2026 NFL Combine: Winners from Day 1

· Yahoo Sports

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Sonny Styles of the Ohio State Buckeyes participates in the 40-yard dash during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The on-field portion of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine kicked off on Thursday Night and the top defensive prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft did not disappoint. Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles stole the show, but his teammate, linebacker/edge rusher Arvell Reese, also stood out. Reese cemented himself as a top 5 selection in the draft, while Styles likely elevated his stock into the top 10.

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Those two were not the only ones who came away as winners tonight. Texas Tech Edge Rusher David Bailey impressed, as did his teammate, defensive lineman Lee Hunter. Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks dealt with injuries this past season, but has elevated his stock this draft process. His measurables were elite, and he tested pretty well for a lineman of his size, too. This, paired with his strong Senior Bowl performance likely locked him into being a first-round pick.

Other lesser names like Zane Durant, Gracen Halton, Malachi Lawrence, DeMonte Capehart, and others had strong showings as well.

Ohio State LB Sonny Styles

Styles may have had the best workout ever from a linebacker and maybe a defensive prospect ever. He came into the night expected to have a strong showing, and he did not disappoint.

He measured in at an impressive 6-5, 244 pounds with 10-inch hands and nearly 33-inch arms. He jumped out of the building with an insane 43.5-inch vertical, had an 11’2” broad jump, a 7.09 3-cone drill, and a blazing 4.46 40-yard dash.

Again, he did this all at 6-5 and 244 pounds.

Before the Combine, the dream of him somehow falling to the Broncos was dead and buried, and this showing cemented that fact. He is now likely a top 10 pick who may even go top 5, with the top of the class lacking elite talent.

Styles is not just a workout warrior either; he’s a legitimate prospect with really good tape. Nick Emmanwori tested very well last year and went on to have a great rookie year for the Seattle Seahawks. I could see Sonny Styles having a similar type of impact for whichever defense drafts him.

Texas A&M EDGE David Bailey

Bailey was penciled in as a top 5 pick entering the Combine and may leave the weekend as the favorite to be the second overall pick in the draft. While Miami edge Rueben Bain has to answer arm length questions, Bailey impressed in all areas of the Combine today. His measurables are elite, he tested well, and looked like a top prospect tonight.

After the New York Jets traded edge rusher Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, the Jets are in need of an edge rusher. They have multiple options, including Rueben Bain and Arvell Reese, but I believe Bailey should be the favorite for that pick after his performance tonight.

Ohio State EDGE/Linebacker Arvell Reese

Reese entered the night as a top 5 prospect, but some questions about where he will play in the NFL. While some of those questions likely remain, he showcased his elite athleticism tonight and cemented himself as a top 5 prospect.

Some have Reese as an off-the-ball linebacker who can occasionally rush the passer, while others believe he will be an elite full-time edge rusher. I think tonight, he proved he can do either at a high-level but will likely be utilized as an edge rusher. At 6-4, 241 pounds with a 4.46 40-time, he is going to see time off the edge.

If he doesn’t go 2nd overall to the Jets, he will be off the board quickly soon after.

Florida Defensive Tackle Caleb Banks

Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks dealt with a foot injury this past year and only played a handful of games. However, a strong Senior Bowl and now Combine showing has the big defensive tackle likely locked into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Banks measured in at 6-6, 327 pounds, with 35-inch arms, nearly 11-inch hands, and ran a 5.04 40-time at 327 pounds. He also jumped 32 inches, which is insane for a man of his size and weight.

Despite the injury-shortened 2025 season, Banks has elevated his stock into the first round. His stock isn’t as good as you would hope, but his size, athleticism, and traits are difficult to find, and some team will believe they can bring out the best in him.

Other notable winners

  • UCF EDGE Malachi Lawrence – The talented edge rusher ran a 4.52 40-time, had a 40-inch vertical, and an impressive 10’10” broad jump. He did this all at 6-4 and 253 pounds with nearly 34-inch arms. That size, length, and athleticism will get you drafted and drafted early.
  • Texas Tech Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez – He had elite production in college and showed off his athleticism tonight. Ran a 4.57 40-time, had a 38.5-inch vertical, and measured in at 6-1, 235 pounds. He has solidified himself as a second-round pick and likely a very early second-round pick.
  • Clemson Defensive Tackle DeMonte Capehart – Measuring in at 6-5 and 313 pounds and running a 4.85 40-time with nearly 34-inch arms, will get teams looking at you. All eyes will be on his Clemson teammates, but he proved that they should pay attention to him, too.
  • Oklahoma Defensive Tackle Gracen Halton – He ran a 4.82 40-time at 6-3 and 293 pounds. Like Capehart, that athleticism will get you drafted, and it backs up what you see on tape. He’s a quick and energetic player who may hear his name called earlier than anticipated after his workout.
  • Texas Tech Defensive Tackle Lee Hunter – He didn’t test super well, but the big, wide-bodied linemen showcased his personality in interviews, which he reportedly aced. His tape is really good, and the interviews matter more than the workouts, and he certainly helped himself this week.

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