7 Biggest Winners From The 2026 NFL Combine

The annual NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis serves as a pivotal stage for collegiate athletes hoping to make the leap to professional football. Over the course of a week, prospective draftees undergo a rigorous series of physical tests, on-field drills, medical evaluations, and interviews with NFL teams. For many, a strong showing can dramatically improve their draft stock, moving them up draft boards and potentially securing millions in contract value. Conversely, a poor performance can raise red flags and cause a player’s stock to plummet. This year’s combine, held at Lucas Oil Stadium, once again proved to be a crucible, separating the elite from the merely good and highlighting several athletes whose exceptional displays are poised to reshape the top tiers of the upcoming NFL Draft. The intensity of the drills, combined with the scrutiny of scouts, general managers, and coaches, means that every rep and every measurement is meticulously analyzed, with significant implications for the future of these young athletes.

Here’s a look at seven notable performances from the combine that have elevated their draft profiles.

7 NFL Draft Risers From The NFL Combine

Linebacker Sonny Styles – Ohio State
Sonny Styles arrived at the combine already a highly-regarded prospect, but his performance cemented his status as a generational talent at the linebacker position. His measurables are truly exceptional and represent the evolving archetype of the modern NFL defender. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-5 and weighing 244 pounds, Styles demonstrated a rare blend of size, speed, and explosive athleticism. He blazed through the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.46 seconds, which was not only the fastest among all linebackers but an astonishing feat for someone of his stature. His explosive power was further evidenced by his broad jump of 11 feet 2 inches, the best at his position, and a vertical jump of 43.5 inches, also leading all linebackers. This vertical leap was particularly noteworthy, as it marked the highest since 2003 for any player measuring over 6-foot-4 or weighing more than 240 pounds, underscoring his unique athletic profile.

Styles’ journey began as a safety before transitioning to linebacker, a background that has endowed him with exceptional coverage skills and fluidity in space, complementing his formidable ability to stop the run. Last season, he showcased this versatility with 83 tackles (45 solo), one interception, one sack, and one forced fumble. His combine performance has solidified his position as a lock for a top-10 selection and could very well propel him into the top five. In today’s NFL, where offenses prioritize speed and passing, a linebacker with Styles’ balance of aggression, speed, and coverage ability is invaluable, making him an ideal fit for any defense seeking a versatile playmaking force.

Quarterback Ty Simpson – Alabama
While the buzz surrounding Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza as the likely No. 1 overall pick remains strong, Alabama’s Ty Simpson made a compelling case to be the next quarterback off the board with a stellar combine performance. Simpson’s throwing session was a masterclass in arm talent, showcasing passes delivered with impressive zip and pinpoint accuracy. Scouts and analysts keenly observed his footwork and quick release, noting that his throws appeared to be executed with game-speed mechanics rather than mere practice reps, a crucial distinction that speaks to his readiness for the professional game.

Simpson demonstrated an ability to deliver accurate throws to every quadrant of the field, from short check-downs to deep sideline passes. His deep-ball accuracy, in particular, stood out, rivaling that of any quarterback who participated in the combine’s throwing drills. This command over the full range of throws, combined with his smooth mechanics, provided a strong visual confirmation of his on-field production. Last season, Simpson threw for an impressive 3,567 yards, tallying 28 touchdowns against just five interceptions, and completing 64.5% of his passes. His combine showing reaffirmed his talent and underscored his potential as a franchise quarterback, solidifying his status as a top-tier prospect in a competitive quarterback class.

Running Back Jeremiyah Love – Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame emerged from the combine as a truly dynamic and versatile running back prospect, demonstrating a rare and highly sought-after blend of power, size, and speed. Standing at six feet tall and weighing 212 pounds, Love possesses the physical attributes to be a workhorse back, but it was his athleticism that truly turned heads in Indianapolis. He clocked an outstanding 4.36 seconds in the 40-yard dash, ranking him second among all running backs and highlighting his elite breakaway speed.

Beyond his raw speed, Love showcased a complete skill set that makes him a true three-down threat. His abilities extend far beyond just running the ball; he displayed excellent pass-blocking prowess, a critical and often overlooked trait for NFL running backs, and proved to be a highly capable pass-catcher during drills. His overall athleticism and high ceiling were evident throughout his combine performance. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Love’s combine performance yielded a total score of 94, ranking him No. 1 among all running backs, a testament to his all-around excellence across various drills. After a stellar collegiate career where he amassed 2,882 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns, complemented by 63 receptions for 594 yards and six receiving scores, Love projects to be a top-10 selection, poised to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

Defensive End David Bailey – Texas Tech
David Bailey of Texas Tech entered the combine as a highly-touted pass-rusher, and his performance only served to amplify his already strong draft status. His explosive athleticism was on full display, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier defensive talents in the class. Bailey ran the 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.50 seconds, placing him second among all defensive ends and showcasing the burst necessary to consistently beat offensive tackles off the edge. This speed was further complemented by his strong showing in the broad jump, where he ranked third at his position with a leap of 10 feet 9 inches, indicating significant lower-body power and explosiveness.

Throughout the positional drills, Bailey’s quickness and agility were evident, reinforcing why he was the nation’s leader with an incredible 14.5 sacks last season. His ability to bend the edge, convert speed to power, and effectively use his hands makes him arguably the best pure pass-rusher in the draft. The combine provided a powerful visual confirmation of his game film, demonstrating that his elite production was no fluke but rather a direct result of his outstanding physical tools. With such a dominant combine performance, Bailey has significantly strengthened his chances of being selected in the top five, as teams prioritize elite pass-rushing talent capable of disrupting opposing offenses.

Receiver Deion Burks – Oklahoma
Despite not being widely considered a top-tier receiver prospect entering the combine, Oklahoma’s Deion Burks delivered a performance that dramatically boosted his draft stock and turned him into one of the combine’s biggest risers. The 5-foot-10 receiver showcased an incredible blend of top-tier speed and surprising strength for his size, proving that his athletic profile is far greater than his collegiate production might suggest. Burks blazed through the 40-yard dash in a blistering 4.30 seconds, ranking him third among all receivers and demonstrating elite straight-line speed that can stretch NFL defenses.

However, it was his explosive power that truly distinguished him. Burks posted the best vertical jump among all receivers with an astonishing 42.5 inches, indicating incredible lower-body power and ability to high-point balls. Adding to his impressive athletic resume, he also recorded the best bench press among receivers with 26 reps, a testament to his functional strength and physicality despite his relatively smaller frame. While his collegiate statistics of 57 receptions for 620 yards and four touchdowns last season were modest, his combine performance provided irrefutable evidence of his elite athleticism. This showcase of speed, explosiveness, and strength should help his draft stock exponentially, positioning him as a legitimate deep threat and slot weapon with significant upside for NFL teams.

Tight End Kenyon Sadiq – Oregon
Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq delivered one of the most historically significant tight end performances in the history of the NFL Scouting Combine, redefining expectations for the position’s athletic ceiling. The 6-foot-3 tight end, known for his receiving prowess, proved he possesses an unparalleled athletic profile that will make him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses and linebackers at the professional level. Sadiq recorded the fastest 40-yard dash ever for a tight end, blazing through the sprint in an astounding 4.39 seconds, a time typically seen from elite wide receivers.

His explosive power was equally impressive, as he logged the second-best vertical jump ever by a tight end with 43.5 inches, demonstrating his ability to leap over defenders and win contested catches. Furthermore, his broad jump of 11 feet 1 inch ranked as the third-best ever at the position, showcasing his incredible lower-body explosion and functional strength. While his blocking could still use improvement, Sadiq’s combine performance underscored his immense potential as a receiving threat. In 2025, he accumulated 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns, already proving he can run crisp routes and leave defenders in the dust. His historic combine numbers elevate him to a unique category, making him a highly coveted prospect who can revolutionize a team’s passing game with his exceptional athleticism and playmaking ability.

Offensive Tackle Max Iheanachor – Arizona State
Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor emerged from the combine as a surprising and highly impressive offensive tackle prospect, showcasing a rare blend of size and athleticism that has significantly elevated his draft stock. Weighing in at a formidable 320 pounds, Iheanachor’s 40-yard dash time of 4.91 seconds was nothing short of extraordinary. This marked only the seventh time since 2003 that an offensive tackle weighing at least 320 pounds has managed to run the 40-yard dash under 5.0 seconds, putting him in incredibly elite company.

Beyond his straight-line speed, Iheanachor looked exceptionally explosive and agile in positional drills, defying typical expectations for a player of his size. NFL.com writer Nick Shook specifically noted that Iheanachor displayed the fastest hip movements he had ever seen from an offensive lineman at the combine, a crucial attribute for mirroring pass rushers and maintaining leverage. These athletic traits translate directly to on-field success, indicating that Iheanachor possesses the ability to block downfield quickly with authority, making him a significant asset in the run game, particularly on outside runs. His combination of rare speed, explosive power, and quick lateral movement suggests he could step in as a rookie starter and has firmly entered the conversation to be a first-round selection. With many teams in need of a standout tackle, Iheanachor’s exceptional combine performance positions him as a potentially foundational piece for an NFL offensive line.