2026 NFL Combine Recap: Position Breakdown and Analysis

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is now behind us, with all position groups coming through Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana in prep of the NFL Draft set for April. Below, we go over some of the biggest takeaways and highlight specific positions and players from this weekend’s event by position!

Quarterbacks

Cole Payton from North Dakota State made the most of his combine. The big lefty put on a show and is now firmly in line for the QB3 spot. Not only did he run a 4.56 40-yard dash, but he posted a 1.57 10-yard split, a 40” vertical jump, a 10’ 10” broad jump, and looked great in throwing drills. These quarterbacks are working with receivers who are not used to Payton or lefties. His out-route throws and his deep ball passing were some of his best throws on the weekend.

Arkansas’ Taylen Green is dead set on playing quarterback at the next level although being an athletic specimen he could play multiple positions. Green has a lifetime completion percentage under 60% and had 22 turnover-worthy plays this past season. Regardless where pros utilize him, he had one of the best combines ever with a 4.36 40-yard dash, a 1.55 10-yard split, a jaw-dropping 43.5” vertical jump, and an 11’2” broad jump. This could be another Terrelle Pryor or Michael Robinson situation where he switches to receiver or another position.

Wide Receivers

Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson left NFL scouts with a thought. A smaller player at 5’9”, but when you leave the combine as the fastest player in the 40-yard dash, you’re going to get more attention. He’ll be fairly polarizing, as some wonder whether his skill set can translate. If he is drafted with a creative enough offensive coordinator, simply finding ways to get the ball in his hands could lead to plays.

Jeff Caldwell from Cincinnati has everything. If you want a receiver with height, weight, and speed then look no further than Caldwell. Listed at 6’5” and nearly 220 pounds, he ran a blazing 4.31 40-yard dash and led all receivers in the 10-yard split. It seemed like he might not get drafted at all, but following his NFL Combine performance he has Round 3 potential.

The disappointment came from Washington’s Denzel Boston. The big-bodied wide receiver didn’t run a 40-yard dash, but he did participate in some drills. His performance wasn’t one for the ages, as he had a 35” vertical (which was middle-of-the-pack) and wasn’t fast during the gauntlet. He also dropped a ball. Players such as Omar Cooper Jr. from Indiana, who had a great combine, might now go before him in the draft. 

Tight Ends

Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq is already viewed as the TE1 in the draft. He cemented that further with a 4.39 40-yard dash and had the second-best vertical jump at 43.5”. He also led all tight ends in the 10-yard split at 1.54 seconds. Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers will climb up some draft boards after this combine. Clocking a 4.51 40-yard dash, he was incredibly explosive with a 45.5” vertical jump and an 11’3” broad jump to possibly find his name not far off from Sadiq’s.

Offensive Line

Iowa‘s Gennings Dunker is being viewed as a potential guard despite arms measuring in at 33.5″. If teams play him at guard, he’ll be plug-and-play ready but could play tackle if asked. The Seattle Seahawks at the end of the first round is a great landing destination for him.

Spencer Fano from Utah is viewed as one of, if not the top, offensive tackle prospect. His arm length came in at 32 ⅛” which is a concern at the tackle position, however. Fano answered questions about his arm length by saying he’d be willing to play anywhere. His arm length is even shorter than that of New England Patriots’ Will Campbell which will be curious to see if it hurts his draft stock, as the only real downfall. 

Defensive Line

At defensive end, it’s all about David Bailey, as there is strong conviction in him being the No. 2 overall pick during the 2026 NFL Draft. This tweet encapsulates his performance the best as he was faster than cornerback Antonio Cromartie, quicker than wide receiver Davante Adams, jumped higher than wide receiver A.J. Green, more explosive than running back Adrian Peterson and was heavier than fellow pass rusher Von Miller. Keep an eye on the Texas Tech product following a wonderful NFL combine.

2026 NFL Draft No. 2 Overall Pick Odds

Secondary

At defensive back, D’Angelo Ponds from Indiana and Chris Johnson from San Diego State were big standouts. Johnson was a big question mark due to his speed, especially his recovery speed. After running a 4.4 flat 40-yard dash, that may help answer some questions. He’s also 6-foot tall, so assuming his interviews went well, Johnson may find himself in the back-end of the first round if things fall right. 

National champion winner Ponds may only be 5’9”, but after jumping 43.5” (and going undefeated to win a National Championsip), the height isn’t as much of a concern now. The issue with being shorter is, of course, contested catches. Ponds’ vertical will help him compete, as it has his collegiate career, while there are corners who may be 6’4” but a vertical nearly 10 inches shorter. His height won’t matter.

At safety, Dillon Thieneman might not make it past No. 18 in the 2026 NFL Draft with the Minnesota Vikings pick. Listed at 6-foot and 200 pounds, Thieneman ran a 4.35 40-yard dash and was explosive with a 41” vertical and a 10’ 5” broad jump. What an insane performance by the former Purdue Boilermaker and Oregon Duck, who might shoot up the draft board now.