The NFL Combine remains the most anticipated pre-draft event in the football world, offering a first look at the athleticism, skills, and measurable metrics that NFL teams use to evaluate prospects ahead of the NFL Draft. From explosive 40-yard dash times to record-breaking vertical leaps, the 2026 Combine brought plenty of standout performances from elite talent — including names like Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and rising prospects such as Kaleb Proctor.
What Is the NFL Combine?
The NFL Scouting Combine is an annual showcase held each February in Indianapolis where top college football players put their strength, speed, agility, and football IQ to the test in front of scouts, coaches, and general managers. These workouts, medical evaluations, and interviews offer prospects a chance to improve — or hurt — their draft stock before the league’s biggest event: the NFL Draft in April.
NFL Combine Schedule 2026
The official NFL Combine schedule for 2026 spanned four days of workouts and drills at Lucas Oil Stadium:
-
Thursday, Feb. 26: Defensive linemen & linebackers, including initial drills like the 40-yard dash and vertical jump.
-
Friday, Feb. 27: Defensive backs and tight ends take the field.
-
Saturday, Feb. 28: Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs show their skills.
-
Sunday, March 1: Offensive linemen wrap up combine workouts.
Each day includes precise drills — from the bench press to the three-cone drill — to quantify prospects’ readiness for professional competition.
Top NFL Combine Results & Performances
Sonny Styles: Record-Setting Athlete
Sonny Styles, the Ohio State linebacker, stole headlines with a historic showing — posting a 43.5-inch vertical jump (the best ever by a linebacker in combine history) and an impressive 4.46-second 40-yard dash. His broad jump of 11 feet, 2 inches also showcased exceptional explosiveness.
Arvell Reese: Speed Meets Versatility
Ohio State’s Arvell Reese matched Styles with a swift 4.46 40-yard dash, proving himself one of the combine’s fastest defenders and enhancing his draft value as a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher.
David Bailey: Edge Rusher Showcase
David Bailey, a Texas Tech defensive standout, impressed scouts with the fastest official 40-yard dash among defensive linemen at 4.50 seconds, pairing his speed with explosive playmaking ability on the field.
Kaleb Proctor: Rising Prospect
While not as buzzy as some top names, Kaleb Proctor posted a strong 4.79 40-yard dash and solid vertical jump for a defensive tackle, reaffirming his potential as an intriguing mid-round pick at the upcoming draft.
NFL Combine Results and Draft Impact
The NFL Combine results often influence early draft boards, especially for players who outperform expectations. Styles and Reese, with their elite measurables, are now viewed as serious first-round candidates, while Bailey’s explosive testing could make him one of the top edge rushers selected. Scouts also watch prospects like Kaleb Proctor closely to determine how their athletic traits translate to the pro level.
NFL Draft analysts will now digest every inch, second, and rep from Indianapolis as they finalize mock drafts and team needs ahead of April’s NFL Draft. Strong combine numbers can elevate a player’s draft status, and the performances this year have already sparked buzz around several defenders and difference-makers.
Conclusion
The NFL Combine continues to be a defining benchmark for draft prospects as they transition from college stars to NFL professionals. With elite efforts from Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and other rising talents like Kaleb Proctor, this year’s combine delivered unforgettable moments and reshaped the early narrative for the NFL Draft class of 2026.
Whether you’re an NFL draft enthusiast or simply a fan of top-tier athletic competition, the combine provides an unmatched glimpse into the future of professional football.
Leave a Reply