guest of honor, waiting to hear his name called.

The lights. The energy. The anticipation.

For Voisin, it’s a moment years in the making.

A native of Crestview, Florida, Voisin has spent the last several years building his game with the Jaguars — and building a bond with the city of Mobile along the way.

“It’s awesome… Mobile is a special place for me,” Voisin said. “I’ve been here for the last seven years… this is my temporary home. Just being able to come back and be around the city that pretty much has my future in their hands… it’s an awesome feeling.”

The Senior Bowl has played a major role in that journey — giving Voisin the opportunity to compete against top NFL prospects and showcase his talent on a national stage.

“Being able to go in that environment and compete against the top level going into the draft… I thought that really helped me,” Voisin said. “Every single day I went out there and showed who I was — and more.”

Now, as the draft unfolds in Pittsburgh, the focus shifts from potential to opportunity.

For Senior Bowl Executive Director Drew Fabianich, events like this are about more than football.

“This is a thank you — to the players, the staff, the committee members, and this city,” Fabianich said. “This is the premier all-star game, and it always has been and always will be because of these people and this community.”

From Mobile to the national stage, Voisin represents a growing pipeline of talent coming straight from the Gulf Coast.

The path to the NFL doesn’t just run through major markets — it starts right here.

And as the picks continue to roll in, Voisin is hoping to turn a lifelong dream into reality.

ALABAMA, AUBURN STARS HEAR THEIR NAMES CALLED

Several in-state standouts made headlines Thursday night as the draft got underway.

Offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor became one of the first players off the board, selected 12th overall by the Miami Dolphins.

Just one pick later, quarterback Ty Simpson was taken 13th overall by the Los Angeles Rams — giving Alabama back-to-back selections in the first round.

Later in the night, Auburn linebacker Keldric Faulk was picked 31st overall by the Tennessee Titans, closing out a strong opening round for players from the state.

FULL LIST: FIRST ROUND PICKS (1–32)

1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana — Las Vegas Raiders
2. David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech — New York Jets
3. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame — Arizona Cardinals
4. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State — Tennessee Titans
5. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State — New York Giants
6. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU — Kansas City Chiefs
7. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State — Washington Commanders
8. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State — New Orleans Saints
9. Spencer Fano, OL, Utah — Cleveland Browns
10. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami — New York Giants
11. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State — Dallas Cowboys
12. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama — Miami Dolphins
13. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama — Los Angeles Rams
14. Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State — Baltimore Ravens
15. Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami — Tampa Bay Buccaneers
16. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon — New York Jets
17. Blake Miller, OT, Clemson — Detroit Lions
18. Caleb Banks, DT, Florida — Minnesota Vikings
19. Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia — Carolina Panthers
20. Makai Lemon, WR, USC — Philadelphia Eagles
21. Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State — Pittsburgh Steelers
22. Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami — Los Angeles Chargers
23. Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF — Dallas Cowboys
24. KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M — Cleveland Browns
25. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon — Chicago Bears
26. Keylan Rutledge, IOL, Georgia Tech — Houston Texans
27. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State — Miami Dolphins
28. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah — New England Patriots
29. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson — Kansas City Chiefs
30. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana — New York Jets
31. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn — Tennessee Titans
32. Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame — Seattle Seahawks