NFL Combine Results: Standout Performers and Draft Stock Shifts

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is underway, and the first night of workouts in Indianapolis has already sent ripples through the draft landscape. Defensive linemen and linebackers took center stage on Thursday, showcasing their athleticism and skills to a keen audience of scouts and personnel decision-makers. Some players exceeded expectations, potentially climbing the draft boards, while others faced challenges that could impact their positioning.

Players Who Impressed

Several athletes distinguished themselves with exceptional performances. Here’s a look at five players who significantly boosted their draft stock:

• Capehart (DT): At 6’5″, 313 pounds, Capehart demonstrated surprising speed with a 4.85-second 40-yard dash and a 33.5-inch vertical jump. His smooth movements and length impressed scouts, suggesting potential as a disruptive 3-technique tackle.
• Elarms-Orr (LB): This linebacker turned heads with a blazing 4.47-second 40-yard dash at 6’2″, 234 pounds, coupled with a 40-inch vertical jump. His combination of size, speed, and power suggests versatility and potential at the Sam linebacker position.
• Halton (DT): Despite a less-than-ideal arm length, Halton showcased impressive quickness and agility, clocking a 4.82-second 40-yard dash and leading all defensive tackles with a 36.5-inch vertical jump.
• Lawrence (DE): Lawrence stood out with a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, a 10’10” broad jump, and a 40-inch vertical at 253 pounds. His explosiveness and production (20 sacks in four seasons at UCF) position him as a potential Day 2 pick.
• Styles Jr. (LB): The son of former NFL linebacker Lorenzo Styles Sr. solidified his status as a potential top-10 pick with a historic performance, becoming the first player since 2003 to achieve sub-4.5-second 40-yard dash, a 40+ inch vertical leap, and an 11+ foot broad jump at 230+ pounds.

Players Who Need to Step Up

Not every player capitalized on the opportunity to shine. Here are three players who could benefit from a strong showing at their school’s pro day:

• McDonald (DT): Unlike his teammate Tyleik Williams, McDonald’s on-field work didn’t impress. He struggled with change of direction and didn’t showcase his strength effectively.
• Overton (DT): Overton’s 4.87-second 40-yard dash at 274 pounds didn’t meet expectations, and his decision to skip the jumps limited his opportunity to address concerns about his athleticism.
• Thomas (DE): Weighing in at just 241 pounds, Thomas’s 4.67-second 40-yard dash was underwhelming, especially compared to other edge rushers like David Bailey and Lawrence.

The NFL Combine is a crucial step in the draft process, providing valuable insights into players’ athletic abilities and potential. While the combine isn’t the sole determinant of draft position, it can significantly influence a player’s trajectory. For more in-depth analysis, check out NFL.com’s coverage of the Combine.

Stay tuned to NFL Network and NFL+ for continued live coverage of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.