2026 NFL Draft Standouts: Combine Risers and Potential First-Round Picks

The 2026 NFL Draft combine concluded recently, providing a crucial platform for over 300 prospects to showcase their skills to team personnel. While some players confirmed existing expectations, others significantly boosted their draft stock with impressive performances. Here’s a glance at 13 standouts from the combine, categorized by position, and how their showings might impact their draft positions.

Running Backs: Washington Emerges as a Potential Round 3 Pick

While Jeremiyah Love is widely projected as the first running back selected, and Jadarian Price is expected to be RB2, Washington has surged into contention for the No. 3 spot. His standout performance at the combine included a 4.33-second 40-yard dash (with a 1.51-second 10-yard split), tying for the eighth-fastest time among all positions this year. He also excelled in other drills, recording a 39-inch vertical and a 10-foot-8 broad jump, second-best at his position. Last season, Washington rushed for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards per carry.

Wide Receivers: Brazzell’s Performance Propels Him into First-Round Consideration

Brazzell significantly improved his draft outlook with a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the combine. At 6-foot-4, this speed is particularly noteworthy. In 2025, his second season at Tennessee after transferring from Tulane, he recorded 1,017 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 16.4 yards per catch with only two drops. Scouts are taking notice of his size, speed, and ability to make contested catches, potentially pushing him into the late first round.

Slot Receivers: Branch Shines in the Gauntlet Drill

Branch matched expectations with a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical jump. Still, it was his performance in the gauntlet drill that truly stood out, demonstrating sure hands and the ability to pluck the ball cleanly from his body. He amassed 636 of his 811 receiving yards after the catch last season, showcasing his playmaking ability. He is projected as a potential second-round pick.

Offensive Tackles: Proctor Impresses with Size and Athleticism

While Spencer Fano and Monroe Freeling garnered attention for their sub-5.0 40-yard dash times, Proctor impressed with a 5.21-second time despite weighing approximately 40 pounds more than them. He also demonstrated athleticism with a 32½-inch vertical jump and 33⅜-inch arms. His size, athleticism, and potential position him as a mid-to-late first-round prospect.

Edge Rushers: Dennis-Sutton Solidifies Day 2 Status

Dennis-Sutton, who recorded 53 pressures and eight sacks last season, showcased his burst at the combine. His 4.63-second 40-yard dash ranked sixth among edge rushers, while his 39½-inch vertical and 10-foot-11 broad jump were also impressive. His combination of quickness, arm length (33½ inches), and pass-rushing traits solidify his status as a second-round prospect.

Edge Rushers: Lawrence Emerges as a Rising Prospect

Despite weighing over 250 pounds, Lawrence ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, along with a 40-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-10 broad jump. Last season at UCF, he had seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss. His speed, agility, and closing speed position him as a rising prospect in the Day 2 discussion.

Linebackers: Kelly Demonstrates All-Around Ability

Kelly ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash and posted a broad jump of 10-foot-5. He had 66 tackles, 10 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble last season at BYU. His versatility and ability to play off-ball or as an outside linebacker make him an early Day 3 pick.

Linebackers: Sharar’s Athletic Traits on Display

In his first year as a starter, Sharar led his team in tackles with 85. He showcased his athleticism at the combine with a 40-inch vertical jump and a 4.56-second 40-time. Similar to Kelly, he can play inside or outside at the second level and is considered an early Day 3 prospect.

Cornerbacks: Ponds’ Explosiveness Stands Out

Ponds’ 43½-inch vertical jump tied for fifth-best among cornerbacks at the combine since 2003. He had seven interceptions and 27 pass breakups over three seasons, and is considered a tough player. He is projected to be selected in the second round.

Cornerbacks: Demmings’ All-Around Performance

Demmings recorded a 42-inch vertical jump, an 11-foot broad jump, and a 4.41-second 40-yard dash. Over his four-year career, he had nine interceptions and 35 passes defensed. He is an early Day 3 pick.

Safeties: Louis’ Versatility Shines

Louis, a hybrid player who can line up as a box safety, off-ball linebacker, or outside linebacker, demonstrated his athleticism with a 4.53-second 40-yard dash, a 39½-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot-9 broad jump. He had 183 tackles, 10 sacks, and six interceptions over the past two seasons and is projected to be selected in the second or third round.

Safeties: Kilgore’s Combination of Traits

Kilgore showcased a combination of speed, strength, and versatility at the combine, running a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, jumping 10-foot-10 in the broad jump, and bench pressing 16 reps. He has posted at least 53 tackles in each of his three seasons, with eight interceptions and 23 pass breakups. He is projected as a Day 2 pick.

Safeties: Clark Confirms Potential

Clark, who has spent six years at TCU, has 15 interceptions over the last 47 games. He ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash, with a 38-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-7 broad jump. He is graded as a late Day 2, early Day 3 prospect.